Vetbed - Laundry Instructions?

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Caviesgalore (EPGPR)

Caviesgalore (EPGPR)

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I have got a boar who has just had surgery to remove a bladder stone and I have him and his companion in my "hospital" cage. I have just bought some vetbed to use in this cage and am about to wash it for the first time. I remember reading somewhere that you shouldn't use conditioner as it affects the absorbency of the vetbed. My question, however, is how often should I put it through the wash before using it for the first time and can it be tumble dried? It didn't really come with any washing instructions - not very helpful ! ?
 
You don't need to wash it at all before using it. Just brush all the little bits of hay and stuff off and pop it in the washer with a small amount of washing powder, no conditioner and just a regular 40 degree wash. I use half the amount I would use on a full load of washing. It can be tumble dried but it only really takes about an hour to dry naturally, although I found to keep it fluffy it needed a brush with a stiff bristled brush straight out of the washer when it was still damp.
 
Petlife international makers of the brand Vetbed recommend that it is washable beforehand, http://www.petlifeonline.co.uk/UserData/root/Products/Files/000028/VETBED ORIGINAL.pdf
Profleece doesn't say if they need to be washed though - but I distinctly remember a site which said one of the two main brands did need to be washed before hand as it shrinks after its first wash but I'm not sure which it was!
I'm really interested in Vetbed as an option, but really worry about the state of my washing machine - a friend gave me some Profleece and looked like it shed like mad and I was reluctant to put it in the washing machine as I can't find the filter on it!
 
Boureki I totally agree with you about washing the Vetbed! I must admit that I have only bought it for my "hospital" cage as I felt Tetley would benefit from the warmth and dryness of it post op. I am dreading washing it now it's been "used" and am about to go outside to give it a thorough brush over before putting it in the machine. Will let you know how I get on, keep you fingers crossed it doesn't wreck the machine, hubby will go mad!
 
I often get rescues in that benefit from it and so it gets washed sometimes weekly if I'm using most of it. Ive had some for about 4years and its still fine.

Just brush of any hay etc and give it a good bash against a wall out side so as much dust/poo/hay etc comes off
Then chuck it in the washing machine with a tablespoon of powder and do a 40degree wash-
i always put my machine on half load of similar if you only have on or two pieces in saves water and it doesnt need an hour and a half for one bit!

Then take it out and brush it whilst damp with a clean brush and hang it up to dry- tumble drying does damage it so best to hang dry

Also dont iron it! my mum did that once and it ruined it! Good luck O0
 
I use Vetbed during the colder months. I hoover it first to get as much hay and fur off as possible, then wash it on 40 degrees. I've tried to use mild washing powder with it, but it just didn't remove the stains/smell, so do have to use biological washing powder (but have never noticed any skin problems in the piggies as a result).

I do find it clogs the washing machine up a bit, but I have a machine where you can easily access the filter, so it just needs emptying weekly, and I wipe out the drum, which is normally full of hair afterwards! Although it can be a bit of a pain to wash, I do find it better during the winter - the piggies like it, and it also really cuts down on smell.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I have now washed the vetbed a couple of times, in bio powder but no conditioner and have left it to "air" dry. The boys seem to love it and it certainly stays drier longer than towels alone. Their little faces were a picture when I first put it in their cage, Tetley couldn't make out what it was, he has now mastered the art of stretching out for a snooze on it though!
 
Caviesgalore said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I have now washed the vetbed a couple of times, in bio powder but no conditioner and have left it to "air" dry. The boys seem to love it and it certainly stays drier longer than towels alone. Their little faces were a picture when I first put it in their cage, Tetley couldn't make out what it was, he has now mastered the art of stretching out for a snooze on it though!
Click to expand...

Aw, thats sweet that they love it :) I'm REALLY tempted to try it. But I know I'll get into big trouble if it clogs up the washing machine!
 
Ive been using vet bed for years and I wash several pieces a week, never had a problem as long as you brush of the hay first!
The fibre which makes up the vet bed still looks as full as it did when i brought it. definatly worth trying.
 
I have profleece and I wash it regularly with no problems.

You do need a hard bristle brush to sweep off the hay and poop. I always wipe round the rim of the washing machine after use and especially in the groove in the rubber seal around the machine door. I've had no problems with the machine.
 
Vetbeds are cheaper to get on ebay. i never use conditioner on any of piggies things not even blankets
 
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