How to Wash Dog Toys: 7 Simple Steps for a Squeaky Clean Playtime

Your dog’s toy basket is likely a treasure trove of well-loved, slobber-covered companions. From squeaky squirrels to tough rubber balls, these toys provide hours of fun and comfort. But let’s be honest, they can get pretty grimy. Learning how to wash dog toys correctly is a simple but vital part of being a responsible pet parent. A regular cleaning routine not only gets rid of dirt and drool but also eliminates germs and bacteria, keeping your best friend healthy and their favorite toys in good shape for many more play sessions.

Keeping your pup’s playthings clean doesn’t have to be a complicated chore. In fact, with a few simple techniques, you can easily tackle the whole collection. The process for cleaning dog toys varies depending on the material, whether it’s a soft, cuddly plush or a durable rubber bone. This guide will walk you through the best methods for each type, ensuring you can do it safely and effectively. We’ll cover everything from machine washing to hand washing and even how to disinfect toys for ultimate peace of mind.

Why You Should Clean Your Dog’s Toys Regularly

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” You wouldn’t let your dog eat out of a dirty bowl, and their toys deserve the same level of hygiene. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Bacteria and Germs: A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. When they chew on toys, that bacteria transfers and multiplies, creating a less-than-sanitary environment. Toys that are left outside or dropped on the floor can also pick up yeast, mold, and other germs that could make your dog sick.
• Dirt and Grime: Toys, especially those taken to the park or on walks, accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and allergens. Regular washing removes these irritants.
• Toy Longevity: A good cleaning can extend the life of your dog’s favorite toys. It prevents grime from breaking down fabrics and materials over time.
• Household Cleanliness: Clean toys mean a cleaner house. You won’t have to worry about a dirty, slobbery toy being dropped on your couch or bed.

As a general rule, aim to wash your dog’s toys every one to two weeks, or more often if they are particularly well-loved or get visibly dirty. For more vet-approved advice on pet health, check out the helpful videos on the Revprofs YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Revprofs.

How to Wash Dog Toys

The best cleaning method depends entirely on what the toy is made of. Always check the toy’s label for specific care instructions. If there’s no label, use our guide below to determine the safest and most effective approach.

1. Cleaning Hard Rubber and Plastic Toys

Hard toys made of rubber, plastic, or nylon are often the easiest to clean. These include popular items like Kongs, chew bones, and puzzle feeders. Many of these are even advertised as dishwasher safe dog toys, which is a huge time-saver.

Dishwasher Method (The Easy Way):

• Check for Dishwasher Safety: First, confirm the toy is dishwasher safe. Most durable brands will state this on their packaging or website.
• Load Them Up: Place the toys on the top rack of your dishwasher. The top rack is further from the heating element, preventing potential warping or melting.
• Skip the Soap: Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle without detergent. The hot water and powerful spray are usually enough to sanitize the toys effectively. Regular dishwasher detergents can leave behind chemical residues that are harmful if ingested.
• Air Dry: Once the cycle is complete, let the toys air dry completely before returning them to your pup.

Hand-Washing Method (The Gentle Way):

If a toy isn’t dishwasher safe or you prefer to hand-wash, this method works perfectly for cleaning rubber dog toys.

• Prepare Your Sink: Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap.
• Scrub Away: Use a dedicated brush or sponge (one you don’t use for your own dishes) to scrub the toys thoroughly. Pay extra attention to any crevices or holes where dirt and old treats can get stuck. A bottlebrush works great for the inside of treat-dispensing toys.
• Rinse Well: This is a crucial step! Rinse the toys under running water until all soap residue is gone. You don’t want your dog ingesting any soap.
• Dry Completely: Let the toys air dry or wipe them with a clean towel.

2. Washing Plush Dog Toys

Soft, cuddly toys are often a dog’s favorite for snuggling, but they also act like sponges for drool, dirt, and bacteria. Fortunately, washing plush dog toys is a lot like doing a load of delicate laundry.

Machine Washing Method:

• Check for Damage: Before tossing a plush toy in the washer, inspect it for any rips, tears, or loose parts like plastic eyes. You don’t want stuffing or small pieces coming loose and damaging your machine. Perform any needed “toy surgery” with a needle and thread first.
• Use a Laundry Bag: Place the plush toys in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the cycle. This prevents them from getting overly tangled or snagged.
• Choose a Pet-Safe Detergent: This is very important. Use a gentle, fragrance-free, and pet-safe laundry detergent. Many natural or “free and clear” detergents are good options. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they contain chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin or stomach.
• Run a Gentle Cycle: Wash the toys on a delicate cycle using cold or warm water.
• Air Dry: Tumble drying can damage plush toys, melt plastic parts, or shrink the fabric. It’s safest to hang them to air dry or lay them flat on a towel. Make sure they are 100% dry on the inside to prevent mold growth.

3. Cleaning Rope Toys

Rope toys are fantastic for a game of tug-of-war and can even help clean your dog’s teeth. However, they can also get smelly and frayed.

• Hand Wash or Machine Wash: You can wash rope toys by hand in a sink with mild soap and hot water, rinsing thoroughly. Alternatively, you can place them in a mesh bag and wash them in the washing machine on a hot cycle.
• The Microwave Trick (for sanitizing): A quick way to disinfect a rope toy is to microwave it. First, make sure the toy is completely wet and contains NO plastic or metal parts. Place the damp rope toy in the microwave and heat it for about one minute. The steam created will kill most of the germs. Be extremely careful when removing it, as it will be very hot. Let it cool down completely before giving it back to your dog.

4. How to Disinfect Dog Toys Naturally

Sometimes, a toy needs a deeper clean, especially if your dog has been sick or if you’ve brought home a toy from the shelter. Learning how to disinfect dog toys without using harsh chemicals is key to your pet’s safety.

A simple and effective DIY dog toy cleaner and disinfectant can be made with distilled white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that is non-toxic to dogs.

• Create the Solution: Mix a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle or basin.
• Soak or Spray: For hard toys, you can let them soak in the solution for about 15-30 minutes. For plush toys, a light spray might be better to avoid oversaturation.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After disinfecting, you must rinse the toys very well with plain water to remove the vinegar smell and taste. Most dogs are not fans of the taste of vinegar!
• Dry Completely: Let the toys air dry fully before returning them to the toy bin.

For more information on household products that are safe for pets, the Pet Poison Helpline is an excellent resource.

A Note on When to Throw a Toy Away

Even with regular cleaning, there comes a time when a toy is beyond saving. For your dog’s safety, it’s important to know when to say goodbye. Learn how to pick the perfect toy for your dog’s play style.

Inspect toys weekly and discard them if you see:

• Cracks or sharp pieces on hard toys.
• Plush toys that are ripped open with stuffing coming out.
• Rope toys that are so frayed they could be swallowed.
• Any toy with pieces broken off that could become a choking hazard.

No toy is indestructible. By regularly checking their condition, you can prevent accidents and ensure playtime stays safe. For a great selection of high-quality toys built to last, you can check out retailers like Homes Alive Pets

Making Toy Cleaning a Habit

Building toy cleaning into your regular routine is the best way to stay on top of it. Try picking a “toy wash day” every couple of weeks. It’s a small task that makes a big difference in your dog’s health and well-being. Discover more simple habits for a healthier pet.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your dog’s favorite playthings are not just fun, but also safe and clean. It gives you peace of mind, and it gives your dog a fresh, sanitary set of toys to enjoy. So, gather up that pile of slobbery treasures and get washing—your pup will thank you for it! Find out other ways to enrich your dog’s daily life.