If you're wondering how to wash a dog crate pad without leaving it lumpy or misshapen, start with the care label. Remove loose hair, wash only the parts the maker says are washable, and dry them all the way through before putting the pad back. A stitched fleece pad may go in the machine whole. A pad with a zippered cover may have a foam insert that needs to stay out of the washer.
That difference matters more than the size of the pad or how dirty it looks. Here's how to tell what you have, pick the right settings, and check that the pad is ready for your dog's next nap.
How to Wash a Dog Crate Pad Without Damaging It
- Find the care instructions. Check the sewn-in label, the product page, or the instructions that came with the pad. If it has a removable cover, look for separate instructions for the cover and the insert. A washable cover doesn't make the entire pad machine washable.
- Remove hair and loose dirt. Shake the pad outside or use a lint brush. Get into the corners and along the seams, where fur tends to collect. If there's an accident, blot up what you can before washing rather than spreading the wet spot across the fabric.
- Look for tears before you wash. Check the stitching, zipper, and underside. If filling is coming out or the backing is peeling away, take the pad out of use. Washing won't repair the damage, and a dog who pulls at loose material can make a small tear bigger.
- Follow the label for the wash cycle. Use laundry detergent and the temperature and cycle the maker specifies. Give a large pad room to move. If it has to be folded tightly or wedged into the drum, check the washer's capacity guidance instead of forcing it into a load.
- Dry it as directed, then check the middle. Thick seams and corners can stay damp after the surface feels dry. Press on those areas and check underneath. If the pad has a separate insert, wait until both pieces are fully dry before putting the cover back on.
While the pad is out, check the crate tray. Wipe away grime according to the crate maker's instructions and dry the tray before putting the bedding back. A clean pad won't stay clean for long on a dirty tray. If you're setting the crate up again from scratch, see our guide on what to put in a dog crate.
Which parts of your crate pad can go in the washer?
If you want to know how to clean a dog crate mat, look at how it's made. Two pads can look alike from the top, but one may have sewn-in filling while the other has a removable foam core or a backing that requires different care.
| What you have | What to wash | What to double-check |
|---|---|---|
| One-piece fleece pad with stitched filling | Wash the whole pad if the label allows it. | Use the maker's temperature and cycle. Check that the pad fits the drum without packing it in. |
| Removable fabric cover over a foam dog bed insert | Wash the cover as directed. Clean the insert separately. | Look for separate foam instructions before wetting it. Some makers specify spot cleaning or hand washing. |
| Mat with a coated or non-slip backing | Check the instructions for the entire mat, including the underside. | Don't assume a machine wash or dryer is safe just because the top is fabric. |
| Pad with no label or identifiable maker | Start with dry hair removal and check what the pad is made of before washing. | If you can't confirm the care method, avoid soaking it, putting it through a machine cycle, or applying high heat. |
What settings work for a washable fleece crate pad?
For the custom-fit fleece dog crate pad sold by Pet Supply Shoppe, the maker specifies a cool delicate machine wash, no bleach, and low heat in the dryer. It's a one-piece pad with two layers of poly fill. The stitching helps keep the fill distributed during washing, so there's no separate cover or insert to remove. Use your own pad's instructions if you have a different model.
How do you clean the foam under a removable cover?
Take off the cover so you can see whether dirt or moisture reached the insert. The two parts can have different care instructions. For example, Ruggable’s pet bed care guide allows machine washing the outer cover but calls for wiping the foam cushion with a damp cloth. Check your model before you clean the insert, and give it enough time to dry before you zip the cover back on. If the cover looks clean but the insert still smells, another cover wash won't address what's underneath.
How often should you wash dog bedding?
The CDC recommends cleaning pet beds and blankets weekly. Take care of visible messes sooner. If your dog comes in muddy or has a crate accident, pull the bedding out that day and check the tray and any layers underneath.
Routine laundering and disinfecting are different jobs. A cool delicate wash can be right for ordinary dirt on a pad that calls for it, but that doesn't establish that the pad is disinfected. If your dog is sick and you have specific cleanup instructions from your veterinarian, follow those and check whether the pad can tolerate the recommended method. Don't apply bleach or run a hotter cycle against the care label just to get through the laundry.
What if the pad still smells or doesn't lie flat?
- It smells after the wash. Check whether the pad is still damp inside or whether the smell is coming from the tray or insert. If it's fully dry and still soiled, repeat the approved cleaning method rather than switching to stronger products or more heat by default.
- It bunches at one end. Lay the dry pad flat and look for a turned corner, shifted filling, or a seam that has opened. Make sure it sits flat in the tray and clears the crate door. If the pad can no longer lie flat or you see exposed filling, take it out of the crate.
- It isn't dry by bedtime. Leave it out to finish drying. If you use a spare, choose one that fits and is suitable for your dog's chewing habits. Our dog crate sizing guide can help if you're checking the setup or replacing a pad that never fit the tray well.
If you're comparing crate accessories, think about your laundry routine before you buy a replacement. A pad you can wash whole saves you the step of removing a cover, while a removable cover lets you wash the outside without cleaning the insert every time. Check both the crate fit and the care directions before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash a dog crate pad with my regular laundry?
The CDC says pet items can go in the washer with clothes. For a bulky or heavily soiled pad, a separate load can make it easier to give it room and use the cycle its label calls for.
Can I tumble dry a dog crate pad?
Yes, if the maker allows it, and only at the temperature the label specifies. For the stitched fleece pad linked above, the specified dryer setting is low; a removable cover and foam core may have separate directions.
What detergent should I use for dog crate bedding?
Use laundry detergent according to the bedding and detergent instructions. The CDC notes that a detergent without dyes or fragrance may be a better choice if your pet has sensitive skin.
