Select a bulky wash cycle using the hottest water temperature permitted by the instructions on the blanket's care label. Before transferring blankets into the dryer, inspect them for any lingering stains. If stains are found, repeat pretreatment and run the blankets through another wash cycle.
Unlike humans, dogs cannot tolerate hot water, nor do they enjoy cold water, despite the enthusiasm they may show for a dip in the river. The best temperature for your dog's bath is lukewarm, substantially colder than your bath water, but not cold.
Remove the cover for easier cleaning. Use a dab of an enzyme-based, unscented, and dye-free laundry detergent to pretreat each stained area. Work the detergent into the stains with a soft-bristled nylon brush. Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before washing the entire dog bed.
Generally, warm or cold water is best for most bedding. Detergent: Use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the fabrics. If everything is compatible, washing them together can save time and energy. Just be mindful of the above points!
Hot water activates detergent so it's more effective and acts more quickly than cold water. Hot water sets protein stains as it 'cooks' them into the fabric. Blood would be a no-no, but I think urine/ poo should be fine.
One question we're often asked is: should I run a hot or a cold dog bath? Well, the answer is neither. Lukewarm water is actually the best way to wash a dog. Avoid running baths that are too hot or too cold, as both can cause your pooch great distress.
Nature's Miracle® Laundry Boost In-Wash Stain and Odor Remover is formulated with bio-enzymatic technology which helps break down and destroy tough pet stains and odors, such as urine, feces, vomit, blood, grass and drool.
To clean a washable faux fur blanket, place your blanket in the washer and run a cold, delicate cycle with your usual detergent. If your washer doesn't have a gentle option, use the lowest spin setting. Avoid chlorine bleach, and skip any fabric softeners. Air-dry the blanket on a rack or clothesline.
Hot water can damage the fibers and cause the blanket to shrink. Use Fabric Softener: Snuggle® fabric softeners are designed to coat fibers in the fabric, leaving blankets softer.
Hot: Heavily stained or soiled items are successfully disinfected and cleaned at hot temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Warm: Warm settings generally fall between 90 degrees and 110 degrees Fahrenheit and work well when dealing with lightly stained fabrics.
Wash the dog bedding in your washing machine as directed by the label, using the highest recommended temperature setting or at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a gentle, pet-safe detergent, wash your dog's bed cover in the washing machine using the warmest water temperature allowed per the care tag. Be sure to choose a cycle that aligns with the instructions on the care tag or consider choosing a cycle based on the soil level of the dog bed cover.
Sometimes your only choice might be water from a hose that runs a bit cooler. In those cases, you want to make sure it's hot outside so your dog doesn't get chilled. She'll find the cooler water refreshing on a warmer day. But ideally, use lukewarm water and avoid cold water altogether.
There really aren't many differences in how professional groomers bathe dogs and how most of us do it at home. The big thing to keep in mind is that they use professional grade products, are very thorough and clean everywhere including ears, teeth, privates, and anywhere else that tend to cause odors.
Select the wash cycle and water temperature indicated on the fabric's care label. Blankets made of fleece, wool, sherpa, knit, crochet or faux fur typically need to be washed in a gentle cycle using cold water.
Cold-water washing means clothing is less likely to shrink or fade and ruin clothes. Cold water can also reduce wrinkles, which saves energy costs (and time) associated with ironing.
Sun and Fresh Air
Hang your blanket outside on a sunny, breezy day. The sun's UV rays help kill bacteria, and the fresh air carries away lingering odors. Make sure the blanket is spread out well to maximize exposure.
Before washing your blankets, make sure to remove as much hair as possible. Then, add 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of white vinegar to your washing machine and set it to a rinse cycle. Toss one or two dryer sheets into the dryer, the anti-static powers of the dryer sheets will repel the hair and trap it in your dryer's lint trap.
In a small tub of warm water, pour a little bit of conditioner (natural works best, but any type is supposed to work) and dip your fur trim in there. Gently massage the condition through the fibers. Once you're done, pull the whole thing out and let it air dry. It should be back to normal.
Ideally, bring all fur to a furrier who knows how to properly clean a fur blanket. For stains or spot treatments, use a soft sponge or cloth and wipe carefully using a small amount of gentle Eucalan or animal shampoo. Hang fur items in a cool, dry place to air out the damp spot. Never machine wash.
Vinegar has a strong, pungent smell that most dogs dislike. This makes it a great way to deter them from peeing indoors. To make a simple deterrent, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then apply it to carpets, floors, furniture, or spots where accidents have occurred.
Laundry Detergent and Vinegar
Another method to remove pet urine from soiled laundry is to begin with a cold-water rinse under a faucet, aiming the water directly at the stain. Then wash the item on the hottest recommended washing machine setting, using detergent along with one cup of white distilled vinegar.
Washing machine: If the bedding will fit in the wash, save yourself the headache of cleaning it by hand, and toss it into a machine instead. Laundry detergent: Pets are sensitive to smells, so opt for Tide Ultra Stain Release Free, which is fragrance-free without compromising on cleaning power.