Cleaning Considerations: Making Washable Pet Bed Covers

Keeping a pet’s sleeping area clean is a constant battle for many owners. Fur, dirt, drool, and the occasional accident can quickly turn a cozy bed into a smelly, unhygienic mess. While spot cleaning helps, nothing beats the deep clean of a machine wash. That’s where washable pet bed covers come in – they are absolute game-changers. Instead of trying to stuff a bulky, awkward pet bed into your washing machine (or giving up entirely), a removable cover makes cleaning simple and effective. Making your own cover not only allows for customization but can also be a cost-effective solution.

Why Bother With a Washable Cover?

The benefits are numerous. Firstly, hygiene is paramount. Regular washing eliminates bacteria, allergens like dust mites, and lingering odors, creating a healthier environment for both your pet and your family. Secondly, it significantly extends the life of the actual pet bed insert. The cover takes the brunt of the daily wear and tear, protecting the inner cushion from stains and damage. When the cover wears out, you simply replace it, not the entire bed. Thirdly, it offers convenience. Tossing a cover in the wash is far easier than attempting to clean a whole bed, especially larger ones. Finally, DIY covers offer customization. You can choose fabrics that match your home decor, select materials best suited to your pet’s needs (like cooling fabrics for hot climates or extra-tough ones for chewers), and ensure a perfect fit for any oddly shaped bed.

Choosing the Right Fabric: The Foundation

The fabric you choose is critical to the success and longevity of your pet bed cover. It needs to withstand claws, chewing (to a degree), dirt, and frequent washing. Here are some factors to consider and popular fabric choices:

• Durability: Look for medium to heavyweight fabrics that won’t easily rip or tear. Think upholstery grade or outdoor fabrics.
• Washability: Ensure the fabric is machine washable and ideally dryer-safe (or air dries quickly). Check the bolt end or product description for washing instructions before buying. Pre-washing your fabric is highly recommended to account for any shrinkage before you cut and sew.
• Comfort: While durability is key, you also want the bed to be inviting for your pet. Consider fabrics that are soft to the touch.
• Pet Safety: Avoid fabrics with loose weaves that claws can easily snag, or materials treated with harsh chemicals. Natural fibers like cotton canvas are often good choices, but synthetics can offer greater durability and stain resistance.
• Shedding Factor: Smooth fabrics like canvas or microfiber tend to let fur sit on the surface, making it easier to wipe or vacuum off between washes, compared to fleece where fur can get embedded.

Popular Fabric Options:

• Cotton Canvas/Duck Cloth: Strong, durable, breathable, and takes washing well. Available in many weights, colours, and prints. Can be a bit stiff initially but softens with washing.
• Denim: Very tough and washes well, developing character over time. Similar to canvas in its properties.
• Fleece: Soft, cozy, and warm. Pets often love it. However, fur can cling to it, and cheaper fleece might pill after washing. Anti-pill fleece is a better option.
• Microfiber/Microsuede: Soft, durable, and often water/stain-resistant. Fur is relatively easy to remove. Can be warm.
• Outdoor Fabrics (e.g., Solution-Dyed Acrylics): Designed to resist moisture, fading, and mildew. Very durable and easy to wipe clean. Can sometimes feel less cozy than indoor fabrics. Ensure they are safe for pets and don’t have overly harsh chemical treatments.
• Corduroy: Durable and soft with texture, but the grooves can trap dirt and fur.

Important Fabric Prep! Always pre-wash and dry your chosen fabric exactly how you intend to launder the finished cover. Fabrics, especially cottons, can shrink significantly on the first wash. Skipping this step could result in a cover that no longer fits the bed insert after its first cleaning cycle.

Planning Your Design and Taking Measurements

Simplicity is often best, especially if you’re new to sewing. The most common and arguably easiest design for a removable cover is the envelope closure. This style avoids zippers or buttons, using overlapping fabric panels on the back to hold the cover securely on the insert, much like a pillow sham.

