How To Keep Your Bedding Clean When You Have Pets

woman and dog on bed in bedroom

If you enjoy sharing your bed with your furry friends at home, you know what a challenge it can be to keep your bedding clean. Dogs and cats can leave behind fur and pet dander that may cause allergies, carry bacteria and germs, or change the texture of ultra-soft duvets and sheets with high thread counts.

Even if you don’t allow your pets in the bed, they shed fur every day, and that can find its way into your bedding and upholstery. What’s worse—when you let the fur accumulate, you’re letting bacteria and odor-causing substances linger in your home.

 Luckily, it’s an easy fix if you stay consistent and follow the right care instructions for your bedding. Here are some tips on how to keep pet hair off bed sheets and how to clean duvet covers the right way when you have pets.

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1. Put a Blanket or Quilt Over Your Bed

When your pet’s hair is becoming a problem in your bed, consider spreading a fleece blanket or embroidered quilt over your bedding. These will provide an extra layer of protection, as most of your pet’s fur will collect on them and not all over your luxurious comforter or duvet cover.

Blankets and quilts can add a pop of color and personality to your bedding, and they are much easier to clean compared to comforters and duvet covers. If your pet loves to nap on your bed during the day, keep this top layer to protect the rest of the bedding underneath.

You can also opt for one in a dark shade so fur won’t be spotted so easily!

2. Select the Right Fabric and Thread Count

Some fabrics and bedding materials work better for pets than others. While some types of fabric will attract hair and dust, others seem like dog hair-proof sheets. So, what’s the best duvet cover for dog hair? The best pet hair-resistant bedding has a high thread count for durability and machine wash care instructions to make cleaning easy and convenient.

For example, cotton sateen bedding generally works better for pet co-sleepers than jersey or nylon materials, which attract hair and fur that can be difficult to clean off. Pet hair clings to wool, so it’s best to avoid it as well. Cheap fabric will not last long after deep washes, either.

3. Keep Spare Sheets Handy

Another good idea to keep your bedding clean is to always keep a few extra sets of sheets on hand. You can use them when your current set is in the wash or if soiling accidents require a quick change of sheets.

Make sure all of your bedding options are comfortable and cozy, so you and your pet can always get a good night’s sleep! It will also make it easier to swap out sets if your sheets are of similar quality. You may be more reluctant to change and wash sheets if the replacements are not as comfy – allowing more pet fur and bacteria to build up.

4. Properly wash your bedding regularly

If you don’t want to replace your current bedding with fabric that will attract less hair, you may need to step up your cleaning schedule to keep your bed odor-free and spotless. Here’s how to wash your bedding the right way if you have pets:

  1. First, separate the cover from your duvet insert or any other items that cannot be cleaned in the washing machine.
  2. To optimize your wash and remove lingering odors and fur, toss your bedding into the dryer first and run it on an air or no-heat cycle. The tumbling action loosens the hair, which is then sucked into the dryer’s lint filter.
  3. Clean the clogged lint trap immediately and remove everything that’s collected from your bedding. This will prevent any contaminants from being redeposited onto the other things you wash. Clearing the lint trap will also increase air circulation and prevent odor buildup.
  4. Then, wash fur-covered bedding on its own – don’t mix it in with other upholstery or clothing to avoid cross-contamination.
  5. Follow care instructions carefully when washing your duvet cover to keep it in good shape.

5. Vacuum Your Bedding

    You can vacuum your bedding in between washes to keep it clean. Use the brush attachment and run the vacuum cleaner over your linens. Empty the vacuum bag or dust cup after each session to ensure maximum suction.

    After a thorough vacuum, try using a clean, damp sponge to wipe your bedding and remove any remaining pet hair before making your bed.

    6. Use a lint roller or brush

    Another way to keep your bedding clean between washes is to use a sticky lint roller or clothing brush to remove loose hairs and fur. You can use an anti-static spray to loosen any lingering hair before utilizing your lint roller or brush to clean it thoroughly.

