Your dog’s toys go through a lot: chewing, dragging, and rolling through mystery puddles. But while your pup loves their well-worn favorites, those toys can turn into a breeding ground for germs (and some seriously questionable smells). That’s why it’s important to know how to wash dog toys properly.
“Dogs often chew, lick, and play with their toys, transferring bacteria, germs, and even mold onto the toys,” notes Myriam Doré, an animal health technician. “If not cleaned regularly, this can lead to skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, and oral infections.”
Luckily, washing your dog’s toys is relatively easy, and your dog will thank you for it, probably right before they get them dirty again! Let’s look at some of the best ways to keep those toys clean and ready for playtime.
Why It’s Important to Clean Dog Toys Regularly
We all know dogs love their toys. But have you ever considered what might be lurking on the ones they play with the most? Regularly cleaning your dog's toys isn't just about keeping them looking nice; it's essential for your pup's health.
Dog toys can act like magnets for all sorts of yucky stuff. In fact, a survey by Petco revealed that nearly one-third of pet parents are unaware that their pets' toys can collect dirt, bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Every time your dog chews on a toy, saliva transfers onto it. This creates the exact moist environment bacteria need to thrive. Toys dragged around outside can pick up even more dirt and grime.
Here are some health issues that dirty dog toys can cause:
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Bacterial infections: Harmful bacteria like E. Coli and Staphylococcus can colonize on unclean toys, potentially leading to infections if ingested or if they enter through small cuts inside your dog's mouth.
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Allergies: Myriam explains, “Toys can collect allergens and food residue, triggering allergies or skin irritations, especially in sensitive dogs.”
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Bad breath: “Toys that are frequently chewed can accumulate food particles and saliva, contributing to bad breath,” notes Myriam.
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Parasites: Parasites are often found in the dirt. If your dog’s toy rolls around in the dirt and then they chew on it, they may ingest parasites.
Regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of infection and allergies. Plus, clean dog toys tend to hold up longer than dirty ones, which might save you some money in the long run.
So, How Often Should You Wash Dog Toys?
Keeping your dog’s toys clean is important for your pup’s health. But how often should you give these toys a good scrub?
Well, it depends on how often your dog uses these toys. Your dog’s absolute favorite toys should be cleaned weekly (or more often if they get especially dirty). While toys that are used less frequently usually only need to be cleaned monthly. Finally, toys your dog rarely plays with may only need to be cleaned every couple of months.
Additionally, treat dispensing toys, like Earth Rated’s Enrichment Toy, will need to be cleaned each time after use.
Some toys may need to be cleaned more often, depending on what they’re made of. Soft toys tend to harbor more moisture and bacteria than hard toys.
If a toy is primarily used outside, it can get dirtier much faster than an inside toy, too. A toy your dog plays fetch with daily outside may need to be wiped down or rinsed off after each play session.
Dogs that drool a lot may also lead to dirtier toys that need more frequent cleaning.
Best Methods for Washing Different Types of Dog Toys
How to Wash Plush Dog Toys
The vast majority of stuffed toys can be cleaned in a washing machine. This method is the best option in most cases, especially if the toy has no delicate parts. For squeaky dog toys, toys with delicate stitching, or those labeled to avoid a washing-machine, it's best to wash them by hand to prevent damage.
Myriam agrees: “If the toy is fabric-based and machine-washable, just throw it in the laundry for an easy clean.”
Step-by-Step Instructions for Using a Washing Machine:
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Preparation: Place the toys in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash cycle.
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Detergent: Use a mild, pet-safe detergent to avoid any harmful residues.
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Cycle settings: Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the toy's material and care instructions.
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Drying: After washing, either air-dry the toys or use a low-heat setting in your dryer. High heat can damage soft dog toys or cause them to shrink.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hand-Washing Plush Toys:
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Prepare the soap: Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of pet-safe soap or a half-water, half-vinegar solution. Myriam explains, “A mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1) is a safe and natural disinfectant.”
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Cleaning: Submerge your dog’s plush toys and gently scrub them, paying extra attention to soiled areas.
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Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the toy under clean water to remove all soap residues.
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Drying: Squeeze out excess water and allow the toy to air-dry completely before returning it to your dog.
How to Wash Rubber, Plastic & Hard Dog Toys
Keeping hard and plastic toys clean is much easier than washing plush toys. Often, a quick wipe down is all that’s required.
“Many brands offer durable rubber toys that are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up even easier and safer. I love Earth Rated toys for many reasons, but this one is my favorite. Even after several trips to the dishwasher, they're still in excellent condition,” explains Myriam.
