Dog Toy Cleaning Guide

Dirt, grime and slobber can quickly build up on your dog’s favourite toys, making them smelly and potentially harmful to your dog. But before you think of sending them to dog toy heaven, you may be able to get them looking as good as new again with a simple DIY clean.

I’m Pleased That I Have Brought My Favourite Toy On Holiday!

Are dirty dog toys dangerous?

Your dog’s toys have to be pretty resilient to stand up to the constant chewing and playing. However, dog toys can harbour nasty germs, bacteria and other pathogens if they are not regularly cleaned. Regularly cleaning your pups favourite toys will keep harmful germs at bay.

Keep or Bin?

Most dog play toys can be cleaned, however it’s a good idea to bin any toys that are in bad shape and potentially harmful to your pooch.

Toys to consider binning include:

• Toys with pieces missing caused by intense chewing.
• Any stuffed toys that have parts hanging off which could cause choking.
• Toys that your dog may be eating, rather than just playing with.

How to Clean Dog Toys

Most dog toys will have cleaning instructions on the label or packaging. Wherever possible, follow the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning the toys. If the tag has been removed, then search for instructions on the brands website or follow toy cleaning guidelines.

Cleaning Products

Some dog toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher or microwave, however if that is not an option for you, there is a safe DIY option. Mix one-part distilled white vinegar and one-part water and leave the toys to soak for 30 minutes. If the toys are packed with deep grime and dirt, there are a range of pet-friendly cleaning products on the market.

The cleaning method will be dependant on the type of toy. From plastic and rubber toys to rope and soft toys, here are the best methods for cleaning.

Hard Dog Toys

I’ll just lie here and chew the ball. Too hot to chase it..’

Plastic, rubber and nylon chew toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained and their teeth clean. But these toys require regular cleaning to minimise germs and bacteria in your home. Some hard toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, however only clean them in the dishwasher if the manufacturer’s guidelines state that the toy is dishwasher safe. The extreme temperatures of a dishwasher may damage the structure of the toy and potentially release harmful chemicals.

Once the toys are clean, thoroughly rinse them with clean water and leave them to dry.

Top tip: Plastic toys may fill with water when they are cleaned, so check for any water inside the toy before returning it to your dog’s play area.

Rope Dog Toys

Rope dog toys can be a little harder to clean than hard plastic toys, but it’s important to give them a thorough clean to kill bacteria, keeping your pup happy and healthy.

So, the easiest way to clean rope toys is to soak the toy in clean water and then microwave it on a high heat to kill any germs. Be careful when removing it from the microwave as it will be very hot and leave it to completely dry before allowing your dog to play with it again.

You can also sanitise rope toys in the washing machine – throw them in on a hot wash with no detergent and leave to dry.

Soft Dog Toys

The good news is most soft dog toys can be washed in the washing machine. You can use a dog-safe laundry detergent to clean and sanitise the toys or you can opt for a totally natural method of baking soda and white vinegar during the washing cycle.

Top tip: Clean the soft dog toys on a sunny day, so they can air dry naturally outside.

Dog Toy Maintenance

• Don’t leave dog toys outside. When left in the rain, dog toys can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Even when its not raining, the sun can make toys brittle, faded and release dangerous chemicals.
• Inspect your fur babies toys every couple of weeks.
• When a toy is past its best, don’t be afraid to throw it away.
• Don’t forget the toy basket. Once you have cleaned all the toys, give the basket you keep them in a good clean too!

Dog Toy Cleaning FAQ

Can you wash dog toys in washing machine?

Yes, most dog toys can be washed in the washing machine. However there are some important factors to consider to ensure the dog toys are cleaned safely.

1. Always check the label before putting a dog toy in the washing machine.
2. The type of material also matters:
   • Plush and Fabric toys – most of these dog toys can be cleaned in a washing machine, on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
   • Rubber and plastic toys – these toys are not suitable for the washing machine, instead the dog toys should be washed by hand with water and a mild detergent.
   • Rope toys – It’s important to put rope toys in a laundry bag when washing in the machine, to help prevent tangling.

Can Kongs go in the dishwasher?

Yes, hard Kong toys such as the classic Kong can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Here are some tips on how to clean dog toys in the dishwasher:

1. Always remove any food or treats from the Kong before cleaning.
2. Put the Kong on the top shelf of the dishwasher because the heat is typically less intense at the top.
3. A regular cycle should be enough to clean the dog toy.

Which laundry detergent is pet safe?

As a dog owner you may ask yourself ‘is it safe to wash dog toys with detergent?’. Mild detergents and scent free detergents are suitable for cleaning dog toys with, however do not use fabric softener. White vinegar is also a great alternative to detergent as it will clean the toys but is edible and completely non-toxic.

How to clean plush squeaky dog toys?

You can either clean plush squeaky dog toys in the washing machine or by hand. However, if you do choose to wash the toy in the washing machine, place the plush toy in a laundry bag to help prevent the squeaker from being damaged. Also opt for a cool gentle wash as a harsh spin or hot water could damage the toy.

Keeping dog toys clean doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By regularly cleaning the dog toys you can extend the life of them and avoid costly replacements. Whether you decide to wash the toys by hand or use the washing machine, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and regularly inspect the dog toys for any that are too damaged. A clean toy not only keeps your dog healthy but also enhances their playtime experience, making for a happier and healthier dog.