You’re coming back from a walk. It has been raining, so your dog’s paws are wet, there is still a little sand in their coat, and the moment they step through the door, they have only one thing in mind — getting to their favourite bed as quickly as possible. A few seconds later, they settle down comfortably, bringing some of what they picked up on the walk straight onto the bed with them.
This is a completely normal part of life with a dog. A dog bed is used every day, often for many hours. Hair, dust, grains of sand and moisture collect on it, which is why being able to keep it clean easily should be one of the more important criteria when choosing one — particularly if your dog sheds heavily, regularly explores the outdoors or simply loves jumping straight into their bed after coming home.
An easy-care dog bed does not have to mean compromising on comfort, aesthetics or functionality. You simply need to pay attention to a few elements of its construction before buying, which can save you a great deal of time later on.
What will you learn from this article? From this guide, you will learn:
- which features make a dog bed easy to keep clean,
- why a removable cover is so important,
- whether it is enough for a manufacturer to simply say that a bed is ‘washable’,
- why being able to separate the cover from the filling matters,
- when it is worth looking for a waterproof mattress protector,
- whether the shape of a dog bed affects how easy it is to clean,
- which dogs particularly benefit from a hygienic sleeping area,
- why the option to purchase an additional cover can be more practical than it may initially seem.
Which dog bed is easiest to keep clean?
The simplest answer is: a dog bed that can easily be taken apart into separate components, has a removable and washable cover, and whose filling is well protected against dirt and moisture.
It is therefore not just about the type of fabric. Even a very practical material will not solve the problem if a large dog bed cannot be taken apart and you either have to try to squeeze the whole thing into the washing machine or rely entirely on surface cleaning.
From our experience of designing and making dog beds, we know that the construction of the product has a major influence on how convenient it is to use later on. A zip, removable inserts, separate components and a replaceable cover may seem like small details at the time of purchase. Their importance usually becomes clear after the first truly muddy walk.
1. A removable cover should be one of your first selection criteria
If keeping your dog’s bed clean easily is important to you, start with the cover. Being able to remove the outer layer without washing the entire bed makes everyday care significantly easier.
It is worth checking not only whether the manufacturer states that the bed has a ‘removable cover’, but also which parts can actually be taken apart. A classic dog bed includes both the surface your dog lies on and the sides they may rest their head or back against. A well-designed system should allow easy access to the parts that need regular cleaning.
The covers on Bowl&Bone Republic dog beds can be removed, while integrated zips allow them to be separated from the inserts. There is also the option to purchase an additional cover [3]. The current English dog-bed category confirms removable covers and the option of ordering replacement covers.
This has another advantage too. You do not have to wait until the freshly washed cover is completely dry before preparing your dog’s resting place again.
2. Check not only whether the cover can be washed, but also how it should be washed
The phrase ‘removable cover’ is a good starting point, but when buying it is worth going one step further and reading the care instructions. Check whether the cover can be machine washed, which temperature is recommended and how it should be dried. This means you already know before buying whether the care routine will fit into your everyday life.
For its dog-bed collection, Bowl&Bone Republic states that removable covers can be hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle at temperatures of up to 30°C. The manufacturer also recommends avoiding bleach, chlorine-containing products and dry cleaning, as well as drying the cover flat [3]. This is exactly why the simple statement ‘the dog bed is washable’ does not tell you enough. Before buying, it is useful to know exactly what can be washed and under which conditions.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for instructions on the actual process of cleaning your dog’s belongings, you can also read our earlier guide ‘How to wash and clean your dog’s accessories properly’ [5]. This is a separate topic — here, we are focusing primarily on how to choose a bed that will not make everyday care unnecessarily difficult. The English version of this earlier guide is available on bowlandbone.com.
3. The easier it is to separate the cover from the filling, the simpler everyday care becomes
Imagine a large dog bed in size L or XL filled with soft down. Trying to wash the entire product at once would quickly demonstrate why being able to separate it into individual parts matters so much.
A far more practical construction is one in which the outer material can be separated from the inserts. The cover can then go into the wash, while the elements responsible for the bed’s shape and comfort do not have to undergo the same process every time. It is also worth paying attention to the zips. They should make it relatively easy to remove the filling while being positioned so that they do not disturb your dog while resting.
