How Often Should I Wash My Puppy Blanket? An Ultimate Guide!

When I adopted my first puppy a few years ago, I was full of questions about his care and hygiene. Among the first items I purchased were a comfortable puppy bed and a cozy blanket for cuddle sessions on the couch. However, I soon noticed they started to develop a distinct smell, leading me to question how often should I wash my puppy’s blanket and in what manner.

Here’s the drill!

Aim to clean your puppy’s blanket at least once a week. However, if your puppy is prone to bringing in dirt from outside or sheds a lot, you might need to wash the blankets more often. Regular washing not only keeps the blankets clean but also ensures a hygienic environment for your puppy.

This guide will show you how to clean your puppy’s blankets using your washing machine effectively.

I’ll also share the routine/steps I’ve developed over the years to keep my puppy’s bedding clean and fresh, ensuring a healthy environment for both my pet and my family.

Also, discover tips for washing other large or smelly puppy items, such as puppy beds.

Keeping Your Puppy’s Blankets Clean: How Often? 

The washing frequency of a puppy bed is influenced by the pet’s lifestyle. Typically, it’s advisable to wash your puppy’s bed weekly, but certain circumstances may require more frequent cleaning.

• For active puppies who enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming, weekly washing is advisable. 
• Consider more frequent laundering during flea and tick seasons, rainy periods, or peak allergy times. 
• For high-shedding periods, twice-weekly washes are not uncommon.
• If anyone in the house, including your puppy, has allergies, increase the washing frequency of the bed. Regular cleaning can significantly reduce allergens like dander and hair.
• Align bed washing with your puppy’s bath schedule. This helps keep both your puppy and their bed free from lingering odors.

Why Is Washing Puppy’s Blanket Important?

As a responsible puppy owner, you already know the importance of regular baths for your furry friend. But have you ever stopped to consider the cleanliness of their blankets? 

Puppies are explorers by nature, often bringing back unwanted guests like lice, ticks, fleas, and various bacteria into their bedding and blankets. These can pose risks to everyone in the household, particularly those who are young, elderly, or have weakened immune systems. 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) recommends regular washing of puppy beds to help prevent flea infestations.

Moreover, With dogs averaging 10.8 hours of sleep per day, according to Sleep.org, a clean bed is vital for their comfort and well-being.

Here’s a picture of my puppy, lounging on his blanket, looking deceptively innocent despite his outdoor adventures.

To combat the spread of these pathogens, it’s vital to practice regular hand washing, avoid sharing sleeping spaces with pets, and diligently wash their blankets and bedding.

Effective Laundry Care for Your Puppy’s Blankets – How To?

Ensuring your puppy’s comfort involves regular cleaning of their blankets, which are often used in kennels, beds, or crates. These blankets can easily be washed in a standard washing machine, but it’s essential to follow a few key steps for optimal results. 

Moreover, For beds with removable covers, washing is straightforward. Larger or plush beds might need a commercial washing machine or professional cleaning. Alternatively, hand washing in a tub or large bin is an option. 

Note:  Always start by checking the blanket’s care label. 

You can even extend these tips to washing items like puppy collars and bedding. Let’s dive in!

Necessary Supplies

• Lint roller
• Dryer sheets
• High-quality laundry detergent
• Effective stain remover
• Soft-bristled brush

Step-by-Step Washing Process

Step 1: Dealing with Pet Hair in the Laundry

Prior to washing, it’s crucial to get rid of as much pet hair as possible. Utilize sticky tape or a lint roller, or rub the blanket with dryer sheets. Alternatively, a quick pre-wash tumble in the dryer can help loosen hair. Remember to clean out the dryer’s lint trap once you’re done.

Skipping this step can lead to hair clogging your washing machine and clinging to other clothes.

Additionally, Incorporate a natural fabric softener like white vinegar into the rinse cycle of your washing machine. This helps relax the fabric fibers, making hair removal easier. 

While a standard washing machine can handle puppy blankets, some models are specifically designed to tackle pet hair more effectively. Features like additional water flow and deep rinse cycles work alongside specialized filters to capture and eliminate more pet hair. 

These washing machines make it easier to clean puppy blankets, clothes, and toys, as well as your own clothes that might be covered in pet hair.

Step 2: Stain Pretreatment: 

Puppy blankets often accumulate various stains, each requiring a specific approach.

For urine stains, first, rinse with cold water, then apply a urine-specific stain remover.

Address feces or vomit by removing any solids, rinsing with cold water, and then using a pet-specific stain remover.

For mud or dirt, gently brush away loose particles, then pretreat the area with laundry detergent, using a soft brush for gentle scrubbing.

To tackle odors, pre-soak the bedding in warm water mixed with ¼ cup of baking soda for at least 15 minutes. This helps neutralize unpleasant smells. 

Pro Tips: 

• In between washes, keep the blanket fresh with a homemade puppy bed deodorizer spray.
• Many puppies, like humans, suffer from allergies and sensitive skin. Regular cleaning of their bedding can help alleviate discomfort. When washing, use a hypoallergenic detergent and add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap residue is removed.

Step 3: Washing and Drying the Blankets: 

Place the blankets in the washing machine, ensuring an even distribution. If washing a single blanket, add towels or similar items for balance. For top-loaders, arrange the blanket around the agitator. 

Select a wash cycle suitable for bulky items using the hottest water setting advised on the care label. Post-wash, check for any remaining stains, and repeat the cleaning process if necessary.

When drying, follow the guidelines on the care label. If the label is missing or unclear, opt for a gentle, low-heat cycle to prevent any damage. It’s also best to dry the blanket naturally in the sun.

Pro Tip: Opt for warm or hot water when washing puppy beds and blankets. Higher temperatures are more effective in killing germs and potential insect infestations.

Regular Maintenance of Puppy Blankets – Bottom Line!

Regular washing is key to maintaining your puppy’s health and comfort. The frequency of washing can depend on factors like your puppy’s shedding and outdoor activity levels. 

Typically, a bi-weekly wash is sufficient, but more frequent laundering might be necessary for active or shedding breeds.

Whether you choose to machine wash or hand clean, using the right supplies and techniques will ensure that your puppy’s blankets remain comfortable and hygienic.

By incorporating these simple yet effective cleaning practices into your routine, you provide a loving and healthy environment for your furry companion to grow and thrive in.

Washing Puppy’s Blanket – FAQs:

Is it Safe to Wash Puppy Blankets in My Washer?

Absolutely! Most household washing machines are suitable for cleaning your puppy’s blankets as long as the fabric and filling are compatible. Always check the care label for specific washing instructions to avoid damaging the blankets.

How do I stop my puppy’s blanket from smelling?

Persistent ‘puppy smell’ is a common issue, even after washing. To combat this, use odor-eliminating treatments, such as a baking soda application, which can be left on the bedding for extended periods. Sometimes, washing the bed twice consecutively can be effective in removing stubborn odors.

Is Hand Washing an Option for Puppy Blankets?

Yes, hand washing is a suitable method for cleaning puppy blankets, especially if they are delicate or do not fit in a washing machine. Use a mild, pet-safe detergent and a small quantity to avoid residue. Rinse the blanket thoroughly to remove all soap, squeeze out excess water, and then dry it. Drying in sunlight can offer additional sanitizing benefits, or you can use a tumble dryer on a high heat setting if the fabric allows.

A clean puppy is a happy puppy, and a clean blanket is their little haven of comfort and security!