Mumsnet Talk

We have two dogs, a Jack Russell and a Mini Schnauzer, they get walked all over the place, the beach, woods, fields, they roll in all sorts of revolting things (well, the Schnauzer does), and as a result their beds get pretty filthy. I put them through the wash fairly frequently but they come out still smelling doggy. I read a thread on Good Housekeeping about washing with white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment (as well as normal washing powder / liquid), so I tried it with the dog beds today. They smell fantastic! Not a trace of dog smell, I am so pleased! The dogs, less so. They like their beds stinky.

Of course, you may all have been doing this for years, but just thought I'd share, as it was a revelation to me!

News to me too, will give it a try.

Wow, thanks for the tip. I will definitely try it

Bump! Because I thought this would be useful

Will be trying this - thanks for the tip

Out of interest, where can you buy white vinegar? Which aisle would it be in? I haven't seen it with either the condiments or the washing powder!

Ooh, good tip. The hound's bed is a bit whiffy.

White vinegar is usually next to other malt vinegars (but lower down in my supermarket!!). Bicarb in with the washing powder also helps with odours. (tried this as it worked with re-useable nappies)

Thank you! I'll have another look.

I find white vinegar in the cleaning aisle in Wilkos. It's in a squirty bottle, only about £1-ish.

thanks for this!

oh will try this my dog has fleeces (he destroys all beds ) but they do whiff a little they are due a wash so is it just a capful of vinegar ?

It's great stuff for cleaning. I used to bung some on ds's nappies before washing too. I had to do a wash with bicarb the other day cos I ran out of laundry liquid and that worked too.

I just put a scientific sized slosh in Oh it's good for windows too.

oh I can do sloshes will try it next time i wash them

It makes my dishwasher sparkle - truly a miracle product! I shall run Butch's whiffy bedding through with it at the weekend.

On my shopping list !

What is this miracle lotion of which you speak?
I looked today but could only find white malt vinegar or white wine vinegar, neither of which seemed to fit the bill still struggling to recover from the "wrong vinegar in the picalilly" episode
I demand to know <very smelly dog beds emoticon>

Well, I wasn't entirely sure. But I bought some white malt vinegar and this morning I added it to the dog wash. I haven't actually taken it out of the machine yet but will be interested to see if it is any less stinky tonight!

Can I wash the devil dog in vinegar as well, she stinks!

smartarse I shall await your feedback before purchasing any in case your dog beds smell like a chip shop!

Ok, so it doesn't smell like a chip shop, but I haven't it smelling any better than before either. Probably 'cos ArseDog himself could do with a wash.

Oh misread title, thought it said " my dogs breath no longer smells! " will white vinegar help that do you think? any suggestions for elderly dogs breath ?

Hello, it's me, the OP. Just been having a look at threads I started, and saw some replies.

Mine is Tesco Distilled Vinegar, and in the ingredients it says "distilled barley malt vinegar". It should be with the other food vinegars as it says it can be used for making pickles and merangues and other things too. I basically filled up the fabric softener compartment, but having done it again since, I used less and it had the same effect. You might need more the first time, if the bedding is properly stinky.

Not sure about the dog breath, we're still working on the "gargle!" command

I have to be honest and say that I have no idea whether or not it made a difference because ArseDog's bed usually came out of the machine smelling fresh anyway! But I'm a sucker for a cleaning product so I'll carry on using it!

was looking for this thread as I had lost it OP i bloody love you white vinegar = no smelly bed thank you I found some white vinegar at the back of the cupboard it is years old but I used it and it worked

Hurray! So glad it worked for you Mrsjay

A non-dog-owning friend was round this week, talking about getting a pup, her DH had expressed concern, and she said something along the lines of "but your house never smells of dog so maybe it would be ok." I was thrilled!