# How to Wash Pet Blankets & Beds at a Laundromat

> Blankets, removable bed covers, toys: the laundromat's 18 kg machines and 60 C cycle are ideal for pet textiles. Full step-by-step guide.

**Published :** 2026-03-23

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**Résumé :** **In short:** the laundromat is the ideal solution for washing
pet blankets and beds -- 18 kg machines, a 60 C cycle to kill fleas and dust
mites, and a commercial tumble dryer for thorough drying. Vacuum the hair
BEFORE washing, use fragrance-free detergent, never mix with human laundry,
and wash at least every 2 weeks.

## At a Glance

- **Vacuum hair BEFORE washing** -- the single most important step for a clean result.
- **60 C to kill fleas, dust mites and larvae** -- check the care label first.
- **Do NOT mix with human laundry** -- wash pet items separately.
- **Thorough drying is mandatory** -- parasites and mould thrive in damp conditions.

## Why the Laundromat Is the Best Option for Pet Laundry

Pet textiles present three challenges that a home washing machine handles poorly:

### Volume

A large dog blanket, an XL removable pet bed, a sofa throw covered in hair -- these items are often too bulky for a domestic 7-8 kg machine. Forcing them into a small drum means inadequate tumbling and a rinse cycle that cannot flush out the hair properly.

At a laundromat, **18 kg machines** easily accommodate these large items with enough space for an effective wash. It is the same reason you would wash duvets at a laundromat -- the available volume changes everything. See our article on [washing duvets](/en/blog/wash-duvet-guide/index.md) for the same principles applied to bedding.

### Temperature

Your home machine on an eco cycle may not actually reach 60 C for long enough. Yet 60 C is the temperature needed to kill **adult fleas, larvae, eggs and dust mites**. Commercial machines at a laundromat reliably reach the displayed temperature on the standard cycle. See our [washing temperature guide](/en/blog/washing-temperatures/index.md) to understand the difference between eco and standard cycles.

### Spin and Drying

Pet blankets are thick and retain a lot of water. Insufficient spin followed by incomplete drying creates the perfect conditions for mould and odours. The **commercial tumble dryer** at a laundromat solves this in 30-40 minutes -- impossible to replicate with an airer or a small domestic dryer.

> A small cotton cat blanket washes perfectly well in a home machine at 60 C.
> The laundromat becomes truly essential when the volume increases: large
> blankets, bed covers, thick throws. The smart approach is to match the machine
> capacity to the size of the item, not to take everything to the laundromat by
> default.

## The Critical Step: Vacuum the Hair BEFORE Washing

**This is the most important rule in the entire article.** Never put a hair-covered textile straight into a machine -- not at home, not at a laundromat.

### Why It Is Essential

Once wet, pet hair:

- **Clumps together** in packets that stick to fibres instead of coming loose.
- **Clogs the drain filter** of the machine, reducing rinse quality.
- **Redeposits** on the fabric during the cycle, partially undoing the wash.
- **Wears on the machine** over time by building up in the plumbing.

### How to Vacuum Effectively

1. **Lay out** the blanket or bed cover flat on the floor.
2. **Vacuum** both sides, focusing on the sleeping zones (where the animal lies most).
3. **Follow up** with a damp rubber glove or brush to pick up embedded hair that the vacuum missed.
4. If the item is heavily loaded, a **10-minute run in the tumble dryer on a cool setting** (no wash) before the real cycle shakes hair loose effectively -- this is the dry-wash-dry method described in our [guide to removing pet hair from laundry](/en/blog/remove-pet-hair-laundry/index.md).

> **Warning:**
> - **NEVER skip the vacuuming step** -- it is the difference between a clean result and a textile still covered in hair when it comes out.
> - **Do not use a lint roller on large blankets** -- it is too slow and uses too many sheets. A vacuum cleaner is far more efficient on large surfaces.
> - **Check pockets and folds** -- forgotten kibble, chew bones and toys caught in the creases can jam the machine.

## The 60 C Wash: Killing Fleas, Dust Mites and Bacteria

### Why 60 C Is the Right Temperature

Pet textiles harbour a varied microscopic population:

- **Fleas**: adults, larvae and eggs survive at 40 C but are destroyed at 60 C.
- **Dust mites**: both household dust mites and animal-specific mites do not survive 60 C.
- **Bacteria**: Staphylococcus, E. coli and other bacteria accumulated through contact with skin, saliva and the animal's secretions are eliminated at this temperature.
- **Parasite larvae**: certain intestinal parasites disperse microscopic eggs that contaminate textiles. Washing at 60 C destroys them.

