Clean and Cozy: Pet-Friendly Bedding Options that Combat Hair and Odor

May 10, 2023 7 min read

If you have a furry family member, it’s important to make sure that you use safe, pet friendly bedding. Not only is this type of bedding safe and healthy for your pets, but it’s also a great option if you’re looking for ways to combat common pet-related issues like hair, odor, and stains. With so many options to choose from, this guide has some helpful tips so you can find the right bedding material if you happen to share a bed with your cat or dog (or both). Our comprehensive guide is here to show you the best pet friendly bedding options for your home, your pets, and your lifestyle.

In This Article

What type of bedding is best when you share a bed with your dog or cat?
What bedding material does not stick to pet hair?
How can I keep my bedding clean when my dog or cat sleeps with me?
Final Thoughts on Pet-Friendly Bedding Options that Combat Hair and Odor

What type of bedding is best when you share a bed with your dog or cat?

Some pet owners enjoy having their dog or cat share the same bed with them, and if that’s you, then there are some key factors to consider when you’re considering pet friendly bedding. First and perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to choose bedding made of machine-washable materials so it’s easy to clean and keep nice and fresh. Here are some of the most important points to look for when you’re on the hunt for comfortable, pet friendly bedding for your sleeping space.

Types of bedding suitable for sharing with a dog or cat

Here are some examples of the best types of bedding that are suitable if you’re sharing the bed with your pet:

Choosing products made of durable materials is crucial since your bedding will be vulnerable to snags from sharp claws and paws. The bedding should also be able to withstand a lot of washing since it’s highly likely that you’ll need to wash your sheets and other products more frequently if you share them with your pet. Linen is an excellent choice for pet owners since it’s made from flax, a plant that has strong fibers to give it added durability. This material is much stronger than cotton, and it gets softer with every wash, which is an added bonus.
Aside from durability and easy care, you’ll want to look for pet friendly bedding sets made of odor-resistant materials to keep those icky pet smells at bay. Of course, washing your bedding as often as possible is the best way to keep it smelling fresh, but materials like organic cotton are breathable, which means that they won’t trap pet odors. Looser weaves also help to keep pet smells from getting “stuck” in the fabric.
Not only is bedding made of breathable materials less prone to hanging onto those unpleasant pet odors, but it’s also much more comfortable for you and your pet. Choose bedding that helps to wick moisture away from the body so you don’t wake up hot, and your pet won’t, either. Try organic sateen cotton bedding if you want something that will repel dog and cat hair. This comfortable, breathable bedding has a nice, slick, and smooth finish that helps the pet hair slide right off instead of clinging to it.

Pros and cons of each type of bedding

Of course, there are always a few pros and cons to each type of pet friendly bedding. Let’s examine the pluses and minuses of these options so you can determine which one is best for you.

Linen. This material is extremely durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and soft. Linen bedding is also quite long-lasting, which means that it can handle more cycles through the washing machine and dryer, ensuring that you’ll get longer-term use than some other bedding materials. However, linen offers a more worn-in look and feel that you might not like if you want your bed to look nice and crisp. It also costs more than many other bedding materials, so it may not be the best bedding if you’re looking for something that’s pet friendly on a budget.
Cotton. Organic cotton is healthy and safe for you and your pets since it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or additives. This bedding is also soft to the touch and breathable to help you stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You’ll want to choose percale or sateen organic cotton bedding that has a tight weave so pet hair doesn’t stick. Organic bedding costs more than synthetic or non-organic cotton, but it’s still worth the investment if you want you and your pet to be healthy and comfortable.

What bedding material does not stick to pet hair?

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It goes without saying that if your pet shares the bed, you’re going to end up with some stray pet hairs. Fortunately, certain types of bedding do a better job than others at keeping pet hair to a minimum. And while there’s no magic bullet, there are some options that are less likely to attract pet hair so you can keep your bed nice and clean.

Materials that are less likely to attract pet hair

Cotton, flannel, bamboo, microfiber, and linen are all great choices if you’re looking for bedding that’s less likely to attract and trap pet hair. Each of these materials is extremely soft, easy to wash, and do a good job of preventing your pet’s fur from sticking to them.

