How to Clean Dog Toys: The Complete Guide
Dog toys are magnets for bacteria, mold, and all sorts of unpleasant things. Your dog drools on them, drops them in the dirt, hides them under the couch, and then puts them right back in their mouth. Regular cleaning isn't just about keeping things tidy — it's about protecting your dog's health.
This complete guide covers how to clean every type of dog toy safely and effectively.
Why Cleaning Dog Toys Matters
Studies have found that dog toys are among the top 10 germiest items in an average household. They can harbor:
- Staphylococcus — Can cause skin infections
- E. coli — From outdoor contamination
- Yeast and mold — From moisture trapped in fabric
- Coliform bacteria — From saliva and environmental exposure
Regular cleaning reduces these risks and extends the life of your dog's favorite toys.
How Often to Clean Dog Toys
- Plush toys: Every 1-2 weeks
- Rubber/hard toys: Weekly
- Rope toys: Every 1-2 weeks
- Interactive/treat toys: After every use
- Outdoor toys: After every outdoor session
Cleaning Plush Dog Toys
Plush toys like the Golden Goose and Champagne Bottle Plush Toy made with PAWTY's GentlePlush fabric are designed for durability, but they still need regular washing.
Machine Washing (Recommended)
- Place plush toys in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Use a gentle, pet-safe detergent (free of dyes and fragrances)
- Wash on a gentle/delicate cycle with cold or warm water
- Air dry completely before returning to your dog — trapped moisture leads to mold
Hand Washing
- Fill a basin with warm water and a small amount of pet-safe detergent
- Submerge and gently squeeze the toy to work soap through the fabric
- Rinse thoroughly — residual soap can irritate your dog's mouth
- Squeeze out excess water and air dry completely
Cleaning Rubber and Hard Toys
- Wash with warm water and mild dish soap
- Use a bottle brush to clean inside crevices and hollow areas
- For deep cleaning, soak in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for 15 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry
Cleaning Rope and Tug Toys
Rope toys are notorious for harboring bacteria in their fibers:
- Soak in a solution of warm water and pet-safe detergent for 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Microwave damp rope toys for 1 minute to kill bacteria (only if there are no metal parts)
- Let cool completely before giving to your dog
Cleaning Interactive and Treat Toys
Toys like the Fried Chicken Interactive Toy and Waffle Interactive Toy that hold treats need cleaning after every use:
- Remove all treat residue immediately after play
- Wash with warm, soapy water
- Use a small brush to clean treat compartments
- Air dry completely before refilling with treats
What NOT to Use When Cleaning Dog Toys
- Bleach — Too harsh and difficult to rinse completely
- Scented detergents — The fragrance chemicals can irritate dogs
- Fabric softeners — Leave chemical residues on toys
- Essential oils — Many are toxic to dogs
- Antibacterial sprays — Unless specifically pet-safe
Natural Cleaning Solutions
For pet parents who prefer natural options:
- White vinegar + water — Equal parts, effective against most bacteria
- Baking soda paste — For scrubbing hard toys
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) — Diluted, for disinfecting hard surfaces
Drying Tips
Proper drying is as important as washing:
- Always air dry completely — damp toys grow mold
- Place in direct sunlight when possible — UV light kills bacteria naturally
- Avoid the dryer for plush toys with squeakers — heat can damage them
- Squeeze excess water from plush toys before drying
Creating a Cleaning Schedule
Make toy cleaning part of your routine:
- Daily: Quick rinse of treat toys
- Weekly: Wash hard and rubber toys
- Bi-weekly: Machine wash plush toys
- Monthly: Deep clean and inspect all toys for damage
The Avocado Plush Toy and other GentlePlush toys are designed to withstand regular washing cycles.
Final Thoughts
Clean toys are safe toys. A regular cleaning routine protects your dog from harmful bacteria, extends the life of their favorite toys, and keeps your home smelling fresher. It takes just a few minutes each week to make a big difference in your dog's health and happiness.
