Your rabbit's bed is where they nap, flop, and sometimes snack, so it picks up fur, hay, and the occasional accident. Washing it the right way keeps your bunny healthy and helps the bed last for years. Here is a simple, bunny-safe routine.
How Often Should You Wash a Rabbit Bed?
- Daily: Shake out loose hay and fur.
- Weekly: Machine wash for most rabbits.
- Right away: Wash after any urine accident, or if the bed feels damp.
- During heavy shedding: Wash more often, as loose fur builds up fast.
Having two beds makes this easy. One is in use while the other is in the wash, so your rabbit is never without their favorite spot. Our Dream Bed + Bed Pad bundle or a Mystery Bunny Bed make an affordable backup.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Rabbit Bed
1. Remove Loose Fur and Hay
Take the bed outside and shake it well. Then go over it with a lint roller, a damp rubber glove, or a pet hair brush. Getting the fur off first keeps it from clogging your washing machine and clinging to the fabric.
2. Pre-Treat Urine Spots
Blot the area and spray it with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water, or a pet-safe enzyme cleaner. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Vinegar helps break down the mineral deposits in rabbit urine that cause stains and odor.
3. Use a Gentle, Unscented Detergent
Choose a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent, such as one made for sensitive skin or baby clothes. Rabbits have a strong sense of smell and sensitive airways, and heavily scented beds can put them off using them.
4. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave a residue and strong scent on the fabric. Your rabbit will be lying on it and may nibble it, so leave them out. A half cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle softens fabric naturally.
5. Wash on a Gentle Cycle and Rinse Twice
Follow the care label on your bed. For most cotton bunny beds, a gentle cycle in cold or warm water works well. Add an extra rinse to make sure no detergent is left behind.
6. Dry Completely
Air dry or tumble dry on low, then fluff the bed back into shape. Make sure it is completely dry, inside and out, before it goes back to your rabbit. A damp bed can grow mildew and is uncomfortable to lie on.
How to Get Rid of Rabbit Urine Smell
If a smell lingers after washing:
- Soak the bed for 30 minutes in cool water with a cup of white vinegar before washing.
- Use an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine, then rinse well.
- Dry in the sun if you can. Sunlight helps freshen fabric naturally.
Frequent accidents on the bed can be a sign your rabbit's litter box needs to be closer, bigger, or cleaned more often. Our litter training guide can help.
Tips to Make Your Bunny Bed Last Longer
- Check seams after washing. Repair small holes before they grow, and remove any loose threads your rabbit could chew.
- Avoid high heat. Hot washes and dryers can shrink cotton and flatten filling.
- Rotate beds. Two beds share the wear.
- Keep it away from the litter box. A few feet of distance means fewer accidents.
What Not to Use
- Bleach
- Scented detergents and fabric softener
- Dryer sheets
- Fabric fresheners and odor sprays
- Essential oils, which can be harmful to rabbits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a rabbit bed in the washing machine?
Most fabric bunny beds, including our organic cotton Bunny Dream Bed, can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Always check the care label first.
What detergent is safe for rabbit bedding?
Any fragrance-free, dye-free detergent is a good choice. Use a little less than you would for clothes and rinse twice.
Why won't my rabbit use their bed after I wash it?
Rabbits like things to smell familiar. Strong detergent scents can put them off. Use unscented products, and try rubbing a little of their hay on the bed to make it smell like home again.
The Bottom Line
Shake it daily, wash it weekly, use unscented detergent, skip the softener, and dry it completely. That simple routine keeps your rabbit's bed fresh, safe, and cozy for the long haul.