You feel the warmth from your pet as you curl up under the covers. It’s an unconditional love, but does it make your bedroom a mess too? Is your sanctuary still a peaceful place, or is it a battleground for dirt and dander with fur flying and paws slipping in from the great outside? Cleaning experts answer the age-old questions: Should you share your bed with your pet, and how can you keep it clean?

Is your mattress a cozy place to co-sleep or a nightmare to clean? Learn how to make your pet-friendly bed a comfortable and clean space for you and your furry companion.

The Great Bedding Debate

Kim Romine, fabric care scientist and expert, assures that co-sleeping is not a dirty deal breaker. You can keep your sleeping space clean with the right cleaning tools and a regular laundry schedule. But, as Dr. Mary Gagliardi of Dr.

Sleeping… with the… pets

If you don’t mind doing a little more laundry, you can invite your pet to sleep in your bed. Be prepared to up your linen washing game. This could mean more frequent washings, additional mattress protectors and high-quality laundry products that fight stains and disinfect.

Laundry to Rescue

Romine recommends detergents that are both powerful and effective in fighting odors. Gagliardi suggests bleach for fabric-friendly materials and hot water to maximize cleaning power. Finish with a fabric rinse that will eliminate residues and odors. Also, use dryer sheets to grab pet hair.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

If your pet is a fast-paced animal, you may need to wash sheets more frequently. Think every other day rather than weekly. Romine says that even without a dog, sheets should be cleaned every one to two week to prevent the accumulation of human body soils.

“May you and your pet enjoy a warm embrace in your bed, and that it be a blank canvas for sweet dreams. “