In an older Bowl&Bone Republic guide to caring for dog accessories, we already highlighted the advantages of a construction that allows the outer part of the bed to be separated from the filling [5]. Today’s bed collection continues to use removable covers and zips that allow the inserts to be taken out.
4. With a mattress, also pay attention to what lies underneath the decorative cover
The outer cover is the first line of protection, but with some dogs it is worth thinking about protecting the mattress itself as well.
This is particularly important for puppies, senior dogs, during recovery and in situations involving urinary incontinence. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) notes that, in cases of incontinence, an additional absorbent layer can help protect a dog’s bedding from becoming wet [2].
In such cases, it is worth looking for a construction where not only can the outer layer be washed, but the mattress itself also has its own protection. In Bowl&Bone Republic orthopaedic dog beds, the mattress is protected by a waterproof inner layer, while the outer cover can be removed [4]. The English orthopaedic dog-bed category is active on bowlandbone.com.
This is particularly practical because moisture that penetrates deep into foam is much harder to remove than dirt that remains on the cover alone. This does not, of course, mean that every dog needs an orthopaedic bed simply because it is easier to clean. However, if you are already considering an orthopaedic dog bed, the way its mattress is protected is certainly worth including in your comparison.
5. Material matters, but do not judge it by colour alone
It is easy to assume that a dark dog bed will simply be the most practical. Some marks may indeed be less noticeable on graphite or brown fabric than on cream, but less visible does not mean cleaner. Being able to regularly remove and wash the cover according to the care instructions is far more important. Colour should therefore be both an aesthetic and practical choice, but it cannot replace functional construction.
Before buying, also consider the texture of the fabric. If your dog sheds heavily, think about how easy it will be to remove hair from the surface on a daily basis. If they return from every walk with a little bit of the forest still on their paws, being able to quickly shake off sand and small pieces of debris becomes particularly useful.
There is no single fabric that is perfect for every dog. The guardian of a small, short-haired dog who mainly walks on city pavements may have very different needs from a family with an active, long-haired dog who regularly comes home from the beach, forest or a wet meadow.
6. An additional cover can change the way you use the dog bed
At first, the option of purchasing a second cover may seem like an optional extra. From the point of view of keeping the bed clean, however, it is very practical. The routine is simple: remove the dirty cover, put on the spare one, and your dog can continue using their usual resting place. There is no need to improvise with a blanket or wait until the first cover has dried.
Bowl&Bone Republic offers the option of purchasing additional covers for dog beds as well as cushions. This is also confirmed on the English product and category pages. (Bowland Bone)
A second benefit is the possibility of extending the useful life of the entire product. If, after a long period of intensive use, the outer part no longer looks as good as it once did, this does not necessarily mean that the whole bed has to be replaced.
And you can change the colour at the same time. The same insert can be given a completely different finish when your interior changes or when you simply feel like something new.
7. Is a cushion or mattress easier to clean than a classic dog bed?
A simpler shape may mean fewer individual components and corners, but this does not automatically mean that a cushion will always be easier to care for than a bed with sides. Once again, construction is what matters most.
A dog cushion bed has a large, flat surface without side walls, making it a very convenient option for some guardians. Bowl&Bone Republic cushions also have removable covers which, according to the manufacturer’s information, can be washed by hand or in a washing machine on a delicate cycle at temperatures of up to 30°C [7]. The current English cushion category confirms removable, washable covers.
A classic dog bed, on the other hand, gives your dog soft sides to lean against. If both the central section and the sides have removable covers, having more components does not necessarily mean more complicated care.
An orthopaedic dog mattress may appeal to guardians looking for a flat resting surface. With this type of solution, protecting the foam against moisture and being able to wash the outer fabric are particularly important. The English orthopaedic mattress category is available on the Bowl&Bone Republic website.
So instead of asking ‘which type gets dirty the least?’, it is better to ask: which construction will be easiest for me to regularly take apart, refresh and prepare again for my dog?
8. Match ease of cleaning to your individual dog’s everyday life
For a dog who goes out three times a day on city pavements and calmly lets you wipe their paws after every walk, keeping a bed clean easily will mean something slightly different from what it does for a dog who loves every patch of mud they encounter.
With a puppy, it is worth being prepared for small accidents and more frequent washing. With a long-haired dog, regular hair removal will be important. An active dog who spends a lot of time outdoors may bring more moisture, sand and soil into their bed. A senior dog with mobility difficulties may need a construction that is both easy to clean and easy to get into.
