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We love our fur besties. The muddy paws, mystery stains, slobbery toys, and unmistakable “I found something outside” smell? Maybe a little less.
Pet beds, blankets, towels, and toys collect fur, dirt, body oils, saliva, and all sorts of other things we would rather not think about. Over time, those residues can create lingering odours that an ordinary wash may not completely remove.
Thankfully, a few simple cleaning habits and the right enzyme-powered products can keep your pet’s favourite things looking and smelling fresh.
Here’s how to clean pet beds, blankets, toys, and other washable pet items without replacing everything your furry roommate touches.
Why Do Pet Items Smell So Quickly?
Pet odour is not always caused by one obvious accident. Everyday residues from fur, skin, paws, saliva, food, and outdoor adventures can gradually build up on fabrics.
Covering those smells with fragrance may make things seem fresher temporarily, but it does not address what is causing the odour. That’s where enzymes come in.
Enzymes help break down protein, starch, and fat-based residues so they can be washed or wiped away more effectively. Instead of simply covering up the smell, enzyme-based cleaners help tackle its source.
Before You Start Cleaning
Always check the care label before washing a pet bed, blanket, towel, or toy. Some items can go directly into the washing machine, while others may need to be spot-cleaned or washed by hand.
Before washing:
- Remove as much loose fur as possible.
- Shake washable items outside.
- Vacuum pet beds and fabric furniture.
- Remove any detachable covers.
- Check toys for batteries, damaged seams, or loose pieces.
- Treat visible stains before placing items in the wash.
Taking a few minutes to remove fur and treat stains first helps your laundry detergent reach the fabric more effectively.
How to Clean Pet Beds
Pet beds can hold onto a truly impressive amount of fur and odour. Start by vacuuming the entire bed, paying extra attention to seams and creases.
If the bed has a removable, machine-washable cover, take it off and follow the care instructions. Treat visible stains before washing (try the WOW Stick or our specifically formulated Pet Stain Remover), then launder the cover using Paw Powder or Laundry Soda with POW Powder.
Created specifically for pet laundry, PAW Powder is a mainly enzyme-powered detergent that helps tackle tough stains, body oils, saliva, and lingering dog and cat odours. Its concentrated formula rinses clean without leaving unwanted residue and is specially formulated to be pet safe.
POW Powder is also a suitable option- it combines Nellie’s Laundry Soda and Oxygen Brightener formulas with an added enzyme for extra cleaning power. It is a helpful choice for pet bedding affected by stubborn stains or lingering smells.
Use one tablespoon for a regular-sized load and avoid overcrowding the washing machine. Pet bedding needs enough room to move so water and detergent can circulate properly.
Allow the bed and cover to dry completely before returning them to your pet. Damp filling can trap odours, and your dog has already contributed enough of those.
The Best Way to Wash Pet Blankets and Towels
Pet blankets, crate liners, and towels are generally easy to clean, but they should be washed regularly to prevent dirt and body oils from building up. No worries, we forget sometimes too!
Shake off loose fur, pretreat visible stains, and wash the items according to their care labels. For heavily used or particularly smelly fabrics, use enzyme-powered POW Powder to help tackle stubborn residues and odours.
Dry everything completely before folding or putting it back in your pet’s bed or crate.
Don’t forget about the towel you use after baths and rainy walks. Nellie’s DBL DRY Dog Towel is an extra-large, reusable microfibre towel that absorbs up to seven times its weight in water. Its unique weave helps dry your dog quickly without constant wringing.
It is machine washable, so add it to your regular pet-laundry routine after it has handled one too many damp doggos.
How to Clean Soft Pet Toys
If your pet carries the same stuffed toy everywhere, that toy has seen things.
Check the label to confirm that it is machine washable. Inspect it for tears, loose stuffing, batteries, or damaged squeakers before cleaning. Small toys can be placed inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to help protect them during the cycle.
Wash them with other pet items using the gentlest cycle recommended on the label. Use an appropriate amount of detergent and let each toy dry completely before returning it.
For toys that cannot be machine washed, spot-clean the fabric and allow it to air-dry thoroughly.
And yes, your pet will stare at the washing machine until their favourite toy comes back. This is normal.
How to Treat Pet Stains and Accidents
Accidents happen—usually five minutes after you finish cleaning.
Remove any solids and blot up excess moisture without rubbing it farther into the fabric. Shake Pet Stain and Odour Remover, spray the area generously, scrub with a cloth or brush, and wipe clean. Let it sit longer on tougher stains.
Its enzyme-based formula tackles stains and odours on fabrics and carpets, while leaving behind a fresh lemongrass scent. Always check the surface-care instructions and test a hidden area first.
It may not teach your pet to clean up after themselves, but we’re working on it.
Freshen Your Dog Between Baths
Sometimes, the pet bed isn’t the only source of the smell.
Fresh Dog is a no-rinse, enzyme-powered dog shampoo, not just a scented spray. Its enzyme blend helps remove protein, starch, and fat residues from fur and skin, while its Oatmeal Mango fragrance leaves your pup smelling fresh.
Spray it onto the coat, work it through with a damp cloth, let it dry, and brush as usual. Spray onto the cloth first when cleaning around the face.
Finish with the DBL DRY Dog Towel. Less wet dog, more fresh dog.
How Often Should You Clean Pet Items?
Your routine will depend on your pet, but a few simple habits help keep odours under control:
- Vacuum pet beds weekly.
- Wash blankets and covers regularly.
- Clean toys when they look dirty or smell.
- Launder pet towels once soiled.
- Treat accidents promptly.
- Use Fresh Dog between baths.
A Fresher Routine for Pets and Their People
Treat accidents with Pet Stain and Odour Remover, wash pet items with enzyme-powered PAW Powder, refresh your pup with Fresh Dog, and keep the DBL DRY Dog Towel ready for baths and rainy-day emergencies.
Or get the complete routine with the Fresh Pet Bundle.
Fresh beds, clean toys, dry paws, and a better-smelling best friend. Now, if only we could stop them from rolling in whatever that was...