How to Clean Dog Toys: A Quick and Easy Guide

If your dog is like most of his breed, he probably has a favorite toy that he constantly chews on. Maybe she takes her for a walk or runs around the yard with her, wallowing in mud and puddles. Perhaps the toy is starting to emit an unpleasant odor. 

To learn how to clean soft toys so they look and smell like new again, read the article.

Cleaning Dog Toys: Why It Matters

If you’re too lazy to clean your dog’s toys, know that dog toys can take everything they can. They accumulate yeast, mold, staphylococcal and other bacteria. According to NSF International, they are among the ten most contagious household items. And since dogs mostly carry toys in their mouths, they lick off any bacteria that gets on those toys. If your pet loves to be cuddled, they can share these bacteria with you, so cleaning dog toys is critical to the health of all family members.

How to clean dog toys

If you’re not careful, cleaning these toys can do more harm than good. According to the American Kennel Club, “bleach, phenols, products with high concentrations of chemicals, and some detergents can cause your dog to vomit, diarrhea, and severe chemical burns.”

There are many cleaning products that are safe for pets. It is best to consult with a veterinarian or pet product expert before using them to ensure the safety of any product. If you do not want to use purchased products, you can prepare an all-natural solution. To do this, mix water with white vinegar in a ratio of 1: 1. You can use this mixture or any dog-safe detergent to clean your dog’s toys by hand or wash them in the dishwasher or washing machine.

Cleaning soft toys

When cleaning plush toys, be sure to use a pet-safe detergent, or don’t use it at all. Soft toys can be washed by hand using a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. After that, you need to dry the toys in the air or in a dryer. It is important not to use towels for drying.

Before returning the toy to your pet or putting it in the closet, make sure it is completely dry to prevent mold.

Cleaning chew toys

When cleaning chew toys, be sure to cover all holes with tape to prevent detergents from getting inside. Please note that some chew toys can become so worn out that it is not safe for your dog to use them. To prevent her from accidentally swallowing a piece of plastic or cloth, dispose of the toy as soon as holes or cracks begin to appear in it.

Divide your pet’s favorite toys into two groups and wash each one in turn. For example, you can wash toys in group #1 on the first and third weeks of the month, and toys in group #2 on the second and fourth. This way, the dog will always have a clean favorite toy to play with.

Cleaning pet toys is essential for the health of the pet and the whole family. After a full day of play, don’t forget to dedicate some time to cleaning up the dog’s mess. This will benefit both of you.