Accurate measurements are crucial. You’ll need the Length (L), Width (W), and Height/Depth (H) of the pet bed insert you want to cover.

1. Measure the main flat surface for Length and Width.
2. Measure the thickness or Height of the bed.
3. Add seam allowances: For most seams, add about 1/2 inch (or 1.5 cm) to each edge you’ll be sewing. So, for a simple rectangular piece, you’d add 1 inch (2 x 1/2 inch) to the total length and 1 inch to the total width.
4. Factor in the height: For a boxy cushion, you might want to create ‘box corners’ for a snugger fit, or simply make the cover slightly larger overall. For a basic flat cover for a cushion-style bed, adding the height measurement to both the length and width calculations plus seam allowances often works well for a slightly looser, easier-to-manage fit: (L + H + Seam Allowances) x (W + H + Seam Allowances). Test this with a tape measure wrapped around the cushion if unsure.

For an envelope closure, you’ll typically cut three pieces: one large front piece and two back pieces that will overlap.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Before you start cutting, make sure you have everything you need:

• Chosen Fabric: Pre-washed and ironed.
• Pet Bed Insert: To double-check measurements and fit as you go.
• Measuring Tape: Fabric or retractable.
• Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat: Sharp tools make clean cuts.
• Straight Pins: To hold fabric pieces together.
• Fabric Marker or Tailor’s Chalk: For marking cut lines and seam allowances.
• Sewing Machine: While hand-sewing is possible, a machine makes the job much faster and the seams stronger. Use a sturdy needle suitable for your fabric weight (e.g., a denim needle for heavy canvas).
• Matching Thread: Choose a strong, good-quality thread (polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester are good all-purpose choices).
• Iron and Ironing Board: Essential for pressing seams flat and hemming edges neatly.

Sewing an Envelope Closure Cover: Step-by-Step

This guide assumes a basic rectangular or square bed insert and an envelope closure. Adjust measurements based on your specific bed.

1. Calculate and Cut Fabric Pieces:

• Piece 1 (Front):
  • Width = Bed Width (W) + Bed Height (H) + Seam Allowance (e.g., 1 inch total)
  • Length = Bed Length (L) + Bed Height (H) + Seam Allowance (e.g., 1 inch total)
  • Cut 1 piece to these final dimensions.
• Piece 2 (Back Panel 1):
  • Width = Same as Front Piece Width
  • Length = Roughly 2/3 of Front Piece Length + Hem Allowance (e.g., 1 inch)
  • Cut 1 piece.
• Piece 3 (Back Panel 2 – Overlap):
  • Width = Same as Front Piece Width
  • Length = Roughly 1/2 of Front Piece Length + Hem Allowance (e.g., 1 inch)
  • Cut 1 piece.

Example: For a bed insert 30″ L x 20″ W x 4″ H, using 1/2″ seam allowance (1″ total added):

• Front: (20+4+1)” W x (30+4+1)” L = 25″ W x 35″ L
• Back Panel 1: 25″ W x (approx. 2/3 of 35″ + 1″ Hem) = 25″ W x (23″ + 1″) = 25″ W x 24″ L
• Back Panel 2: 25″ W x (approx. 1/2 of 35″ + 1″ Hem) = 25″ W x (17.5″ + 1″) = 25″ W x 18.5″ L (round up to 19″ for ease)

Note: The back panel lengths need to overlap significantly in the middle when laid on the front piece. Ensure (Back Panel 1 Length – Hem) + (Back Panel 2 Length – Hem) is greater than the Front Piece Length by several inches (4-6 inches overlap is good).

2. Hem the Back Panels:

Take one back panel piece. On one of the long edges (the edge that will form the opening), fold the raw edge over by about 1/2 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric and press with the iron. Fold it over again by another 1/2 inch (or slightly more, up to the hem allowance you added), enclosing the raw edge. Press firmly. Sew along the inner folded edge to create a clean, durable hem. Repeat this process for the second back panel piece, ensuring you hem the correct edge that will form the envelope opening.

