How to Store Your Dog Bed Covers When Not in Use

Quick answer

Wash and dry the cover completely, fold it neatly, and store it in a breathable cotton bag or pillowcase in a cool, dry place. Avoid vacuum-sealed bags and damp storage, which trap moisture and odors. Label each cover by size and fabric so seasonal swaps take seconds, not a full closet excavation.

You’ve invested in a good dog bed and maybe a spare cover or two for wash days or seasonal changes. But when that cover isn’t on the bed, where does it go? Tossing it in a drawer or bin might seem fine—until you pull it out months later and it smells musty or has lost its shape.

Storing dog bed covers well is about more than tidiness. It protects the fabric, keeps odors from setting in, and makes switching covers effortless. This guide walks through a simple, repeatable process that works for any fabric, from bouclé to cooling covers.

Why proper storage matters for your dog bed covers

Dog bed covers pick up dander, oils, and outdoor dirt even after a wash cycle. If you store a cover before it’s fully clean, those residues can attract pests or set into the fabric over time. A clean, dry cover stored correctly stays fresh and ready to use.

Storage also affects the cover’s lifespan. Compression, moisture, and heat can break down fibers, especially in plush or memory foam covers. Breathable storage keeps the fabric’s structure and softness intact so it feels good when you put it back on the bed.

• Always start with a freshly washed and completely dry cover.
• Never store a cover in a plastic bin without ventilation—trapped moisture causes mildew.

Step-by-step: how to store dog bed covers

Follow these steps each time you rotate a cover out of use. The process takes a few minutes but prevents bigger problems later.

First, wash the cover according to its care label. For most Dazy Dog covers, that means machine wash cold and tumble dry low or air dry. Make sure it’s bone dry before moving on—any dampness will turn musty in storage.

Next, fold the cover neatly. For round covers, fold in half, then fold again to create a wedge that stacks easily. For rectangular covers, fold into thirds lengthwise, then fold to fit your storage container. Avoid cramming or forcing folds; creases can become permanent.

Place the folded cover inside a breathable cotton bag, a pillowcase, or a clean cotton tote. If you’re storing multiple covers, use separate bags so they don’t transfer odors or lint to each other.

Label each bag with the cover’s size, fabric, and intended season. A strip of masking tape or a fabric marker on the bag works well. This saves you from unfolding every cover when you need a specific one.

Store the bags in a cool, dry place—ideally a linen closet, under-bed storage bin with ventilation, or a shelf away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp basements, hot attics, or garages where temperature swings are extreme.

Check stored covers every few months. If you notice any musty smell, re-wash and dry the cover before returning it to storage.

• Use a breathable bag—not vacuum-sealed plastic—to let air circulate.
• Keep covers away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• If space is tight, store covers flat under the bed rather than compressed in a vacuum bag.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is storing a cover while it’s still slightly damp. Even a tiny amount of moisture can lead to mildew and a sour smell that’s hard to remove. Always double-check zippers, seams, and thick folds for dampness.

Another common error is using airtight plastic containers. While they seem protective, they trap moisture and can cause fabric to yellow or degrade. Breathable cotton or canvas bags are a better choice.

Finally, don’t store covers in a heap with other pet supplies. Dog hair, treats, and dirty toys can transfer odors. Keep covers separate and clean.

• Never store a cover in a plastic bag unless it’s completely dry and you plan to use it within a few weeks.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top of stored covers—this can crush the fabric and leave permanent creases.

Seasonal storage: swapping covers with the weather

If you use different covers for summer and winter, a seasonal rotation keeps your dog comfortable year-round. When you swap a cover out, follow the same wash-dry-fold-store routine. This is also a good time to inspect the cover for wear, like loose stitching or thinning fabric.

For cooling covers, store them clean and dry during cooler months. For warm covers like bouclé or puffer, store them during summer. Labeling by season makes the swap quick and prevents you from digging through everything when the weather changes.

• Store off-season covers in a dedicated bin or shelf section to avoid mixing them with everyday covers.
• Use the change of season as a reminder to check all stored covers for freshness.

Your dog bed cover storage checklist

1. Wash and dry completely: Follow the care label. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or air dry. Ensure no dampness remains in seams or thick folds. Checkpoint: Feel the cover all over—if it’s even slightly cool or damp, keep drying.
2. Fold neatly and consistently: Fold round covers into wedges, rectangular covers into thirds. Keep folds loose to avoid permanent creases. Checkpoint: The folded cover should sit flat without bulging.
3. Place in a breathable bag: Use a cotton pillowcase, tote, or dedicated storage bag. Avoid plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags. Checkpoint: Air should be able to circulate around the cover.
4. Label by size, fabric, and season: Write on the bag with a fabric marker or tape. Include the cover’s name and intended use. Checkpoint: You should be able to identify the cover without opening the bag.
5. Store in a cool, dry place: Choose a closet, under-bed bin, or shelf away from sunlight and temperature extremes. Checkpoint: The storage spot should be dry to the touch and not prone to dampness.
6. Check every few months: Smell and feel stored covers. If any mustiness appears, re-wash and dry before storing again. Checkpoint: No odors, no visible pests, no dampness.

Product facts to keep in mind

• Bouclé Round Bed Cover - Cocoa: Refresh your dog’s bed with our Cocoa Bouclé Spare Cover — a warm, timeless neutral that blends effortlessly into any space. Perfect for wash days or a style change, this ultra-soft, durable cover keeps your dog’s bed looking and feeling brand new. A spare cover means you can wash one while the other is in use, so you’re never without a fresh bed. Proper storage keeps that spare ready to swap in.
• Cooling Round Cover - Stone Grey: The Round Cooling Cover fits your Round bed, made for dogs who curl up to sleep. NASA-developed Outlast Thermo-technology draws heat away and regulates their temperature all night, and the cooling never washes out. Removable and machine washable. Because the cooling effect is built into the fabric and doesn’t wash out, you can clean and store this cover without worrying about losing its performance. Store it clean and dry for next summer.
• Cover - Puffer Bone: The Puffer dog bed cover gives their bed a deep, quilted, plush refresh: warm, cosy and fully machine washable. A removable, zip-off replacement cover that fits your Dazy Dog bed, keep a spare for wash day or swap it in for winter. Same bed, cloud-soft on top. A puffer cover adds warmth for winter, so storing it properly during warmer months keeps it fresh and ready for the next cold snap.

Storing dog bed covers properly takes just a few extra minutes, but it pays off every time you swap a cover. Keep them clean, dry, and breathable, and your covers will stay fresh and ready—no matter the season.