Best Way to Wash Dog Blankets

You can machine wash most dog blankets every 1–2 weeks using the bulky cycle with warm water and a pet-safe, odor-fighting detergent like ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean to tackle bacteria and wet dog smell. Remove hair first with a lint roller or mesh bag, wash separately or balance with towels, then dry on low heat to protect synthetic fibers. Clean your machine monthly with Affresh to prevent buildup-there’s more to keeping both blanket and washer in top shape.

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Notable Insights

• Check the care label and use a bulky cycle with warm water and high water level for machine washing.
• Remove pet hair with a lint roller, vacuum, or pre-dry in air-fluff mode before washing.
• Wash every 1–2 weeks using pet-safe detergent to reduce bacteria, odors, and allergens.
• Use an extra rinse cycle and fragrance-free detergent for sensitive pets or allergy concerns.
• Dry on low heat, shake before drying, and clean the machine regularly to prevent mold and damage.

Can You Machine Wash Dog Blankets?

While some dog blankets require hand washing, most can go straight into your machine as long as they fit and the care label allows it-especially those made from tough, machine-safe fabrics like polyester or fleece. So, can you machine wash dog blankets? Yes, but always check the care label first. For best results, remove pet hair with a lint roller or zip-up horse blanket bag to avoid clogs. Use the bulky cycle with warm water and a high water level to thoroughly clean your dog blankets. Wash them separately or balance the load with towels, especially in top-loading machines. Always use a pet-safe laundry detergent, like ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters, to protect your pet’s skin. On compatible models like the Maytag MTW7200RF, the Bulky/Sheets cycle delivers extra water and deep rinsing. This method keeps machine wash dog bedding fresh, clean, and safe-making washing dog blankets simple and effective.

Wash Dog Blankets Every 1–2 Weeks for Hygiene

To keep your dog healthy and your home fresh, washing their blankets every 1–2 weeks is a simple but essential habit. You should wash dog blankets regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent buildup of harmful bacteria, dander, and flea infestations. Veterinary experts and the CDC recommend washing dog bedding weekly to reduce zoonotic risks like Salmonella. For dogs that track in mud or shed heavily, regular cleaning every 1–2 weeks controls allergens and stains and odors. Use a pet-safe detergent and warm water cycle for best results.

Remove Hair Before Washing Dog Blankets

Since pet hair can clog your washing machine and reduce cleaning efficiency, it’s smart to remove as much as possible before starting the wash cycle. Start by using a lint roller, masking tape, or rubber gloves to remove excess dog hair from the blanket’s surface. For deeper cleaning, vacuum the blanket outdoors to pull out embedded pet hair and debris from crevices. Then, pre-dry the blanket in your dryer’s air-only cycle for 10–15 minutes to loosen stubborn hair. Place the blanket in a mesh laundry bag or a durable zip-up horse blanket wash bag to contain loose hair during washing. If you own a Maytag Pet Pro washer, you’ll benefit from its built-in Pet Pro Filter, which captures hair during the cycle-cutting down on pre-wash effort and keeping your machine clean.

Use Odor-Fighting, Pet-Safe Detergent

A great wash starts with the right detergent, and when it comes to dog blankets, you’ll want one that tackles odor without irritating your pet’s skin. Use an odor-fighting, pet-safe detergent like ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst to help remove stubborn wet DOG smell, sweat, and muddy paw stains from bedding. Its OxiClean formula breaks down tough messes, while the freshness system keeps laundry smelling clean. For heavy soiling, pre-treat stains and let sit 5–10 minutes before the WASH cycle. Use a full cap for best results. To avoid skin irritation, switch to a fragrance-free option like Unscented Dettol Laundry when washing sensitive Pet bedding. This pet-safe detergent disinfects both the blanket and washing machine. Always include an extra rinse to remove residue, helping reduce allergens and support your dog’s skin health.

Wash on Bulky Cycle With Hot Water

Even if you’ve pre-treated stains and used a pet-safe detergent, skipping the right wash cycle can leave your dog’s blanket dingy and smelly. When you wash dog beds or other bulky dog bedding, always use the bulky cycle-it adds more water and guarantees even agitation, especially in top-loaders, to remove as much grime as possible. Check the care tag first, then set the water to the highest safe temperature, ideally 140°F, so hot water can kill germs, bacteria, and parasites hiding in pet beds. This cycle also helps flush out trapped pet hair and deeply embedded odors. For washing the dog’s blankets and bedding, models like the Maytag Pet Pro boost water levels and include deep rinse phases, making them ideal for thick or soiled loads. The extra water during the bulky cycle improves cleaning power, so your pet’s bedding comes out truly fresh.

Dry on Low Heat to Prevent Damage

While high heat might seem like a quick fix for speeding up drying, it’s a risk you don’t want to take with your dog’s blanket-low heat is the safer, smarter choice to protect both fabric and function. You should dry on low heat to prevent damage, especially to synthetic fillings like polyester, which can melt or clump under high temperatures. This gentle dryer setting also helps prevent fabric shrinkage and preserves waterproof linings that keep dog blankets functional. Always check the care label; if it says tumble dry low, follow it to avoid voiding warranties. Low heat maintains softness and structural integrity wash after wash. For best results, give the blanket a good shake before drying to remove excess moisture and cut drying time. Stick to low heat-it’s the proven way to keep dog blankets in top shape, wash after wash.

Keep Your Machine Clean When Washing Dog Blankets

Because dog blankets carry more than just fur, keeping your washing machine in top condition matters just as much as cleaning the blanket itself. Before you wash the blankets, remove excess hair with a lint roller or quick dryer air cycle to protect the Lint Trap and prevent clogs. Use a zip-up horse blanket wash bag during the cycle to contain loose hair and keep your machine clean. Set the water level to high and add unscented Dettol Laundry for a deep clean that disinfects both the dog’s blankets and drum. Include an extra rinse cycle to flush out residue. Monthly, run an empty cycle with Affresh to eliminate buildup, odors, and trapped pet hair. After each wash, clean the Lint Trap and wipe the rubber seal to stop mold and mildew. These steps guarantee efficient performance and extend your machine’s life.

On a final note

Wash dog blankets every 1–2 weeks using hot water and a bulky cycle to kill bacteria and remove odors, always pairing a pet-safe, odor-fighting detergent like Tide Free & Gentle or Puracy. Remove excess hair with a lint roller first, then dry on low heat to prevent fabric damage. Cleaning blankets regularly supports hygiene and reduces allergens, keeping your dog healthier. Testers report fewer skin issues and fresher-smelling homes when following this simple, effective routine.