Summary
Keep your furry friend healthy by regularly washing their dog toys! Toys can harbor bacteria and parasites. For hard rubber/plastic toys, scrub with soapy water or a vinegar solution, rinse, and air dry. Soft/plush toys can often be machine washed on a gentle cycle (check labels), and microwaving briefly after washing can further sanitize (use caution!). Rope toys also benefit from machine washing. For bones, boil them to sanitize. Aim to wash toys every two weeks. Discard any broken or excessively dirty toys. Using natural cleaners like vinegar solutions is a safe option.
Why is There a Need to Clean Dog Toys?
If you don’t feel like washing your dog’s toys or are not inspired enough, you should know how unhealthy it can be. Dog toys carry every parasite and germ and are often among your home’s top 10 germiest items.
Dogs generally use their mouth to play with toys. When they do so, they ingest the germs present on the toy and can cause contagious diseases like canine parvovirus and kennel cough.
If your dog smokes more than other dogs, you are also at risk of getting those viruses into your body.
How to Wash Dog Toys?
Dog toys can be of varied shapes and materials. And hence, there are various ways of washing and cleaning them.
Hard and Rubber Toys
Keep in mind to always read the instructions given for cleaning the toy. These types of toys should not be washed in a dishwasher or washing machine as they can deform the toy’s shape and release harmful chemicals.
The steps to wash chewing toys made of rubber, plastic, and nylon are as follows.
Step 1. Brush off the Dirt and Debris
Use a toothbrush to sway the dirt, grass, and food particles. This is the first step in cleaning the toy before you move on to disinfect it of germs.
Step 2. Soak the in Warm, Soapy Water
Fill the sink or any utensil you use in the cleaning process with warm water, and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Instead, you can use a solution of half water and half vinegar instead of dish soap.
Hold the toy and scrub it with a sponge or by your hand. Ensure that the toy is cleaned as efficiently as possible so that no dust particles are stuck.
Step 3. Wash in Cold Running Water
Now wash the toy under cold water, squeeze water from it, and let it dry on a towel to soak the remaining water.
Step 4. Sanitize Your Dog Toys with Hot Water
After washing and cleaning your dog’s toy, it is time to sanitize it by keeping them in hot water. After that, put them on a towel to air dry.
Step 5. Clean Regularly
It would help to clean the dog toys regularly to keep them germ-free.
How to Wash Soft, Stuffed, and Rope Dog Toys
These toys require a different way of cleaning because of their soft and absorbing material. The fabric of a toy can easily absorb dust, drool, and moisture. The steps for cleaning stuffed, smooth, and rope dog toys are as follows.
Step 1. Remove Dirt and Debris
Use a wire comb with narrow bristles or a toothbrush to clean the dog toy’s dirt, debris, food particles, and grass.
Step 2. Time to Wash the Toy in the Washing Machine
It is the best way to clean a soft dog toy. Make sure to check the tag on the toy to see if they are washable. Use mild detergent or no detergent and wash them in a gentle cycle.
Step 3. Microwave the Soft and Stuffed Toy
Before keeping the toy in the microwave to kill bacteria, ensure it is crud-free. Now, run the microwave for a maximum of 1 minute and remove it from the microwave carefully as it might be hot.
Step 4. Clean Regularly
Washing and cleaning must be done regularly to avoid diseases and infections.
Step 4. Do Not Use Bleach
You might kill your dog while using bleach. You should not take risks and try to use another cleansing product.
How to wash Plush Dog Toys
The least complicated is cleaning your dog’s plush toys. You need to note that it requires a sunny day if possible.
Step 1. Put the Dog Toy in the Washing Machine
You can wash the plush toys in a washing machine by adding a small amount of detergent or the solution made by adding half water and half vinegar.
Step 2. Squeeze Out the Excess Water
Remember to squeeze the dog toy, so it has no water and moisture content, which decreases the drying process.
Step 3. Let the Dog Toy Dry
Keep the toy in sun heat, or leave it to air dry only.
Sanitizing Dog Bones
It is a good idea to give your dog treats by giving them chewing bones. But you need to note that fresh bones need sterilization to kill bacteria and germs lying on them before giving them to your canine friend.
You must follow these steps to sanitize your dog’s chewing bone:
- Keep the bone in a pot of hot boiling water. To be completely immersed, the water level must be 2 inches higher than the bone.
- Let the water boil for more than 30 minutes.
- Now, wait for the bone to come at room temperature
- Remove excess meat from the bone before giving it to your dog.
Tips for Cleaning Dog Toys
Most dog owners know how to wash their toys, but some practical tips will not cost you more.
When you look at your dog’s playing toys and look nasty and gross, it is time to buck up and start the cleaning campaign.
Here are some of them which will spike up your washing process.
Using Natural Sanitizing Agent
Soaps and many cleansing products may provide a better result but also incorporate chemicals. Considering this, using an alternative is a good idea.
Keeping the dog toy in 5% vinegar and warm water solution for 10-15 minutes and then scrubbing it to remove dirt will help you, as other cleansing products do, without adding more chemicals to the dog’s toy.
Cleaning Outdoor Toys More Often
We know outdoor toys are stinky and contain moisture, dirt, and debris.
Always try to clean outdoor toys more than indoor toys, as they need more cleaning. Keeping it outside the house won’t help you; you must take charge of it.
If the dog’s toy is extra dirty and nasty, then soak it for a bit longer and then do the scrub and wash.
Rotating
Try to make sets of your dog’s toys to make it easier for you to clean them accordingly. Give your dog the first set to play with when you wash the other set.
Making sets can also increase the life of the dog toy, as your dog might feel bored playing with the same set for quite a long. Next time, give another set and wash the first one.
Showing Excitement When You are Returning the Toy
Washing the toy might be troublesome for your dog as it will feel that the toy’s “mojo” has been lost, and you will not be interested in playing with it.
Now, you have to make a game out of it rather than throwing it for the dog. Your dog will feel the same and accept the toy if you are excited.
Cleaning the Toy Bin
Cleaning your dog’s toy bin can help you decrease the bacteria on the dog’s toys. The concentration of bacteria in the dog’s toy bin is relatively higher than in other areas. The dog’s bin needed to be 100% sanitized all the time.
What can you wash dog toys with
To clean your dog’s toys, you can wash them with soap and warm water. Use a mild dish soap or pet-safe cleaning product and scrub the toys thoroughly with a soft brush or sponge.
Rinse the toys well with warm water and allow them to air dry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or disinfectants on your dog’s toys, as these can be toxic if ingested.
It is also a good idea to regularly inspect your dog’s toys for signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged or broken toys.
This will help keep your dog safe and prevent choking hazards.
How Often Should You Wash Dog Toys?
Washing and cleaning your dog’s toys must be done periodically. You need not fit this into your daily schedule, but washing your dog’s toy every two weeks must be done. This way, you can protect yourself and your dog from dirt and bacteria.
When to Toss the Dog Toy?
You have to identify if the dog toy is worth keeping or not. Some stains are impossible to get rid of. Broken toys must be tossed.
Ensure leftover toys are not in your home, as the dog might gulp them, resulting in choking. Bring new toys and rewards to treat your dog.
Always remember not to neglect your furry friend’s health and hygiene. Take some time to manage and sort your dog’s toys every few weeks.
Keeping your dog’s toy clean can help you invest in their fitness, so you must know how to wash dog toys.
Now that we are at the end of the article, you should get into your habit and clean your dog’s toys so they last longer and don’t give off a foul odor.
This ultimate guide to washing dog toys helped you and provided the much-needed tips.
