How to Use a Washable Dog Crate Pad for Cleaner Crate Training

By Bedsure | Blankets, Sheets, Comforters & Heated Throws | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

A washable dog crate pad simplifies crate training and cleanup. Follow these steps to size, secure, and wash it without losing softness or slowing progress.

Quick answer

Use a washable dog crate pad as the only soft bedding in the crate, sized to leave no more than a paw-width of gap around the edges. Wash it weekly, or immediately after any accident, with a gentle detergent and a full rinse cycle.

Why a washable pad beats a bulky bed during training

Crate training involves accidents, chewing, and repeated cleaning. A thin, washable pad goes into the machine without disassembly, dries faster than a stuffed bed, and gives you a clear view of the crate floor so you can spot moisture or chewed pieces early.

The trade-off is cushioning. A flat pad offers less joint support than a thick orthopedic bed, so senior dogs or dogs with arthritis may need a different sleep surface once training is complete.

Sizing and fit: the gap rule

Measure the crate’s interior floor, not the exterior. The pad should lie flat without folding up at the sides, because a bunched edge can be chewed or pushed aside. If the pad is too small, a puppy may shove it into a corner and eliminate on the bare floor.

For a growing puppy, check the fit monthly. A pad that fit at eight weeks may be too small at sixteen weeks, and a loose pad invites digging.

Step-by-step: using and washing a crate pad

Set up the crate with one pad only: Place the pad flat on the crate floor and remove extra blankets or toys that can be chewed or soiled. Common mistake: layering multiple soft items, which hides accidents and makes cleaning harder. A single pad makes it obvious when the bedding needs washing.
Check the fit before each training session: Press the pad flat and confirm no more than a paw-width of gap around the edges. If the pad bunches or slides, size down or choose a different option. Common mistake: assuming the crate’s labeled size matches the pad’s size. A loose pad is a chewing and digging invitation.
Spot-clean accidents immediately: Blot fresh accidents with a paper towel, then rinse the soiled area in cool water before it sets. Common mistake: using hot water, which can set protein stains and shrink the fleece. Cool water first protects the fabric and removes more residue.
Machine wash weekly or after any accident: Wash the pad alone on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach, which can break down the fleece and leave irritants. Common mistake: overcrowding the machine, which prevents a thorough rinse. A full rinse cycle removes detergent residue that can irritate skin.
Dry completely before returning it to the crate: Tumble dry low or air dry until the polyfill is fully dry, checking the center of the pad. Common mistake: putting a damp pad back in the crate, which encourages odor and mildew. If you can feel any coolness in the filling, keep drying.
Rotate two pads for back-to-back wash days: Keep a second pad on hand so the crate is never without bedding while one dries. Common mistake: leaving the crate bare during washing, which can undo crate-training progress. A spare pad keeps the routine consistent.

Product facts

Washable Dog Crate Pad: Crafted from ultra-soft fleece fabric with plush polyfill cotton filling. The fleece surface is gentle on paws and the polyfill adds light cushioning, but the pad is still thin enough to machine wash and dry quickly.
Washable Dog Crate Pad