How to Clean Cedar Dog Beds

Cedar dog beds are effective for controlling odors and may even help to control fleas. They are also one of the less expensive styles of dog beds. The main drawback with cedar beds is that they are not designed for easy cleaning, and after a while the cedar shavings inside lose their scent and compress so the bed is not as comfortable. Some cedar beds have a removable outer cover for washing. Those are a bit more expensive and harder to find, but you can easily clean a cedar dog bed that was not made for easy cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • Large bag cedar shavings
  • Dust mask
  • Latex or vinyl gloves
  • Seam ripper
  • Waterproof pillow case, large sheet of plastic, or plastic garbage bags
  • Nontoxic permanent glue for plastics (optional for very large dogs)
  • Hook-and-loop closure strips
  • Velcro Fabric Fusion Heat-Activated Adhesive or similar product
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Fabric (optional)
  • Nontoxic washable fabric glue (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      The seam ripper is third from the top on the right side.

      Open one end or one side of the bed cover withe the seam ripper to if the bed wasn't made with a removable cover. Scissors or a razor blade will work to open the seam but sometimes damage the fabric. Seam rippers are inexpensive and easily open the seam without damaging the fabric. If there is an inner cover, open the side of that cover, too.

    • 2

      Pour the old cedar shavings carefully into a large trash bag for disposal.

    • 3
      Handle cedar shavings carefully; use mask and gloves.

      Fill the waterproof pillow case with the new cedar shavings until the thickness is appropriate for the size of your dog. The pillow case can be standard or king size, depending on the size of your dog. If your dog is too big for any pillow case, use plastic sheeting by gluing the sides and one end together, then pouring in the cedar.

    • 4

      Wash the cover in the machine with your usual detergent and warm water. Dry in the dryer on low to medium heat.

    • 5
      This is a hook-and-loop fastener strip.

      Attach a strip of hook-and-loop fasteners to one side of the open end of the cover using the fabric fusion heat-activated adhesive. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Attach the opposing strip of hook-and-loop to the opposite side of the cover's open end in the same way.

    • 6

      Put the cover on the bed and press the hook-and-loop strips together. Now your dog's cedar bed will be easy to clean in the future.