3. Assemble the Cover:

Lay the Front piece (Piece 1) flat, right side facing up. Take one Hemmed Back Panel (Piece 2) and place it on top of the Front piece, right side facing down (so right sides are together). Align the raw edges of the sides and one end. The hemmed edge should be towards the center of the Front piece. Now take the second Hemmed Back Panel (Piece 3) and place it on top, right side facing down, aligning its raw edges with the sides and the *other* end of the Front piece. The hemmed edge of this second back panel should overlap the hemmed edge of the first back panel in the middle. Ensure the outer raw edges of all three pieces (now layered) are perfectly aligned. Pin securely all around the four outer edges.

4. Sew the Seams:

Using your sewing machine (or needle and thread), sew around all four outer edges using the seam allowance you decided on (e.g., 1/2 inch). Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches. For extra durability, you can sew a second line of stitching just inside the first, or use a serger/overlocker if you have one to finish the raw edges and prevent fraying.

5. Finishing Touches:

Clip the corners diagonally, being careful not to cut through your stitching. This helps create sharper corners when you turn the cover right side out. Turn the entire cover right side out through the envelope opening. Gently push out the corners using a dull pointed object (like a chopstick or a point turner). Press the seams flat with your iron for a professional finish. Insert your pet bed cushion through the envelope opening, ensuring it fits snugly.

Fit Check! Before clipping corners and turning, you might want to quickly turn the cover right side out (before trimming) and test the fit on the insert. This allows you to easily make adjustments to the seams if it’s too loose or too tight. Remember it’s easier to take a seam in than to let it out if you haven’t trimmed the allowance.

Washing and Maintaining Your New Cover

The whole point was washability! To keep the cover fresh and extend its life:

• Frequency: Wash the cover regularly – once a week or every two weeks is ideal, depending on how dirty it gets.
• Pre-Treat Stains: Address any heavy soiling or specific stains with a pet-safe stain remover before washing.
• Shake it Out: Before putting it in the machine, take the cover outside and give it a good shake to remove as much loose fur and debris as possible. You might even vacuum it.
• Washing Machine Settings: Generally, use cold or warm water (hot water can sometimes set stains or cause extra shrinkage/fading). Use a mild, pet-safe detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency and performance of some fabrics.
• Drying: Air drying is the gentlest method and prevents potential heat damage or shrinkage. If using a dryer, tumble dry on low or medium heat. Check the care instructions for your specific fabric. Cleaning the lint trap frequently is essential when drying furry items!

Beyond the Envelope: Other Closure Ideas

While the envelope closure is simple and effective, you might consider other options:

• Zippers: Offer a very secure closure and a neat look. Can be trickier to install, requiring careful alignment and a zipper foot for your sewing machine. Choose sturdy, large-toothed zippers (like upholstery or jacket zippers) that are less likely to get jammed with fur.
• Velcro (Hook and Loop Tape): Relatively easy to sew on. However, fur can get caught in the ‘hook’ side, making it less effective over time and harder to clean. Use wide, heavy-duty Velcro if you choose this route.
• Snaps or Poppers: Can work well, but require precise placement and special tools to install. Might not be strong enough for very large beds or determined pets.

The Satisfaction of DIY

Making your own washable pet bed cover is a practical project that yields tangible benefits. You save money compared to buying multiple pre-made covers, you get to choose exactly the fabric you want, and you can create a perfectly sized cover for any bed, standard or custom. Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in creating something useful and comfortable for your beloved furry companion. It’s a straightforward sewing project suitable even for those with basic skills, offering a great way to practice techniques while solving a common pet-owner problem. So grab some durable fabric, thread your machine, and give your pet the gift of a clean, cozy bed (and yourself the gift of easier cleaning!).