How to Wash Vet Bedding (Without Wrecking It): A NZ Guide
Vet bedding is built to be washed often — but a few common mistakes can shorten its life dramatically. Here's the right way, every time.
The quick version
Answer firstWash vet bedding at 40°C (Upto 90°C for greenback) on a regular cycle with non-biological detergent. Never use fabric softener (ruins the wicking). For heavy soiling, cold-rinse first, then wash hot. Tumble dry on low or line dry — vet bedding dries quickly. Done right, real UK vet bedding survives hundreds of wash cycles.
Step-by-step
- Shake off loose fur outside. Saves your washing machine's filter and reduces lint on other loads.
- Pre-rinse if heavily soiled. Cold water only — hot water sets urine and protein stains. A 10-minute cold cycle is enough.
- Wash at 0-40°C. 0-40°C for normal use; 60°C for puppy bedding, recovery situations (greenback or non back), or anything visibly stained.
- Use non-biological detergent only. Bio detergent enzymes can leave residue that irritates sensitive skin. No fabric softener — it coats the fibres and ruins the wicking.
- For stubborn stains, use oxygen-based stain remover. Never bleach — it damages the pile and discolours fast.
- Tumble dry on low or line dry. Vet bedding dries quickly. High heat can damage the rubber backing over time.
- Shake before storing. Restores the pile loft so the bedding feels new again.
The mistakes that wreck vet bedding
| Mistake | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fabric softener | Coats fibres, ruins wicking permanently |
| Bleach | Discolours and degrades the pile |
| Washing with towels | Lint transfer; bedding picks up cotton fibres |
| Hot first rinse on heavy soiling | Sets urine and protein stains permanently |
| High-heat tumble drying | Damages rubber backing over time |
| Skipping the pre-shake | Blocks washing machine filter with hair |
How often to wash
- Normal household use: weekly
- Puppy in crate / whelping: every 1–3 days minimum
- Post-surgery recovery: daily if needed
- Senior dog with incontinence: every 2–3 days, with waterproof liner
- Show ring use: spot-clean between days if needed, full wash after show
Tip from the team We keep two - three pieces of vet bedding per dog so one is always ready when the other's in the wash. With weekly washing and proper care, both should last 3+ years.
Time to replace?
If your vet bedding is past its best, browse our range — UK-sourced, multiple sizes and colours.
Shop Vet BeddingFrequently asked questions
Can I wash vet bedding with regular laundry?
It's safer to wash bedding bu itself, not with clothes or towels. Lint transfer can be significant. If you must mix loads, pair vet bedding with synthetic items (not cotton).
What if my dog peed on the bedding overnight?
Cold-rinse first to flush the urine before any hot wash. Hot water sets urine stains permanently. After the cold rinse, wash at 30-40°C with oxygen stain remover for any lingering smell.
My vet bedding has stopped wicking. Can I fix it?
If fabric softener was used previously, the coating may be permanent. Try several warm washes with no detergent (just warm water) to strip residue — sometimes this restores wicking. If not, replacement is the only fix.
Is line-drying or tumble-drying better?
Line-drying is gentler on the rubber backing and works well in NZ — vet bedding dries quickly outside. Tumble-drying on low is fine and may fluff the pile slightly more.
Can I iron vet bedding flat?
No — never iron vet bedding. The heat will damage both the synthetic pile and the rubber backing. The pile naturally flattens slightly with use; it's normal.