How to Clean a Big Barker Dog Bed
A Big Barker bed is a layered product, not one washable cushion. Its removable fabric cover can be machine-washed on a cold gentle cycle with mild detergent and dried on low or hung to dry, while the orthopedic foam should not go in a washing machine. An optional waterproof liner creates another removable barrier and should be treated separately according to its label. The safest routine removes hair and treats a small stain before it penetrates, rather than saturating the foam and hoping it dries. This guide preserves the shape of the multi-layer foam, keeps bleach and harsh cleaner out of the pet's sleeping area, and avoids reinstalling a cover that is still hot, damp or shrunken.
Published · Updated
Primary reference: Big Barker official care FAQ. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Cover wash
- Cold gentle cycle with mild detergent and no bleach.
- Cover dry
- Tumble low or hang dry; avoid high heat.
- Foam
- Never machine-wash or saturate the orthopedic foam.
- Liner
- Remove and clean separately according to its own care label.
- Ready when
- All layers are cool, dry and aligned without sharply folding the foam.
What you will need
- Big Barker care label and exact bed instructions
- Vacuum upholstery tool or lint roller
- Mild laundry detergent without bleach
- Soft white cloths and cool water
- Large-capacity washer on a gentle setting
- Low-heat dryer or sturdy air-drying rack
- Optional pet-safe enzymatic spot treatment tested first
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Inspect the cover, liner and foam
Move the bed to a clean dry area and examine both sides for tears, loose zipper stitching and wet spots. Identify whether an optional waterproof liner surrounds the foam. A damaged cover or liner should be repaired or replaced before laundering worsens it. If urine or another liquid has reached deep into the foam, note the affected location and plan for slow surface treatment rather than machine washing.
Step 2: Remove dry hair and debris
Vacuum the top, sides, seams and bolster transitions with an upholstery tool, or use a lint roller. Remove as much hair as possible before the cover enters a washer, since matted hair can remain in the fabric and burden the machine filter. Open the zipper only after loose grit is gone so debris does not fall between the liner and foam.
Step 3: Unzip the fabric cover without pulling the foam
Open the cover fully and peel fabric back gradually, supporting the foam with a flat hand. Do not yank a corner or fold the foam sharply to force it through the opening. If the bed has a waterproof liner, leave it around the foam until the outer cover is off, then remove it separately only if its construction and label allow.
Step 4: Pretreat isolated stains conservatively
Blot fresh moisture with a white cloth; do not rub it farther across the weave. Test any pet-safe treatment on a hidden cover area and rinse or blot according to its label. Avoid bleach, harsh cleaner and heavy fragrance. Big Barker specifies mild detergent for routine washing, which reduces residue and protects color and fibers better than aggressive stain chemistry.
Step 5: Machine-wash the removable cover
Close or secure the zipper so it does not snag, then wash the cover by itself or with compatible items on a cold gentle cycle using a modest amount of mild detergent. Big Barker says not to use bleach or harsh detergents. A large bed cover needs room to move; if it is packed tightly into a small washer, use a suitable large-capacity machine rather than compressing it.
Step 6: Clean the liner or exposed foam separately
Follow the optional liner's sewn label, which may call for wiping or a separate gentle wash. Do not put the orthopedic foam in a washer. For a small spot on exposed foam, blot with a barely damp cloth and minimal pet-safe solution, then lift residue with another damp cloth. Never soak the slab or apply steam; trapped moisture can persist deep inside.
Step 7: Dry on low or hang until completely dry
Big Barker permits tumble drying the cover on low heat or hanging it to dry. High heat can shrink fabric or stress the zipper. Spread a liner flat or dry it as its label directs. Stand lightly treated foam in a ventilated indoor area and allow it to dry all the way through; direct intense heat can damage the foam and still leave its center damp.
Step 8: Reassemble without folding the foam sharply
Confirm that the cover, liner and foam are cool, odor-free and completely dry. Refit the liner smoothly, then work the cover over the foam a little at a time, aligning corners and bolster sections before closing the zipper. Do not sit on the bed to compress it into place. Vacuuming between washes and cleaning accidents promptly will reduce the need for frequent full laundering.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.