How to Clean Dog Toys: A Practical Guide
Dog toys are more than just playthings—they're essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But as much as your dog loves their favorite squeaky or chew toy, those slobbery treasures can harbor bacteria, yeast, and even mold. Keeping them clean protects both your dog and your home from unwanted germs.
Different Types of Dog Toys and How to Clean Them
Not all dog toys are created equal, so cleaning methods vary depending on what they're made of. Let’s break it down:
- Rubber, Nylon, and Plastic Toys: These are the easiest to clean. Mix warm water with a pet-safe detergent or a vinegar-water solution. Soak the toys for a bit, scrub away dirt and saliva with a brush (get into those crevices), then rinse thoroughly. Many rubber or plastic toys can go on the top rack of your dishwasher—just check the label first. After cleaning, let them air dry completely before giving them back to your pup.
- Rope Toys: Rope toys soak up moisture and can trap bacteria deep inside the fibers. Soak them in vinegar and water or a mild detergent solution. For an extra-thorough clean, toss rope toys in the washing machine inside a pillowcase or laundry bag—use hot water on a gentle cycle. Dry them well (direct sunlight works wonders). Some people microwave wet rope toys for about a minute after soaking; just make sure they cool off and dry fully before playtime resumes.
- Plush and Soft Toys: Most plush toys can handle a trip through the washing machine on a gentle cycle with pet-safe detergent. If there’s a squeaker inside, hand wash instead to avoid damage. Sprinkle baking soda on plushies to fight odors, and add white vinegar during the rinse cycle for extra freshness. Squeeze out excess water after washing; air dry or tumble dry on low heat (skip dryer sheets). Make sure everything is bone-dry before letting your dog have at it again—moisture breeds mold.
General Cleaning Tips
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, phenols, or strong detergents—they can leave behind harmful residues if your dog chews or licks the toy.
- Baking soda and white vinegar are safe, natural alternatives that help disinfect while removing odors.
- If you use detergent, always run an extra rinse cycle to get rid of any leftover soap.
- Inspect every toy after cleaning: if it’s torn, frayed, missing pieces, or looks worse for wear, toss it out to prevent choking hazards.
If you have lots of toys in rotation (lucky pup!), divide them into sets so you can clean some while others stay in use. This keeps things fresh and interesting for your dog too.
How Often Should You Clean Dog Toys?
- Toys that see heavy daily use should be cleaned weekly.
- Toys used moderately can be cleaned every two weeks to once a month.
- Seldom-used items only need monthly cleaning—or whenever they look dirty.
- Rope toys and anything that gets chewed constantly may need weekly attention.
When Is It Time to Replace Dog Toys?
- If a toy is heavily chewed up, torn open, broken apart, or missing pieces—throw it away immediately.
- Toys with musty smells or visible mold shouldn’t stick around; they’re not safe for chewing or cuddling anymore.
The Nitty-Gritty: Hand Washing vs Machine Washing
- For hard toys: Wash with warm water and pet-safe antibacterial soap; scrub thoroughly using a brush (an old toothbrush works great for tight spots). Rinse well and let air dry completely before giving back to your dog.
- For soft/plush toys: Use warm water mixed with pet-safe detergent or equal parts vinegar and water. Scrub gently by hand if needed; rinse until no soap remains; air dry thoroughly (or use low heat in the dryer without dryer sheets).
If you’re using the dishwasher for hard plastic/rubber/nylon toys: Put them on the top rack; skip regular dish soap—use vinegar instead if you want an extra-clean finish; let everything dry fully before returning it to playtime rotation.
If you’re using the washing machine for soft/plush items: Place them in mesh laundry bags so stuffing doesn’t escape if something rips open mid-cycle; stick with gentle cycles and avoid strong detergents that might irritate sensitive noses (or tummies).
A Few More Tips
- Store clean toys in bins or baskets so you can keep track of what’s been washed recently—and keep things organized!
- Check care labels whenever possible; some specialty materials may require special handling.
- If you buy new dog toys from the store, give them a wash before first use—it helps remove manufacturing residues that could irritate sensitive mouths.
Caring for your dog's favorite playthings doesn't have to be complicated—just make regular cleaning part of your routine. You'll help prevent skin irritation, infections, and keep bacteria from spreading around your home. Plus, you'll extend the life of those beloved squeakers and chew bones so playtime stays safe (and fun) for everyone involved!