It’s best not to put toys in the dishwasher that aren’t explicitly dishwasher-safe. Interactive dog toys with electronic components and certain materials aren’t suitable for a dishwasher. Instead, these toys should be hand-washed.
Step-by-Step Hand-Washing Instructions for Hard Toys:
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Preparation: Rinse the toy under warm water to remove loose debris.
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Cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a pet-safe cleaner or mild dish soap. You can use a natural cleaning solution, too, like equal parts vinegar and water.
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Scrubbing: Use a brush to scrub the toy, focusing on crevices where dirt accumulates.
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Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the toy to eliminate any soap residue.
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Drying: Let the toy air-dry completely before giving it back to your dog.
How to Clean Rope Toys
Many dogs love rope toys, but they can be a bit more challenging to clean. Their fibrous nature makes them prone to accumulating dirt and bacteria. So, what’s the best way to clean them?
Typically, we recommend boiling to sanitize rope toys. This method kills all the bacteria on the toy without damaging the fibers. Alternatively, you can also soak the toy and place it in the microwave, which does the same thing!
Handwashing is another option, especially if the toy isn’t particularly dirty or made of very large fibers. But handwashing doesn’t always get inside the fibers and eliminate all the bacteria. In many cases, boiling is a better solution.
How to Clean Dog Rope Toys Using the Boiling Method:
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Remove debris: Shake off any loose dirt or debris from the toy.
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Boil water: Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge the rope toy and bring it to a rolling boil.
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Boil the toy: Place the rope toy into the boiling water carefully. Let it boil for about 5 minutes to ensure deep cleaning.
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Remove and dry: Using tongs, carefully remove the toy from the water. Allow it to cool and then squeeze out excess water.
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Dry thoroughly: Place the toy in a well-ventilated area to air dry completely before giving it back to your dog.
How to Sanitize and Deodorize Dog Toys Naturally
There are plenty of natural ways to clean your dog's toys. Here are some pet-safe cleaning solutions you might already have at home:
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Vinegar and water: A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water is effective for cleaning and deodorizing dog toys. The acidity of the vinegar can help break down dirt and neutralize odors.
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Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. This mild abrasive scrub can help remove stains and odors from toys.
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Hydrogen peroxide dilution: A diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide (typically 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal part of water) can serve as a natural disinfectant. Be sure to rinse well after use.
Sanitizing dog toys is especially important after an illness, exposure to dirt, or sharing with other pets. In these cases, the likelihood of harmful germs being on the toys is higher, which requires sanitation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Dog Toys
While cleaning your dog’s toys is important, certain practices can accidentally harm your pup. Some of the most common cleaning mistakes include:
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Using harsh chemicals: Many household cleaners contain substances like bleach, which can be harmful to dogs.
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Not rinsing thoroughly: Even when using pet-safe cleaners and natural disinfectants, failing to rinse toys can cause residue buildup, which can upset your pup’s tummy.
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Drying incorrectly: Improper drying methods can damage the toy and lead to mold growth. Be sure to place the drying toy somewhere with good ventilation.
How to Keep Dog Toys Cleaner for Longer
There are ways to keep your dog’s toys cleaner for longer, which can stretch out the time between sanitation sessions.
Here are some tips to keep your dog’s toys clean:
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Use bins or breathable containers: Store your dog's toys in designated bins or breathable containers to minimize exposure to dust and dirt.
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Separate indoor and outdoor toys: Keep outdoor toys outside and inside toys indoors. This will keep your inside toys cleaner for longer.
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Quick wipe-downs: “If you're on the go, Earth Rated wipes offer a quick and convenient solution. These wipes are made with gentle ingredients and are gentle enough for your pet’s toys,” advises Myriam. “They effectively remove dirt and bacteria, making them perfect for cleaning rubber toys when you're out and about.”
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Rotate toys: Implement a toy rotation system by swapping out sets of toys weekly. This approach not only keeps your dog engaged with "new" toys but also reduces the wear and tear on individual toys.
Final Tips for Maintaining a Clean & Healthy Playtime
On top of regularly cleaning your dog’s toys, be sure to inspect them regularly for signs of damage. Damaged toys can break during playtime, leading to choking hazards and/or injuries. If a toy is beyond repair, it’s best to replace it.
Establish a consistent cleaning schedule and inspect each toy during the cleaning process. Setting reminders on your phone or writing it on your calendar can help ensure you don’t miss a cleaning session. You can also incorporate toy cleaning into other routines you already have, like spring cleaning, sanitizing your dog’s bowl, or washing your dog.
By staying on top of cleaning your dog’s toys, you can help prevent illnesses, tummy troubles, and bad breath, so they're always happy and ready for more play sessions!
