Our pets are family members and deserve the best of the best, just like we do. One of the mundane tasks is cleaning up after them. However, I see it as a blessing because it means we have them with us. For instance, pet bed cleaning is probably one of the least tackled chores. Am I right?
Pets love their spaces as much as we do. Often, they prefer them stinky, especially dogs. I have had several pets over the years and each has different needs. My current dog, Teddy, has allergies which cause me to have to be very careful what I use with him. We adopted him at 1.5 years old, so the original owner did things differently than I did which I believe affected his health long-term.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
Sadly, only a couple of weeks after this photo for his upcycled sweater coat, Teddy tore his ACL while we were visiting my parents during our first showing of our home. Yeah…we’re awesome like that. tsk.
Poor fella is aged and his leg is as-is for the rest of his life. For a week or so I notice his ear down on the side he always used to get ear infections in. I don’t think he has an infection, but kept an eye on it. This week, he got out of his bed tippy, dizzy, and eyes darting all over. He is now diagnosed with old dog disease (aka. vestibular disease)
After a few days of nausea meds, loads of help (he can’t walk), he’s showing improvement. It can last up to 5 days, but his eyes have stopped flicking, but he’s still lethargic. Eating, drinking, and pottying though!
DIY TIME
So, to treat Teddy, I am giving him a pet bed cleaning to make him more comfortable. Often I toss in his bedding into the wash, however, I also love to use my HomeRight SteamMachine Elite.
Talk about a beast of a machine with all the fun accessories too! You can see how I used it in this post HERE or in this video below too. In it, you can see how I set it up.
The SteamMachine Elite is easy to use. First, just fill with distilled water using the measuring cup and funnel provided. Then, let it heat up, and have at it. You can’t get any easier than that.
Next, put the cap on tight (not too tight though), and turn on the machine. You will see both orange and red lights glow. That just means it’s warming up. However, when you see (& hear) the orange light click off, then it’s ready to go.
Also, while you are waiting on the machine to build steam, you can pick your attachments. In this instance, I’m using an extension tube with nozzle attached. Then, I add on the acrylic brush. Brass brushes are in the set, but you don’t want to use those on fabric.
NEXT STEPS
Now, our SteamMachine Elite is ready to go! I prefer to wear hearing protection. However, sometimes the job also requires eye protection. For this, I don’t feel there were be debris coming at me. First, pull the trigger to release steam.
While the steam is coming out, gently scrub the pet bed with the brush. Working in small batches makes the job go smoother. Once you have a spot steamed, use the provided cloth to clean off the dirt and grime.
LAST STEPS
Obviously, keep cleaning until you’re done! I needed a handful of old towels because this bed was pretty bad. However, I was done in less than 30 minutes. You can’t beat it!
After your cleaning is complete, the bed is wet or damp. So, it will need to dry for a few hours or overnight.
REVEAL TIME
Look who got up to take a sniff. Yay! This is big as he hasn’t left his bed much in these last days. You can see the tip in his head as he’s still dealing with the inner ear issue.
But, Teddy now has a refreshed and healthy spot to be. I’m so excited it’s clean and he is comfortable.
Finally, my pet bed cleaning is done and I spend time with my lil’ guy. Look at him chillaxin’.
GIVEAWAY TIME
With that, HomeRight and I want to help you have a healthy pet and healthy home. We are giving away a SteamMachine Elite. Easy entry – just complete the widget below for as many entries as you like. Open to U.S. & Canada residents 18 years of age and older. In addition, winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Also, be sure to check your spam!
In addition, do pin and share my chemical-free pet bed cleaning. I know I’m not the only pet bed owner that needs this.
Up next, I’m giving this vintage gem a new lease on life. See its new life HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!
More chemical-free cleaning like our pet bed cleaning:
1st off, Thank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Easy question on what I would clean first, and that would be my hubby’s cloth recliner. I just need to keep him out of it long enough to clean the filthy thing or I will use the machine on him & his recliner at the same time. :}
You’re welcome. I hear you on that one. 😀
I’d tackle my living room rug!
Perfect! I hope you enjoyed my post today too. 🙂
I had a serious fall last week and ended up in the hospital with multiple fractures in my hip and a BADLY broken femur….so *I* won’t be doing ANY cleaning with this awesome looking machine. Having said that, I think it would be a great blessing to my husband, who is holding down the fort while I recuperate from surgery (i.e. working full time from home, taking care of the children, and doing all the household cooking and cleaning.)
Feel better Teddy! (It is such a worry when our beloved pets are unwell!)
I’m so sorry to hear that, Annie! I’m adding you to my prayer list and lifting you up now. I’m afraid Teddy won’t be around much longer, but we are savoring our time. Thank you.
