Washing dog bedding or basket
Two problems arise when washing dog bedding in a washing machine: pet hair blocking the pump filter, and an unbalanced load that refuses to spin or spins violently. Remove as much hair as possible before loading, and always add extra items (old towels or blankets) alongside the bedding to help the machine balance the load. Check the care label on manufactured dog beds before washing.
Problem 1: Pet Hair and the Pump Filter
Dog bedding and blankets can carry significant quantities of loose hair. When washed, this hair comes free in the water and is caught by the pump filter. Enough hair can block the filter completely, causing the machine to fail to drain and display a drain error.
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Remove as much hair as possible before loading. Shake the bedding vigorously outside to dislodge loose hair. A stiff brush or a rubber-bristled pet hair brush works well on fabric surfaces. Wet rubber gloves are also effective – run a damp gloved hand firmly across the fabric and the hair clumps together and lifts away easily. -
Check and clean the pump filter after washing. Even with pre-removal, some hair will make it through to the filter during the wash. Clean the pump filter after every wash involving pet bedding. See our guide on where to find and how to clean the pump filter.
Problem 2: Unbalanced Load and Spin Failure
A single dog bed or a few blankets is a classic unbalanced load. The items are heavy when wet, absorbent, and tend to clump on one side of the drum. Modern machines detect this and refuse to spin. Older machines without out-of-balance protection may attempt the spin – with potentially violent results.
The solution – add items to balance the load
Always add extra items alongside dog bedding. Old towels, old blankets, or similar absorbent items work well. The more evenly the mass is distributed around the drum, the more likely the machine is to proceed to full spin speed. Start with two or three large towels and add more if the machine still refuses to spin.
If the machine still won’t spin
If spin is refused even with additional items, the load may simply be too heavy or too bulky to balance in that machine’s drum. Accept the outcome and allow the bedding to drip dry, or try a lower spin speed – most machines offer a reduced spin option that requires less precise balance. Do not attempt to override out-of-balance protection.
Out-of-balance protection refusing to spin is not a fault – it is protecting the machine and its surroundings from a violent uncontrolled spin. See our guide on why a washing machine won’t spin single items or small loads for a full explanation of how this works.
Washing Manufactured Soft Dog Beds
Shaped foam or fibre-filled dog beds need extra consideration before going in the machine.
Check the care label first
Many manufactured dog beds have a sewn-in care label specifying whether machine washing is safe, the maximum temperature, and whether spinning is permitted. Some labels say “do not spin” – in this case the bed must be washed on a no-spin programme or the spin disabled, and the bed will need to dry out naturally. Ignoring a no-spin label risks the filling clumping or the cover distorting permanently.
Size and drum capacity
A large dog bed may simply not fit or tumble freely in a standard drum. If it cannot move during the wash it will not be cleaned effectively and the spin will almost certainly fail due to imbalance. A larger-capacity drum – 8kg or above – gives the best chance of successfully washing a medium or large dog bed. Small dog beds in a standard drum are usually manageable.
Monitor the spin stage
Stay close to the machine during the spin stage when washing any bulky single item. If the machine starts to move across the floor or produces unusual banging, pause the cycle immediately. See our guide on washing machine jumping and banging on spin.
Related Guides
Won’t Spin Single Items or Small LoadsWhy modern machines refuse unbalanced loads – and what to add to the drum to help the machine balance.
How to Load a Washing MachineCorrect loading technique to avoid unbalanced spins and get the best wash results.
Washing Machine Pump FilterHow to find and clean the pump filter – essential after washing anything with pet hair.
Machine Jumping and Banging on SpinWhen spin banging is load-related and when it indicates a mechanical fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash dog bedding in a washing machine?
Yes, but with preparation. Remove as much pet hair as possible before loading to avoid blocking the pump filter, and add extra old towels or blankets alongside the bedding to help the machine balance the load for spin. Check the care label on manufactured dog beds for temperature and spin instructions. Clean the pump filter after the wash.
Why won’t my washing machine spin the dog bed?
The machine’s out-of-balance protection has detected that the load is unevenly distributed and is refusing to spin to prevent damage. This is normal behaviour – it is not a fault. Add more items (old towels or blankets) to the drum to help distribute the mass more evenly, or try a lower spin speed. If the machine still refuses, the load may be too bulky or too heavy for that drum size and the bedding will need to drip dry.
Will dog hair block my washing machine?
Pet hair that comes loose during washing is caught by the pump filter. A large amount of hair can block the filter and cause the machine to fail to drain. Always remove as much hair as possible from bedding before loading, and clean the pump filter after every wash involving pet items.
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