Health-related situations require particular attention. In cases of urinary incontinence, the PDSA recommends adding protection to the surface with an absorbent towel or pad [2]. Certain parasites or infections may also require special cleaning measures for the dog’s surroundings and bedding that go beyond normal care. The PDSA recommends such measures in cases including fleas and ringworm [6]. In these situations, follow your veterinary surgeon’s recommendations even if they differ from the bed’s normal care routine.
How often should you clean a dog bed?
There is no single frequency that is ideal for every home and every dog. Much depends on shedding, the weather, coat length, the number of pets, the way the bed is used and any health issues.
As a general guideline for reducing the build-up of hair, the PDSA recommends washing a dog’s bedding once a week [1]. This does not mean, however, that every cover on every particular dog bed should automatically go into the washing machine every seven days. Always take the manufacturer’s care instructions and the actual level of dirt into account.
There is also plenty you can do between washes: remove hair, shake out the cushion, vacuum the surface and deal with localised dirt quickly. This means that proper washing becomes part of regular care rather than an emergency operation when the bed no longer looks presentable.
Does an easy-to-clean dog bed have to be less soft and comfortable?
No. Ease of care depends primarily on the way the product has been designed, not on sacrificing soft filling. A good example is separating a fluffy insert from the outer cover. Your dog can still enjoy a soft resting place, while the guardian does not have to wash the entire product every time.
The same principle applies to an orthopaedic mattress. The foam can provide a stable resting surface, a waterproof protector can safeguard its interior, while a removable cover makes ordinary care of the outer layer possible. Current Bowl&Bone Republic orthopaedic dog beds use removable covers and waterproof mattress protection.
A well-designed dog bed should therefore combine both needs: your dog’s comfort and the convenience of the person who will be caring for the bed over the months and years ahead.
Which dog bed should you choose if your dog gets their bed particularly dirty?
If you already know that your dog uses their bed very intensively, I would pay particular attention to four things: a fully removable cover, the possibility of machine washing it, easy access to the inserts and the option to purchase a second cover.
If there is an increased risk of the mattress becoming wet, a waterproof protector will be an additional advantage. This does not apply only to dogs with health problems. A puppy may still have occasional accidents, while a dog returning from a rainy walk can bring a surprising amount of moisture into their resting place.
It is also worth thinking about where the bed is positioned. Even the easiest dog bed to wash will require more work if it stands exactly where your dog runs immediately after coming in from a wet garden. Sometimes a mat by the entrance and a few seconds spent wiping paws can do more to keep a dog bed clean than choosing a particular fabric colour.
What should you check before buying? A quick checklist
Before making your decision, check whether the cover can be completely removed, whether the manufacturer allows machine washing and whether specific temperature recommendations are provided. Also check whether the filling can easily be separated from the outer material and whether the zips are positioned in a way that is convenient for the guardian and comfortable for the dog.
If you are choosing an orthopaedic dog mattress or orthopaedic dog bed, also check whether the foam itself has its own protective layer. Think about whether you can purchase a spare cover too — particularly if your dog uses their bed intensively every day.
Only then should you choose the colour. Because the most practical dog bed is not the one on which dirt is least visible. It is the one from which dirt is easiest to remove.
A clean dog bed starts with well-thought-out construction
When choosing a bed, we naturally look at its appearance. We wonder whether it will suit the living room, which colour will work best with the interior and whether the dog will have enough room. It is worth taking another moment to imagine a less photogenic situation — a rainy November afternoon, wet paws and a dog who has just settled down on their cushion with enormous satisfaction.
At that point, a removable cover, convenient zip and the ability to quickly prepare the bed for washing stop being minor additions to a product description. They become some of the features that genuinely determine the convenience of everyday life with a dog.
At Bowl&Bone Republic, all current dog beds have removable covers, and additional covers can also be ordered for many models. If you want even better protection for the mattress against moisture, you can also explore our orthopaedic dog beds. For dogs who prefer a large, flat resting surface, dog cushion beds are another option.
If you are still deciding which new bed to buy, our guide ‘Buying a dog bed online? 8 things worth checking before you buy’ may also be helpful. In it, we look in more detail at size, construction, materials, filling and other features worth checking before placing an order. The English version was published on 18 August 2026 at this URL.
– the Bowl&Bone Republic team
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the article –
Which dog bed is easiest to keep clean?