For textiles that cannot withstand 60 C, see our guide on [washing at 60 C](/en/blog/washing-60-degrees-guide/index.md) for alternatives. For severe flea infestations, our article on [bed bugs and laundry](/en/blog/bed-bugs-laundry-guide/index.md) applies the same heat protocol with additional precautions.

### The Right Cycle at the Laundromat

At the laundromat, select the **standard cotton cycle at 60 C** (not the eco cycle). The standard cycle maintains the temperature throughout the wash phase, which guarantees parasite elimination. The eco cycle may not reach the displayed temperature for long enough.

### Which Detergent to Use

Regular detergent is fine. However, two specific recommendations for pet laundry:

- **Choose a fragrance-free** or hypoallergenic detergent. Animals have more sensitive skin than ours -- synthetic fragrances can cause itching, redness or skin irritation, especially in breeds with sensitive skin (French bulldog, Shar-Pei, Sphynx cat).
- **Do not add fabric softener.** It leaves a film on fibres that reduces the fabric's absorbency and can irritate the animal's skin. If the textile feels stiff after drying, half a glass of white vinegar in the softener compartment is a natural, animal-safe alternative.

## Item-by-Item Practical Guide

### Sleeping Blanket (Cotton, Polyester, Fleece)

- **Pre-vacuum** — Vacuum both sides, then use a damp rubber glove for embedded hair. Fleece blankets are particularly good at trapping hair.
- **18 kg Machine at the Laundromat** — For medium to large blankets. The 11 kg machine is sufficient for small cat blankets. The drum should be no more than two-thirds full.
- **60 C Standard Cycle** — Cotton and polyester handle 60 C. Fleece generally tolerates only 40 C -- check the care label. If 60 C is not possible, add sodium percarbonate to the wash.
- **Thorough Drying** — The commercial tumble dryer is ideal. Fleece blankets dry quickly. Thick cotton blankets need a longer cycle -- check the centre before folding.

### Removable Pet Bed

Most modern dog and cat beds have a removable, washable cover. This is the most hygienic approach.

1. **Remove the cover** and turn it inside out to expose the inner surface.
2. **Vacuum** the foam or padding underneath (if it is not washable, shake it outdoors and let it air in the sun).
3. **Wash the cover** at 60 C in the machine, just like a blanket.
4. **Dry completely** before reassembling the bed.

If the bed does not have a removable cover and the entire unit is machine-washable, use an **18 kg machine** at the laundromat for enough space.

### Fabric Collar and Harness

Fabric collars and harnesses (nylon, polyester) accumulate sweat, sebum, hair and dirt. They wash easily:

- **By hand**: soak for 30 minutes in a basin of hot water with a dose of detergent, scrub, rinse and dry completely.
- **In a machine**: place them in a **mesh laundry bag** to protect buckles and clips. Wash at 40-60 C depending on the material. Air dry (metal parts can rust in the tumble dryer).

### Fabric Toys

Plush and fabric toys accumulate saliva, oral bacteria and sometimes treat residue. Wash them regularly:

- **Check the care label**: most fabric toys are machine-washable at 40-60 C.
- **Place them in a [mesh laundry bag](https://amzn.to/4auKQMq)** to prevent seams from splitting in the drum.
- **Remove squeakers and detachable parts** if possible before washing.
- **Dry completely** -- a toy that is still damp inside develops mould rapidly.

For plush-type toys, see our [guide to washing stuffed animals](/en/blog/wash-stuffed-animal-guide/index.md) for detailed precautions.

### Feeding Mats and Fabric Bowls

Snuffle mats and fabric bowls wash at 60 C in the machine. Remove food residue and rinse with water before washing. Thorough drying is especially important here, as damp food residue breeds bacteria.