Benefits of using materials that do not attract pet hair

There are plenty of benefits when you choose bedding that doesn’t attract pet hair, like:

Your bedroom will be cleaner overall thanks to less pet dander sticking to your bed and floating around the room.
If you have allergies, this type of bedding stays cleaner to ensure you have fewer symptoms.
Bedding that doesn’t attract pet hair stays cleaner for longer, which means you’ll have to wash your bedding less often.
Smooth bedding with a tight weave not only prevents pet hair from building up, but it also helps to keep your pet’s claws from getting stuck in the fabric.

Drawbacks of using materials that do not attract pet hair

Some of these materials do have a few drawbacks, even if they do a great job of repelling pet fur and hair. Flannel bedding is soft and pet-friendly, but it’s also quite heavy and not breathable whatsoever. This means that you could easily overheat in the middle of the night if you and your pet are sleeping under flannel sheets or blankets.

Microfiber is smooth and soft to the touch, but it’s made of synthetic materials. These types of materials are usually produced using artificial dyes and other chemicals that could be toxic and bad for your health. Overall, stick to sustainable, organic materials when you’re looking for the best pet friendly bedding to keep you and your furry friend safe, comfortable, and healthy.

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How can I keep my bedding clean when my dog or cat sleeps with me?

No matter what type of bedding you choose, you’re going to need to keep your bedding clean if your dog or cat is sharing the bed with you. Here are some helpful tips so you can maintain clean bedding and deal with other possible issues as they arise.

Tips for maintaining clean bedding

Wash Regularly. Wash your bedding regularly and make sure that you follow the care instructions carefully. If your pets sleep with you in the same bed, you will likely need to wash your bedding much more often than if you don’t, so choose high-quality bedding that can hold up well to a lot of washing. When you wash your bedding, use a gentle detergent that doesn’t leave any fragrance behind. Ideally, you should wash the bedding once a week if you have pets so that it’s sanitary and clean.
Mattress cover. Consider adding a protective mattress cover to your bed to keep pet hair and stains from getting on the mattress and ruining it for good. If you have a comforter or a duvet, add a soft duvet cover to protect them. These covers will make cleaning your bedding easier, and you’ll be able to protect your investment for longer.
Groom your pet. Groom your pet regularly to reduce shedding. Use a quality brush and try to brush them outside so that tufts of fur don’t end up all over your home. It’s also important to give your furry pals a bath as often as possible, too. A nice warm bath with some pet-safe shampoo will make them smell nice and clean, and that means that your bedding will smell nice and clean for longer, too. Regular baths may also help to keep fleas and other pests at bay. You can also keep snags and tears from ruining your beautiful bedding by trimming your pet’s nails regularly as well.

Additional considerations

Make sure that you know how to clean up stains from pet accidents so that your bedding doesn’t get ruined. Depending on the type of material you choose, you’ll need to use specific products and methods to deal with pet-related accidents. Address these accidents immediately so they don’t end up leaving a permanent stain behind.
If you deal with allergies or skin sensitivities, try to choose pet friendly bedding that’s hypoallergenic and breathable. This bedding will keep these issues to a minimum and provide you with a safe, hygienic, and allergy-free place to sleep.
To keep your bedding clean in between washing, use a lint roller to remove excess pet fur or hair. These handy tools can be kept inside a drawer on the nightstand or right beside your bed for quick clean-ups whenever you need it. You can also use your vacuum cleaner attachment to quickly vacuum up stray tufts of fur. Wear a slightly damp rubber glove and run it across the bedding for another easy way to get rid of pet hair in a pinch.
Sometimes, your pets may like to lie down on the bed during the day. Extend the life of your bedding and clean it less often by adding an inexpensive sheet or blanket to the top of the bed during the daytime. You can also place a separate pet bed directly on top of your bed until it’s time to snooze. Alternatively, train your pet to stay off the bed until you give them permission.

Final Thoughts on Pet-Friendly Bedding Options that Combat Hair and Odor

Whether it’s linen or organic sateen cotton, use the best pet friendly bedding to make your life easier and your pets happy. Remember to choose bedding that’s easy to wash and that will hold up well for long-term use. Shop the selection of beautiful, high-quality bedding at Or & Zon to discover a wide range of options for your home. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, or several furry friends at once, the right type of bedding makes all the difference not just in your life, but also in the life of your pets.