How to Clean Dog Toys

Dog toys–from balls and discs to rubber toys to plushies–are good clean fun for dogs–but, when those toys are soiled, do you know the best ways to clean dog toys?

If you’re a dog parent, you’ll appreciate how much fun your pets can have with squeaky chews and rubber toys. It’s possible to spend hours in the park playing fetch with your canine friend and toys are a fantastic way of interacting with your dog.

However, it stands to reason that with excessive use, our animal companion’s favorite toys can become grubby and in need of a good wash. If you’re concerned about doing this without putting your dog’s health or well being at risk, take a look at our simple guide.

How Often Should You Clean Dog Toys?

Although doting pet parents might consider their dogs to be furry children, canines routinely tolerate less than sanitary conditions. Their toys don’t necessarily need to be washed every time you notice a spot of dirt.

Limit your washing to times when toys are covered in mud and you’re expecting small children to visit your home, who love nothing more than giving chew toys a try for themselves!

Wash stuffable toys every time you add food and treats.

Editor’s note: During this time, you’ll want to clean dog toys more than you might routinely clean them. If your dog’s toys are handled by people outside your family or if your dog drops a toy on a newly-delivered package, take the time to clean your toy, even if it’s not soiled.

Cleaning Soft Toys

The best way to wash cloth or fabric toys is to place them in an old pillowcase and wash them on a cool cycle in the washing machine.

It’s also advisable to use less soap than you normally would. You might love nothing more than the smell of fresh linen, but it’s unlikely that your Golden Retriever will enjoy the taste when they’re chewing on their toys.

The same can be said if you’re washing dog bedding.

Make sure it’s washed on a cool cycle and completely dry before you lay it out for your pet to sleep on.

If you’re looking to buy dog bedding, including baskets and mattresses, you can find a wide selection online at UK-based Feedem Pet Supermarket. For readers in the US, online retailers like PetSmart have an equally extensive choice of pet beds and supplies.

Can You Use Bleach to Clean Dog Toys?

When you want to disinfect something, it’s a natural tendency to make a grab for the bleach. However, this is where a lot of people have concerns about washing their pet’s toys.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests that cleaning toys in bleach is fine, provided it is diluted and the toys are fully rinsed after cleaning. ASPCA even has an online calculator for diluting bleach for use in pet households.

If you’re still unsure about using bleach, the ASPCA suggests a mild dishwashing liquid.

Use Vinegar to Clean Dog Toys

These days, we’re all encouraged to swap our typical cleaning products for natural substances like vinegar, baking powder and lemon. As well as being better for the environment, these alternatives are suggested as being better for our health.

You can use a simple half vinegar, half water solution to clean dog toys.

Simply leave them to soak and brush off any dried dirt or mud.

Avoid using lemon in this process; although lemon juice eliminates bad odors, it could be unpleasant for your dog.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.