Your dog has curled up comfortably – and fur, crumbs, and traces of the last walk are collecting on their blanket. Eventually, it's laundry day. But which program is appropriate, and can your favorite blanket go in the dryer afterwards? With a fixed routine, you won't have to figure these questions out from scratch every time: read the care instructions, prepare, wash appropriately, and plan enough time for drying.
First, check the care label. The number in the wash tub icon indicates the maximum permissible washing temperature. Bars indicate that a more gentle treatment is required; a crossed-out wash tub means: do not wash. The overview from GINETEX helps with decoding.
Do not decide based solely on "cotton," "fleece," or "faux fur." The workmanship, finish, and other components also influence the appropriate care. GINETEX explains this under the standardized care labeling of textiles. For a bed with a removable cover, different requirements may apply to the cover and the filling.
A specific example: For the COZY faux fur blanket from our range, LABONI specifies a gentle wash cycle at 30 °C. This information belongs to this specific model and is not a general rule for dog blankets. If your label is missing, search for the instructions for the exact product or ask the manufacturer.
Spread the dry blanket out and examine both sides. Remove loose fur with a tool suitable for the material, such as a soft brush or an appropriate vacuum cleaner attachment. Check the seams as well: you should resolve any open seams or loose filling before washing, rather than putting the damaged blanket directly into the drum.
The washing instructions from Doctor Bark also begin with removing fur and coarse dirt. The other requirements in these instructions apply to the products described there. Therefore, do not apply temperature, spin, or drying settings to a different blanket without checking.
Choose a detergent that matches the material, color, and care instructions. Read the dosage chart on the packaging: the amount of laundry, level of soiling, and local water hardness determine the required amount. The Forum Waschen also lists these three factors. An extra dash "just to be safe" does not replace correct dosing.
A large, padded blanket also needs space. Do not cram it into the machine. Check the permitted load for the selected program in the appliance manual. Doctor Bark explicitly points out for its voluminous sleeping surfaces that water and detergent must circulate sufficiently. If your model is too large for your home machine, check with a suitable dry cleaner or laundromat to see if it can be washed there according to its care instructions.
Plan the drying space before starting the program. A crossed-out dryer symbol excludes tumble drying. Other symbols may specify, for example, drying in the shade or drying flat. GINETEX explains the individual symbols.
Do not put the blanket back until it is completely dry. Feel specifically at thick seams, edges, and padded areas. A dry spare blanket makes this step more relaxed: your dog keeps a cozy spot while the freshly washed blanket can finish drying in peace.
Combine a quick blanket check with something you do anyway – for example, tidying up the dog area. Look for visible dirt, moisture, and damage. A fixed moment for inspection helps you decide when the next wash is necessary, without automatically treating every blanket according to the same calendar.
For choosing the entire sleeping area, you can find further suggestions in our article Dog Beds: Comfort, Health, and Style for Your Four-Legged Friend. Also consider your everyday life: Does the cover fit in your machine, and do you have enough space for drying?
No. The key is the clearance for the specific product. Some blankets can only withstand a lower temperature or require different treatment. A general temperature therefore does not fit all materials and constructions.
This does not follow automatically. Washing and drying have their own separate care symbols. Check the dryer clearance and permitted drying level separately before starting the appliance.
Search for the original care instructions based on brand and model. A photo of the product and an order number can help with inquiries. Do not guess the temperature based solely on how the fabric feels.
Editorial status: October 10, 2026.
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