    If you don’t have a lint roller or clothes brush, wrap packing tape around your hand with its sticky side facing outwards. Pat the tape all over your bedding to remove stray hairs. You can also use a microfiber cloth or a cellulose sponge to pick up excess fur on your bedding.Use Rubber Kitchen Gloves

    Another handy tip for getting rid of pet hair is to use rubber dishwashing gloves. Follow

    7. Use Rubber Kitchen Gloves

    Another handy tip for getting rid of pet hair is to use rubber dishwashing gloves. Follow these steps for cleaner sheets:

    • Put the rubber gloves on your hands and carefully wipe the surface of your bedding.
    • As you rub the gloves across the fabric, you will create static which can pick up stray hairs.
    • You can also lightly dampen the gloves with water before running them over your linens. This may attract more hair than dry gloves. 
    • Once the gloves are covered in fur, rinse them off, and repeat.

    Try this trick every few days to keep your bedding cleaner for longer, reducing the need to wash them as frequently. Washing your duvet cover and sheets too often may lead to the fabric wearing down quickly.

    8. Bathe and Brush Your Pet Frequently

    You shouldn’t just focus on your bedding – you need to clean your pet, too! Based on your vet’s recommendations for your pet’s breed, give your furry friends a bath regularly to remove the dirt that accumulates on its body each day. Frequent baths actively remove dead skin and hair, which will reduce shedding and keep your pet’s coat clean and healthy.

    If you can, groom your pet multiple times a week to encourage shedding. This way, you can remove loose hair in a controlled manner instead of waiting for the fur to come off on your bed.

    Pets like dogs need frequent brushing to reduce the build-up of hair.

    Pets can cause wear and tear on your sheets. Bedding from Southshore Fine Linens is durable and made to last! Check out our best sellers.

    9. Get a Pet Bed

    While sharing your bed with your pet has its benefits, it also means dealing with excess fur and lingering odors. Giving your pet their own bed and training them to sleep there can help you reduce the amount of time they spend on yours. This will significantly reduce the amount of hair, fur, and dirt on your bedding, so you can easily keep it cleaner and odor-free for longer.

    10. Use Patterned or Printed Bedding

    This is not a cleaning tip but more of a camouflaging tip. If you aren’t allergic to pet hair, or you don’t mind pet hair on your bed as long as it’s not too visible, you can opt for patterned and printed:

    These lovely patterns will add a bit of color to your room, and more importantly, they will help hide any pet hair on your bed.

    11. Try Obedience Training

    Even if you don’t mind your pet jumping on your bed, it’s best to instill a bit of discipline, so you remain in control. Train your pet to wait for an invitation before they jump on your bed or to only get on the bed when you’re at home. This way, you can make the bed a special treat for your pet and limit shedding.

    Stick to a simple command, like “up” or “down,” and use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. Also, consider working with professional trainers if you’re having trouble on your own.

    12. Close Your Bedroom Door

    When you don’t want your pet to sleep with you, or you want to keep them out of your bedroom when you step outside, get in the habit of closing your bedroom door. This is an easy way to keep your pet out of your bed and prevent you from worrying about pet dander lingering on your linens.

    The Best Bedding for Pet Owners

    white cooling blanket on bed and white pillows

    Sharing your bed with your pet is a great bonding experience, and it can lead to evenings full of comfort and affection. However, the fur, dander, and odors your pet leaves behind can make it less than ideal. Our list of tips should help you keep your blankets, comforters, pillowcases, and duvet covers clean, safe, and odor-free.

    If you’re looking for pet-friendly bedding, Southshore Fine Linens offers a wide range of luxury bedding and linen products that will meet all of your needs. Our affordable options are ultra soft, plush, and crafted from durable materials that can last for many years.

    Contact us today and let our team of experts help you choose linens that will suit your preferred bedroom aesthetic.