Dog toys go through quite a lot. They’re chewed, carried around the house, dropped on the floor, taken into the garden, and sometimes left in places you’d rather not think about. Add in saliva, mud, hair, and leftover food, and it’s easy to see why they can quickly start looking and smelling less than fresh.
Knowing how to wash dog toys properly can help keep them cleaner, fresher, and in good condition for longer. The key is choosing the right cleaning method for the type of toy you’re dealing with, whether it’s soft, rubber, plastic, rope or filled with treats. So, allow us to show you the way!
How Should You Wash Dog Toys?
The best way to wash a dog toy depends on what it’s made from. Soft and plush toys may be suitable for the washing machine, while rubber, plastic, and nylon toys are usually easy to clean by hand in warm, soapy water. Rope toys need a thorough rinse and plenty of drying time, as dirt and moisture can become trapped between the fibres.
Whatever method you use, make sure the toy is rinsed properly and completely dry before giving it back to your dog.
Why Is It Important to Clean Dog Toys?
Dog toys regularly come into contact with your dog’s mouth, food, floors, and outdoor surfaces. Over time, dirt, saliva, and food residue can build up on the surface or settle inside seams, grooves, and treat openings.
Regular cleaning can help to:
- Remove visible dirt and unpleasant smells
- Clear away dried food and treats
- Keep soft toys feeling fresher
- Make it easier to spot damage
- Keep the toy basket cleaner
- Help toys stay usable for longer
Check the Toy Before Washing It
Before putting anything in the washing machine or filling the sink, take a close look at the toy.
Check for:
- Cracked plastic
- Split or damaged rubber
- Frayed rope
- Open seams
- Exposed stuffing
- Loose squeakers
- Sharp edges
- Small parts that may break away
- Moisture trapped inside
Remove any remaining treats before washing and take out batteries or removable electronic parts where possible.
If pieces are already coming loose or the toy is badly damaged, don’t try to repair it simply by washing it. A fresh toy is a safer choice.
How to Wash Soft and Plush Dog Toys
Check the care label first. If the toy is machine washable, place it in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it and contain any loose stuffing. Use a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild, fragrance-free detergent and avoid fabric softener and strongly scented products. An extra rinse can help remove any detergent left behind.
Reshape the toy after washing and leave it to air-dry for at least 24 hours, as thicker toys may still be damp inside.
How to Hand-Wash Soft Dog Toys
Hand washing is best for toys with delicate squeakers, glued-on details, no clear care label, or surface-clean-only instructions.
Wash the toy in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent, then rinse thoroughly. Press out excess water without twisting and leave it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
For surface-clean-only toys, wipe them with a damp cloth rather than fully soaking them.
How to Wash Squeaky Dog Toys
Squeaky toys can be slightly trickier because water may become trapped around or inside the squeaker, making the squeak less effective.
Some soft squeaky toys can be machine washed, but you should always follow the instructions on the label. When you’re unsure, hand washing is usually the safer option.
Try not to fully submerge toys with small holes where water can enter but may struggle to drain back out. After cleaning, squeeze and turn the toy to check whether any water remains inside.
If the squeaker becomes loose, exposed or damaged, it’s time to replace the toy.
How to Wash Rubber and Plastic Dog Toys
Rubber, plastic, and nylon toys are generally straightforward to clean by hand. Start by removing any food or treats, place the toy in warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid, then use a cloth or brush to scrub the surface.
An old toothbrush or bottle brush can be useful for cleaning:
- Treat openings
- Textured surfaces
- Small grooves
- Narrow gaps
- Hard-to-reach corners
Once clean, rinse the toy thoroughly under fresh running water. Check that there’s no soap or food left inside, shake out any trapped water, and leave it to air-dry.
How to Wash Rope Dog Toys
Check the care label first. Machine-washable rope toys can be placed in a laundry bag and cleaned on the recommended cycle. Otherwise, hand-wash them in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent, then rinse thoroughly. Hang them somewhere well ventilated and make sure the centre is fully dry before use.
Replace rope toys once they become heavily frayed or loose fibres start pulling away.
How to Clean Treat Toys and Lick Mats
Treat toys, lick mats, and puzzle feeders should be washed after each use to prevent food building up in small gaps. Simply take apart any removable pieces and wash them in warm, soapy water. Use a toothbrush or bottle brush for narrow openings, then rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Only use the dishwasher if the manufacturer confirms the item is dishwasher safe.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe for Dog Toys?
For most washable toys, a small amount of mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent or gentle washing-up liquid should be enough. The most important step is rinsing thoroughly afterwards.
Avoid using:
- Bleach
- Concentrated disinfectants
- Strong degreasers
- Fabric softener
- Strongly fragranced sprays
- Household cleaners designed for floors or worktops
Always take precaution: A product may be suitable for cleaning the home without being suitable for something your dog will carry in its mouth.
How Often Should You Wash Dog Toys?
There isn’t one cleaning schedule that will suit every dog. Some toys stay indoors and are only used occasionally, so they won’t get too mucky. Meanwhile others are carried between the garden, kitchen, and dog bed several times a day, meaning they’ve acquired a grey-ish tinge within a week.
As a general guide:
- Wash lick mats and treat toys after every use
- Clean outdoor toys whenever they become muddy
- Wash soft and rope toys when they look dirty or start to smell
- Clean frequently used toys weekly or fortnightly
- Wash the toy basket when you clean the toys inside it
TOP TIP: Always rotate toys. Keeping a few clean toys aside means your dog still has something to play with while the others are being washed and dried.
When Should You Replace a Dog Toy?
Even well-made toys won’t last forever, especially if your dog is an enthusiastic chewer.
Replace a toy when:
- Pieces are breaking away
- Stuffing is exposed
- A squeaker has become loose
- Rope fibres are coming away
- Sharp edges have developed
- Cracks are trapping food and dirt
- The toy stays damp inside
- It still smells after washing
- It’s become badly misshapen
It’s worth checking toys regularly rather than waiting for them to fall apart. And when it’s time to refresh the toy basket, explore Yorkshire Trading’s range of affordable dog toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wash Dog Toys in the Washing Machine?
Many soft and plush dog toys can be machine washed, provided the care label says it’s safe. Use a gentle cycle, place the toy in a laundry bag, and allow it to air-dry completely afterwards.
Can You Wash Dog Toys With Washing-Up Liquid?
A small amount of mild washing-up liquid can be used on many rubber, plastic, and nylon toys. Make sure they’re rinsed thoroughly so no soap remains on or inside the toy.
Can You Wash Dog Toys With Normal Laundry Detergent?
You can use a small amount of mild, preferably fragrance-free laundry detergent when the toy’s label allows machine washing. Avoid fabric softener and use an extra rinse if needed.
How Do You Wash Dog Toys With Squeakers?
Follow the care label and hand-wash the toy when you’re unsure whether the squeaker can cope with a washing machine. Avoid trapping water inside and replace the toy if the squeaker becomes exposed.
Can Rubber Dog Toys Go in the Dishwasher?
Only place rubber toys in the dishwasher when the manufacturer confirms they’re dishwasher safe. If there are no clear instructions, wash them by hand instead.