How To Wash Pet Bedding – Our Guide
SETTING THE SCENE
Many treat their pets like children. This close bond between humans and their pets dates back to the development of the domestication of animals by humans, roughly between 13,000 to 30,000 years ago.
Research findings suggest that dogs are humans most ancient companions, with Archaeological findings showing that dogs helped our ancestors hunt big, as well as small, animals. Ancient cave drawings demonstrate our ancestors showed great affection and admiration towards dogs and other animals.
As well as there being a body of evidence gathered to show that dogs evolved from being companions to our ancestors who were hunters and gathers, research findings also show that cats evolved from being farmer’s pets, and they also served as useful hunting aids. For example, around 13,000 to 10,000 years ago, the Nafufians are said to have been the first to deem cats as being useful in the control of grain-loving mice.
Nowadays, it’s fair to say that many continue to enjoy the companionship of their pets. Indeed, we are said to be a Nation of animal lovers, with close to 12 million sharing their homes with their pets, these include- dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and more.
Those who own pets often report gaining so much pleasure from them, and most understand that, in turn, they should repay this by ensuring that they look after their furry companions and ensure they are kept safe.
WHY YOU NEED TO CLEAN YOUR PETS BEDDING
We tend to be well-versed in the practice of keeping our own bedding and sleeping areas clean and hygienic. Well, the same is true for why you should keep your pets’ sleeping environment clean and safe. Keeping your pet’s sleeping space clean is an effective safeguard against disease, and will also help to keep parasites at bay.
Your pet’s sleeping environment can collect fur, hair, dander, dirt grime, and much more. Moreover, this area can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, fleas, mites, and other similar unpleasant things. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that your pet’s bedding is washed regularly and kept clean, hygienic, and, therefore, healthy. This will, in turn, keep your pet’s skin healthy, it will minimise allergens, reduce the risk of parasitic infestations, and help to control and keep bacteria, fleas etc. at bay. It’s a win-win situation for both you and your pets!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH AND CHANGE YOUR BEDDING IF YOUR PET SLEEPS WITH YOU?
Allowing your pet to share your bed with you will require you to think about how often you should wash and change your bedding. To avoid a build-up of dander, fur, hair (especially if your pet sheds a lot), and other dirt and grime issues, you’ll need to step up on how often you do this task. We would recommend you launder your sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcases every 3-5 days to prevent build-up and to keep them clean and hygienic. Regarding your duvet itself, we would recommend having this professionally cleaned 3-5 times a year, and replaced yearly. With regards to your mattress, we would recommend you hoover and steam clean this every couple of months. It’s also advisable to use a mattress protector on top of your mattress, which will need to be washed regularly too. Your pillows should be replaced 2-3 times a year to keep them clean and in tip-top condition. Pillowcase protectors are advised as these can be taken off regularly to wash, dry, and iron.
5 STEPS TO CLEANING YOUR PETS BEDDING
i) PRE-CLEAN
To begin this task, it will be important to remove as much pet hair, fur, and overall build-up on your pet’s bedding as possible. We would advise taking the bedding outside to give it a really good shake in an open area. Next, in the interest of good cleaning practice, hoover the bedding further to remove any remaining dust, hair, dander etc. If there remains any stubborn residue try using a roll of masking tape to lift this off, working around the bedding items methodically. After this, take the bedding outside again and give it another good shake to remove any excess debris. Remember that at this stage, the more debris and build-removed the better, as this will minimise the chance of clogging up your washing machine.
ii) REMOVE STAINS/ PRE-TREAT
Your pet’s bedding will undoubtedly have accumulated some stains during use. Any marks and stains can be easily pre-treated by using an enzyme-based unscented, dye-free, laundry detergent. Gently rub the laundry detergent into the stains with a nylon-bristled brush. Leave for approximately 10-15 minutes before proceeding to launder bedding in your washing machine.
iii) SELECT A NON-BIOLOGICAL DETERGENT.
After removing any non-washable padding or stuffing from your pet’s bedding, select the detergent you are going to use. We would highly recommend you use a non-biological laundry detergent for this task, as this will avoid irritating your pet’s skin. If your pet has a known medical/skin condition or complaint always seek medical advice by consulting with a professional vet before undertaking this task to be on the safe side. If you wish to neutralise odours but are confused as to what to use, we would advise to opt for using a cup full of baking soda in your wash. This will be kind to your pet’s skin too! You may be tempted to use a fabric softener during this process as well, however, we would strongly advise against this use as your pet may have allergies.
iv) READ AND FOLLOW CARE LABELS ON PET BEDDING
As with your bedding and clothing, it is equally advisable to check the care labels on your pet’s bedding before you commit it to a machine wash cycle. Whilst it makes sense to use a hot setting where possible, caution also needs to be taken to avoid shrinkage and any other potential damage occurring to your pet’s bedding.
v) DRYING YOUR PET’S BEDDING
When drying pet bedding, it’s best, where possible, to air dry it outside. This will give it a freshness that will make it seem almost new. This drying method, however, isn’t always possible owing to the reliance on the weather. When drying pet bedding indoors, remember to keep it well-ventilated. We would recommend that it be placed over a drying rack or air dryer. This drying method will take up to 24-36 hours to complete, depending on the size of the pet bedding. Finally, to ensure your pet’s bedding is well presented, you could give it a light steam to re-introduce shape back into it, if required.
We hope you find the content of this Blog both useful and helpful when attempting to launder your pet’s bedding. If you’d prefer to hand over this task to a professional Laundry Service, we at Pressed not Stressed will be happy to pick up your Laundry Order from your doorstep and return it to you in pristine condition in a quick turnaround in Chester-le-Street and surrounding areas.
