ITNaps Journal

How to Clean Your ITNaps Cat Tunnel Bed

The cushion and the structured tunnel need different care. Follow this simple routine for removing fur, washing the cushion, and cleaning the panels.

· By ITNaps

Close-up of gray foldable cat tunnel bed plush fabric, rounded entrance, zipper edge, and thick cushion

Start by separating the two parts of your ITNaps Cat Tunnel Bed: the removable cushion and the structured tunnel. The cushion can go in the washing machine with the right settings. The tunnel panels cannot.

That distinction makes the rest of the routine straightforward. Remove loose fur first, use the cleaning method for each part, and let everything air dry completely before putting the bed back together. These instructions apply to the ITNaps model; other tunnel beds may have different care requirements.

Before you begin

Move your cat away from the cleaning area and lift out the center cushion. Check the fabric, mesh, seams, and zippers for damage while the parts are easy to see.

Gather a lint roller or vacuum, a clean cloth, mild detergent, and a laundry bag large enough for the cushion. Choose a place where the cleaned parts can air dry without being put back into use while damp.

If you find loose material, exposed components, or significant damage, set that part aside. Cleaning will not repair it. This product is not scratch-proof or chew-proof, so regular checks are especially useful for cats who chew fabric or scratch heavily.

Remove loose fur first

Use a lint roller or vacuum to collect hair from the plush surface and around the entrances. Work gently around mesh and seams, taking care not to catch fabric in the vacuum attachment.

Check the cushion edges and the areas where the cushion rests against the tunnel. Removing loose hair before washing or wiping makes it easier to see which areas still need attention.

A quick fur-removal pass may be all that is needed between more thorough cleans. Base the routine on visible hair, dirt, spills, and how often your cat uses the bed rather than treating every cleanup as a full wash.

Wash the removable cushion

  • Place the cushion in a laundry bag.
  • Select a cold, gentle cycle and use mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach.
  • After washing, reshape the cushion while it is damp.
  • Leave it to air dry fully before returning it to the tunnel.

Do not tumble dry or iron the cushion. Plan the wash for a time when you can leave it out long enough to dry. There is no single drying time that suits every home: airflow, room conditions, and how much moisture remains after washing will affect it.

Check more than the surface before reassembling the bed. The cushion should be dry throughout, including its thicker center and base. Keep another familiar resting option available while it is being cleaned.

Wipe the structured tunnel panels

The tunnel combines plush, mesh, fabric, and zippers with 1 mm polypropylene panels that provide structure. Treat the tunnel as a wipe-clean assembly, even though its outer surface feels soft.

Use a well-wrung damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the areas that need it. Work gently and avoid saturating the material. Use a clean, well-wrung cloth to remove any remaining detergent, then leave the panels to air dry fully.

Do not soak the tunnel panels or put them in the washing machine. The cushion’s machine-washable care instructions do not apply to the rest of the product. If a stain or spill cannot be addressed with the recommended wipe-clean method, ask support before trying a stronger treatment.

Reassemble only when everything is dry

Check the tunnel and cushion again before putting them together. Confirm that the zippers are properly closed and that the entrances and mesh sides are clear. Place the bed back on a stable, level surface with room to approach both openings.

If you are cleaning before storage, apply the same fully-dry rule. Do not fold away damp panels or pack a damp cushion into a closed space.

Common care questions

Can I wash the entire tunnel bed together?

No. Wash the removable cushion separately in a laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle. Clean the structured tunnel panels with a well-wrung damp cloth and mild detergent.

How often does it need cleaning?

Check it regularly and clean according to use. Remove accumulated fur, address spills, and wash the cushion when it needs it. Follow the recommended methods each time rather than increasing heat or using harsh products to speed things up.

Can I replace a worn cushion or panel?

Replacement cushions and panels are available to purchase through support, subject to availability and current pricing. Contact ITNaps support or email support@itnapspets.com with a photo and the part you need.

For the construction details and full measurements, visit the ITNaps Cat Tunnel Bed product page.