Which dog bed is easiest to clean?
The most practical choice is a dog bed with a removable cover that can be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Being able to easily separate the cover from the filling and purchase a spare outer cover are also major advantages.
Should a dog bed have a removable cover?
If keeping the bed clean easily is important to you, it is definitely worth choosing this type of construction. A removable cover allows you to wash the part most exposed to hair, dust and dirt without having to wash the whole bed.
Can a dog bed cover be machine washed?
It depends on the particular product, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Covers on current Bowl&Bone Republic dog beds can be hand washed or machine washed on a delicate cycle at temperatures of up to 30°C [3].
How often should you wash a dog bed?
The frequency depends on the dog and the way the bed is used. The PDSA notes that washing a dog’s bedding weekly can help reduce the build-up of hair [1], but the method and frequency of cleaning a particular product should always be adapted to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can you keep a dog bed clean between washes?
Regularly removing hair, vacuuming or shaking out the cover and dealing quickly with localised dirt all help. It is also worth wiping your dog’s paws after a wet or muddy walk before they settle down in their bed.
Is a dark dog bed easier to keep clean?
Some dirt may be less visible on a dark fabric, but this does not mean the material is cleaner. From a hygiene point of view, a removable cover, the ability to wash it and ease of regular care are far more important.
Is it worth buying a second dog bed cover?
Yes, particularly if your dog uses their bed intensively. A spare cover can be fitted while the first is being washed and dried, meaning your dog still has access to their usual resting place.
Is a dog cushion easier to clean than a classic dog bed?
A cushion has a simpler form and no side walls, but ease of cleaning depends primarily on its construction. Bowl&Bone Republic dog cushions have removable, washable covers [7].
Can an orthopaedic dog bed be easy to keep clean?
Yes. The important thing is for the outer cover to be removable and for the mattress itself to be protected from moisture. Bowl&Bone Republic orthopaedic dog beds have a waterproof protective layer around the mattress [4].
Which dog bed should you choose for a dog who often comes home dirty from walks?
Pay particular attention to a removable cover, machine washability, the ability to take the bed apart easily and the availability of a spare cover. Regularly wiping your dog’s paws before they get into their bed can also make everyday care much easier.
Which dog bed should you choose for a puppy if easy cleaning is important?
A practical choice is a bed that can be taken apart quickly and whose cover is easy to wash. Puppies may have occasional accidents and create more mess, making straightforward care particularly valuable.
Does a dog bed need a waterproof cover?
Not always, but it can be very useful for protecting the mattress, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, dogs with urinary incontinence or whenever there is a greater risk of the bed becoming wet.
This article is intended as general guidance. In cases of skin disease, parasites, infections, urinary incontinence or other health problems, it is worth discussing the cleaning of your dog’s bedding with a veterinary surgeon, as different methods may be required from those used for routine care.
Sources and inspiration used to write the article
Which dog bed is easiest to keep clean?
- People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) – ‘Removing pet hair from around the home’ – guidance on regularly cleaning a dog’s bedding and reducing the build-up of hair.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/removing-pet-hair-from-around-the-home - People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) – ‘Urinary Incontinence in dogs’ – information on protecting a dog’s bedding from moisture in cases of urinary incontinence.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/urinary-incontinence-in-dogs - Bowl&Bone Republic – ‘Dog beds’ – information on removable covers, washing instructions and the option to purchase an additional cover.
https://www.bowlandbone.com/dog-bed/ - Bowl&Bone Republic – ‘Orthopaedic dog beds’ – information on removable covers and waterproof mattress protection.
https://www.bowlandbone.com/orthopedic-dog-bed/ - Bowl&Bone Republic – ‘How to wash and clean your dog’s accessories properly’ – an earlier guide to washing and caring for dog bedding and accessories.
https://www.bowlandbone.com/how-to-wash-and-clean-your-dogs-accessories-properly/ - People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) – materials concerning the hygiene of a dog’s environment and bedding in cases of fleas and ringworm.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/fleas-on-dogs
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/ringworm-in-dogs - Bowl&Bone Republic – ‘Dog cushion beds’ – information on construction, removable covers, washing and additional covers.
https://www.bowlandbone.com/dog-cushion-bed/ - Bowl&Bone Republic – the team’s experience of designing and making dog beds and other resting spaces for dogs.
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