Is there anything more comforting than snuggling with your furry friends for a night of Zzz’s? If you’re someone who enjoys having your pets sleep in the bed with you, then you know how delightful it is to have them there. However, if the thought of all that dander—along with dirt from outside—in your fresh sheets is a bit overwhelming, you may hesitate about curling up with your dog or cat.
Whether you prefer a fuzzy bed buddy or a fur-free bed, there are ways to maintain your sleeping space while still sharing it with an animal (or several). The key is to designate sleeping spots for them, keep spare sheets for their rest, and use pet-friendly laundering and cleaning methods to maintain fresh linens. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to let your pets cuddle up, these tips can make it easier to welcome them.
Designate a spot for your furry friend
When preparing your bed for your pet, decide whether they will have full access to the bed or just a specific area. If you prefer your pet to stay in one spot rather than roam the entire bed, it’s good to train them on this early on. Commands like “place” or “stay” can teach them where their spot is and help keep the rest of your bedding cleaner. Using pet wipes before bed can clean their paws and coats, removing dirt and dust that might transfer onto your linens. While dander and fur will inevitably shed onto your sheets, this approach helps catch more of it and maintain cleanliness. If they remain in their designated spot, a pet hair roller or vacuum can help remove fur more easily.
Give your pets their own blanket
Consider keeping a separate blanket or sheet specifically for your pet. This can be placed at one end of your bed, on one side where they sleep, or even as a cover for your duvet. By maintaining a dedicated sheet for your furry friend, you’re protecting your linens from accumulating as much pet debris. You can remove this sheet during the day and only use it at bedtime, or keep it on permanently if your pet frequently jumps on the bed. Wash it every few days or when you clean your bedding—more frequent washing reduces bacteria buildup. Keep several in rotation for easy swaps to ensure your bedding stays fresh.
Wash your sheets regularly
How often should you wash your sheets if a pet sleeps with you? Regularly cleaning your sheets and duvet helps with allergens and other pet-related issues. If you allow your dog, cat, or any other animal to sleep in the bed with you, you should wash your bedding at least once a week, if not every four days. Use a mild or strong detergent, like OxiClean, that offers odor protection to ensure you’re removing all bacteria, dander, dirt, and pet odors from the bed. Use a warm cycle and fully dry everything before remaking your bed. If your pets like to lay on your pillowcases, consider washing these more frequently than your sheets. Owning two sets of bedding is helpful for having a replacement while one set is being washed.
Don’t skip the mattress protector
Never underestimate the importance of a mattress protector, especially with pets. This base layer, placed on top of your mattress and under your fitted sheet, helps keep moisture and germs off your mattress. Protectors absorb everything from sweat and oils to spills and are particularly useful if your dog or cat has an accident. How often should you wash your mattress protector? This layer needs regular cleaning, so wash it at least every couple of months to remove what it has absorbed. You can find pet-proof versions or opt for a general protector to keep your mattress clean, as mattresses are harder to wash. If anything gets through the cover, spot-treat your mattress.
Keep the top sheet
One more helpful tip—use a flat or top sheet. This sheet acts as a barrier, protecting your duvet or comforter from bacteria, oils, and other particles that may shed in your bed. It is particularly beneficial for those who don’t wash their duvet as often as their base sheets. When sharing your bed with pets, continue using a top sheet for added protection between your fitted sheet. Consider purchasing pet-friendly sheets that repel fur and dander more effectively than regular fabrics. Brands like Furify are great choices, offering peace of mind when inviting your furry friend into your bed. Just remember that these sheets still need to be washed as often as regular sheets.