Oh, this would be perfect on our couch that our fur baby loves to lounge on day and night. I try to keep a blanket on it, but he must think there are treats buried because he has to dig at the couch like a steam shovel! So glad your little guy is doing better and I hope he continues to improve. I had to click the link to see what this was. I had never heard of it. Our fur babies are so much like us with different illnesses that they get as we do. Thanks for always having such great giveaways. I have learned about so many new products from you.
Absolutely! Even our own beds and furniture as I know with 8 of us it saves me oodles. Yes, I figured other pet owners might encounter this as it’s common in cats from July to October, and random for dogs.
This would be great for cleaning upholstery or carpet after grandbaby spills! Cute dog!
Oh yes! With our 6 kids, cat, and dog (not to mention hubby), it comes in so very handy.
Wow! This steamer did an awesome job on your sweet doggy’s bed! We have a microfiber sofa that looks quite dirty right now. I think this steamer would make it look as good as new again! Our one year old puppy loves this sofa. We try to keep in covered with a blanket but he manages to dirty in up! Thank you for this great opportunity to win this steamer!!!
Larissa,
You’re an awesome steward to Teddy! I hope your sweet boy will be around for a while, and I’m in the same boat with my oldest dog. I’m afraid I’ll have to make that dreaded decision soon, now that he’s been wetting his dog bed during the night because he has such a hard time getting up and walking. I’ve never thought of steam-cleaning my dogs’ beds, but that sure would be easier than removing the covers and washing them all the time. Winning the HomeRight SteamMachine would be so great for that. I have large dogs and their beds are, too, so it’s always a fight to get the covers back on!
❤️ Teddy is a sweet little boy. We had a cat who lived to be 21 and she too developed vestibular syndrome. The vet said it appeared she was also low on potassium, although no one really knows what triggers it. We crushed a prescription pet supplement into her food each morning and she never had a repeat episode. Just wanted to ensure your vet checked his potassium. Keeping our loved ones comfortable and unafraid is a way of giving back for all the love they’ve given us. Bless you for taking such sweet care of him!! ❤️?
If I won the steamer first use would be my oven, then I would us it to clean the mud room floor! I really hope that Teddy is feeling better! When our fur babies hurt it hurts us! Love what you are doing!
Glad to hear Teddy is on the mend. Vestibular disease can be a scary thing. If I win the first thing I’ll be cleaning is my outdoor furniture cushions. Every spring I clean them by hand and hate it. They are huge! P.S. my dog’s beds are so small I get 2 or 3 in my washer at a time.
Thanks for the opportunity to win the Homeright steamer, I have a long list of needs for it but most of all thanks for the continual stream of help and the awesome makeovers. God bless Larissa and hope Teddy’s day today is better
Great idea!
Thanks! It works awesome!
My pup was attacked in July. He developed idiopathic vestibular. It can be from head, neck, and ear trauma. And high dose of antibiotics. We are on month two with several relapses. It can be so scary! I am now doing herb supplement for brain and nerves, CBD, and food blend for brain health. It’s still there but holding breath for that week two relapse time. He is 14! Wags his tail with joy. He’s a mighty fighter and survivor. Been a rough six months, though. My heart goes out to your pup for healing quicker and completely.
How awful! I’m so sorry to hear that. Watching our pets hurt is the hardest thing ever. Prayers up for you and your fur baby. Hugs!
I can’t top Colleen’s response, but her answer certainly works for me! Could I ever use that steamer!
I’m glad you can’t…so sad. You will love it!
I would clean my walls. What a help that would be! I live in a log home and it is quite the job to get them clean. I am praying for Teddy and your family. I know how hard it is on everyone when a beloved pet is ill. I always look forward to seeing him in your pics.
That would be so awesome to use. I grew up in a 6000 sq ft log home my parents built, so I get it. Thank you for the prayers.
Thank you, Larissa! If I win this gem, I would tackle the upholstered furniture, then the oven. We have a lot of allergies and a deep cleaning without chemicals would make life easier.
Oh yes! I did my tufted chair and sofa with it. What a blessing! You will love it.
Wow! That works amazingly well! I would tackle the couch upstairs in our gameroom – old, tired, full of kid germs – yuck!
haha…I think we all have a space like that. You will love the SteamMachine Elite!
Old Dogs are the BEST!!!!!
I couldn’t agree more!
That machine does a fantastic job. Sorry to hear about Teddy. This machine will do wonders all over the house. I love the fact that I don’t have to use chemicals. that is much more safer for my family and my pets.
It does amazing. Thank you. Yes, I am all about chemical-free. Great way to be!
What a great idea to use a steamer. I hope your dog gets better.
The ways to use it are limitless, really. Just plug it in and go! 😀 Thank you.
I always love your posts. I’m not a big commenter, but it’s heartwarming to see you care for your elderly dog.