## The Separation Rule

**Never mix your pet's laundry with your personal laundry.**

This rule is sometimes questioned -- after all, a 60 C wash kills parasites and bacteria regardless of what is in the drum. But there are practical reasons to maintain the separation:

- **Hair**: even after vacuuming, some hair remains. If you mix a dog blanket with your shirts, the hair migrates.
- **Parasites**: in the event of undetected fleas, separation limits the risk of cross-contamination.
- **Odour**: pet laundry has a distinct smell that can transfer to clothing.
- **Consideration for others**: at a laundromat, it is also a matter of courtesy towards the next user.

## Drying: The Step Everyone Skimps On

**A poorly dried pet textile is worse than a dirty one.** Residual moisture creates perfect conditions for:

- **Dust mite proliferation** (they need moisture to survive).
- **Mould growth** within the thickness of the fabric.
- **Musty odours** that settle into the fibres.
- **Parasite survival** among any that withstood the wash.

### The Commercial Tumble Dryer: The Solution

At a laundromat, the commercial tumble dryer dries a large dog blanket in **30 to 40 minutes**. The heat of the cycle adds an anti-parasitic effect on top of the wash. The lint filter captures residual hair.

**Check the centre of the blanket** before removing it from the dryer. That is the thickest area and the last to dry. If it still feels damp to the touch, run another 10-15-minute cycle.

### If You Air Dry

Spread the item flat or hang it on a line with good air circulation. Outdoor drying in the sun is a good option -- UV light has a mild antimicrobial effect. But do not bring the textile back in until it is **completely dry** through its entire thickness. See our article on [outdoor drying](/en/blog/dry-laundry-clothesline-outdoor/index.md) for best practices.

## Recommended Washing Frequency

| Item | Minimum Frequency | If Outdoor Pet or Shedding Season |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping blanket | Every 2 weeks | Every week |
| Bed cover | Every 2 weeks | Every week |
| Sofa throw (dedicated to pet) | Every week | Twice a week |
| Fabric toys | 1-2 times a month | Every week |
| Fabric collar/harness | Once a month | Every 2 weeks |
| Snuffle mat | After every use | After every use |

> Set a fixed day of the week or month for washing your pet's items. Sunday
> morning at the laundromat, for example: you handle all blankets, covers and
> toys in a single session using the large-capacity machines. It is more
> efficient than washing them piecemeal at home.

## Mistakes to Avoid

> **Warning:**
> - **Putting a hair-covered blanket straight in the machine** -- vacuuming first is mandatory, not optional.
> - **Washing at 40 C thinking it is enough** -- fleas and their eggs survive at 40 C. You need 60 C.
> - **Using fabric softener** -- it irritates pet skin and reduces fabric absorbency.
> - **Mixing pet and human laundry** -- hair, odours and parasites transfer between items.
> - **Putting a still-damp blanket back in the bed** -- that is the fastest way to develop mould and bad odours.
> - **Waiting more than a month between washes** -- parasites and bacteria accumulate quickly.

## Where This Article Ends

This article covers **pet textiles**. For dealing with pet hair on human clothing, see our article on removing pet hair from laundry. For severe flea infestations, our guide on bed bugs and laundry at a laundromat details a reinforced heat protocol. If your problem is more about machine size, see our first time at a laundromat guide for choosing the right capacity.

## Methodology and Sources

- ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), *Recommendations for parasite control in companion animals*, 2024, accessed 20 March 2026
- Companion Animal Parasite Council, *Flea control recommendations*, 2025, accessed 20 March 2026
- PetMD, *How to wash dog beds and blankets*, accessed 20 March 2026

## Sources and References

- [ESCCAP - Parasite control recommendations](https://www.esccap.org/)
- [Removing pet hair from laundry](/en/blog/remove-pet-hair-laundry/index.md)
- [Bed bugs and laundry at a laundromat](/en/blog/bed-bugs-laundry-guide/index.md)
- [Washing a duvet](/en/blog/wash-duvet-guide/index.md)
- [Washing temperature guide](/en/blog/washing-temperatures/index.md)
- [Washing at 60 C: which clothes](/en/blog/washing-60-degrees-guide/index.md)
- [Washing stuffed animals](/en/blog/wash-stuffed-animal-guide/index.md)
- [First time at a laundromat](/en/blog/first-time-laundromat/index.md)
- [Tumble dryer guide](/en/blog/tumble-dryer-guide/index.md)
- [Outdoor drying](/en/blog/dry-laundry-clothesline-outdoor/index.md)

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