That means much, because you are why I write. I love hearing from my readers. He is a sweetheart and a integral part of our family…my shadow.
I have a swivel rocker that could use a good steam cleaning! I have a 20+ year old carpet cleaner with attachments, but I’m sure a newer model would work so much better!
Rock on you still have it! haha! You will love this one as it’s light and hard-working.
Oh- what a sweet dog! It is so hard to say goodbye. Savor every moment! I would first tackle my oven, and then my family room. It would be a God-send! Thank you for the chance!
I am…he won’t be here much longer. My absolute pleasure to share.
I think I would start by cleaning our shower with it and then the couch that the dog thinks is his bed lol
haha! I hear that for sure!
I am so sorry your pup is feeling poorly and still healing from his injury. Our chihuahua injured her hip when she was young and the oh guilt every time she limps. It is hard and sad when our pets age, you can only enjoy the time now, Our couch is fabric and could use a very thorough cleaning, I would tackle that first. I am amazed at how well it cleaned Teddy’s bed without chemicals.
Thank you. Yes, I believe he won’t be around for too much longer. It breaks my heart, but we have wonderful years of memories. It is truly amazing indeed!
I’d tackle my little guys favorite spot in the house- my couch. There’s definitely some little stains from his “drips” and his dirty little paws. I’m tried cleaning it with a spray and wash cloth, but you can still see the,
Ugh…I can’t stand when that happens. I feel like those kind of spots mock me. haha!
Ill be praying for Teddy and the steam did an awesome job cleaning his bed.
Thank you, Lori. It really did. Even though I was wondering about how well it would take it off…then BAM.
First thing would be the five stairs from the family room to the kitchen – they are a mess. Then my husband’s desk chair. Thanks for the give-away.
Sheila
Ooh…that’s a great idea. You’re welcome!
My pugoodle Agatha loves playing in the mud. This would be so great to clean her bed and blankets so she would stay tidy after her bath!
What a sweet name! I love that. Yes, you will love the SteamMachine too!
Hope your little guy gets to feeling better. Give him an ear scratch for me. I’d use this to detail my car. I hate what winter does to a vehicle and it just never seems to ‘feel’ clean. Thanks for the opportunity Larissa. <3
Yes, thank you. As of today, he doesn’t want to walk as he’s dizzy, but is still kickin’. I am doing physical therapy with him as his brain relearns. He’s such a sweetie. I use mine for our trucks all the time.
Thanks but not using Facebook. At first I was just tired of being tracked. Now I just upset because freedom of speech has been expelled.
Still your stores are wonderful and heartfelt. Your projects are imaginative.
No worries! I have never liked it, but was required to do what I have to do. I’m also on MeWe and Gab.com. I’d love to see you there!
I’d use this little gem to clean the greasy spot on the back of the wingchair where the love of my life likes to rest his head!
haha…love how you put that! 😀 We all have those. 😉
I have an English Bulldog with a deformed tail-fold, so it stays infected. She loves to lounge on my furniture and I’m hoping this cleaner will clean and disinfect the spot where she sits. Nothing has worked so far and I’m ready to throw out my favorite easy chair.
Oh no! Sorry for her and you. That can be so frustrating. This will definitely help!
This looks like a wonderful tool!
I can’t say enough good about it…really!
My little Nona bell is a very spoiled little girl. This would be nice to have since she lays on the couch with us and we could freshen the couch up .
Yes, it sure would. 🙂
I would clean our sofa cushions. Thank you.
That sounds perfect, Paula. You’re welcome.
Hi Larissa, it looks like your sweet Teddy truly appreciated his nice clean and refreshed bed. Prayers going up for Teddy and your whole family.
Yes, he does. It makes my heart happy to see him clean and content. Thank you, Kaycee.
Aww, sorry to hear about Teddy. My foster dog has a torn ACL and arthritis. All we can do is make them as comfortable as possible and shower them with attention. The steam cleaner would be great in the bathroom to reduce using chemicals to clean.
I’m sorry to hear that. Who knew torn ACLs are common in dogs?? 😉 You will love this machine.
Would love to win this machine, I have a basement carpet that needs some love after my 21 year old cat has left a few unwanted spots from accidents that he has had and we didn’t know about them until they were set!! Such a sweet dog you have! He says “thank you Mommy”! 🙂
Oh no…that’s awful when that happens because you know they don’t mean to, but yet you gotta clean. This SteamMachine will help!
I would like to try cleaning my rugs with this.
That sounds perfect, Linda.
This looks wonderful! So many areas our dog Shadow needs cleaned and furniture!! This would be a huge blessing!
Sounds like my house! 😀 You will love it, Dawn.
Many thanks.keep up the good work
Thank you.