How to Clean Dog Toys Using Simple Methods That Actually Work

Every time your dog grabs their favorite toy, they’re not just picking up fun, they’re picking up bacteria, germs, dirt, and who knows what else from the last dozen play sessions. That slobber-soaked squeaky toy or muddy rope might seem harmless, but it could be harboring dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus that can make your furry friend seriously sick. 

Learning how to properly clean dog toys isn’t just about keeping things tidy it’s essential for your pet’s health and wellbeing. 

Cleaning Frequency Guide

Universal Cleaning Supplies

Basic Materials:

• Warm water
• Pet-safe detergent (unscented, fragrance-free)
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Clean towels
• White vinegar (for disinfecting)

Optional Based on Toy Type:

• Mesh laundry bag (for machine washing)
• Baking soda (odor removal)
• Old toothbrush (for textured surfaces)
• Microfiber cloth

Safety Warnings

⚠️ Before and after cleaning:

• Check for damaged squeakers or exposed stuffing (choking hazard)
• Inspect for missing chunks, deep cracks, or sharp edges
• Examine rope toys for fraying or loose strings
• Replace toys showing significant wear

⚠️ During cleaning:

• Use lukewarm water to avoid burns
• Ensure proper ventilation when using vinegar
• Never use direct heat sources (radiators, dryers) for drying
• Avoid tumble drying heat destroys squeakers

General Cleaning Method

This process applies to most dog toys:

1. Pre-rinse: Remove loose dirt and debris under flowing water
2. Soak: Submerge in warm, soapy water for 5-10 minutes to loosen grime
3. Scrub: Use a brush to clean all surfaces, focusing on textured areas, grooves, and crevices where bacteria accumulates
4. Disinfect (optional): Spray with 1:1 water-vinegar solution, wait 5 minutes
5. Final rinse: Wash thoroughly until all soap residue is gone
6. Extract moisture: Squeeze gently (don’t wring) or shake off excess
7. Dry: See Complete Drying Guide below

Toy-Specific Cleaning Instructions

1. Durable Soccer Balls with Straps

Follow General Cleaning Method with these additions:

• Pay extra attention to strap underside and decorative grooves during scrubbing
• Squeeze the ball after drying to verify no internal moisture remains
• For stubborn odors, apply baking soda paste, let sit 10 minutes, then wash

Quick Maintenance: Wipe down after every 3-4 play sessions

2. Plush Squeaky Toys

Machine Washing (Preferred):

1. Inspect for holes or tears repair before washing
2. Place toys in mesh laundry bag
3. Add detergent + ½ cup vinegar to rinse cycle
4. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water
5. Run extra rinse cycle
6. Remove and gently press out moisture between towels
7. Fluff periodically while air-drying

Hand Washing Alternative:

1. Fill basin with warm, soapy water
2. Submerge and squeeze soapy water through fabric
3. Let soak 15-20 minutes
4. Gently scrub stained areas
5. Press between towels to extract water

Note: Must be completely dry before returning to the pet to prevent mold.

3. Textured Rubber Balls for Aggressive Chewers

Dishwasher Method (Easiest):

• Place on top rack
• Run normal cycle without detergent (heat sanitizes) OR use small amount of non-toxic soap
• Verify all grooves are dry before returning to dog

Hand Washing Alternative:

1. Follow General Cleaning Method using hot (not boiling) water
2. Use a small brush to clean between spikes, nubs, and grooves
3. For deep disinfection, extend vinegar soak to 10 minutes
4. Shake vigorously to expel internal water

Quick Maintenance: Rinse after each play session to prevent buildup

4. Petstages ORKA Dental Links Dog Chew Toy

For the ORKA Ring:

1. Follow General Cleaning Method
2. Use a small brush for all nubs and ridges
3. Clean inside the ring openings where rope passes through (major dirt accumulation area)
4. Shake vigorously to remove water from interior spaces

Dishwasher Option: Place ORKA ring on top rack and run normal cycle

For the Rope Section:

1. While ring soaks, work soapy water through rope by hand
2. Use firm scrubbing motion along entire length to lift embedded dirt and saliva
3. Pay extra attention to rope-ring junction points
4. Squeeze from top to bottom during rinsing to push water out
5. Continue until water runs clear

Combined Drying:

• Hang vertically with rope facing downward for gravity drainage
• Place in well-ventilated area or use a fan
• Ensure rope is 100% dry to prevent mildew and odor

Quick Maintenance: Rinse and squeeze rope section after each use to prevent moisture buildup

Complete Drying Guide

Proper drying prevents mold growth and bacterial buildup that can harm your dog’s health.

Drying Methods

1. Air Drying (Recommended for All Toys)

The safest and most effective method. Place toys in a well-ventilated area with good airflow. Position a fan 2-3 feet away to speed up the process significantly.

2. Towel Drying

Use as a first step to remove excess moisture before air drying. Press toys gently between clean, dry towels, never wring or twist, especially plush toys with squeakers.

3. Sunlight Drying (Use with Caution)

Safe for hard rubber and rope toys with limited exposure (1-2 hours maximum in indirect sunlight). Avoid plush toys (colors fade) and soft rubber (becomes brittle).

⚠️ Methods to AVOID

Never use tumble dryers (destroys squeakers), radiators, hair dryers, space heaters, or microwaves.

Positioning for Optimal Drying

• Plush toys: Lay flat on a drying rack, flip every 4-6 hours, and fluff periodically
• Rope toys: Hang vertically with rope facing downward for gravity drainage
• Rubber/plastic: Position upside down so water drains from openings
• Balls with straps: Lay on a towel and rotate every 2 hours

Test for Complete Dryness

Before returning any toy to your pet:

• Touch test: Entire surface feels dry with no coolness
• Squeeze test: No moisture appears when compressed
• Smell test: Clean smell, not musty
• Sound test: No sloshing when shaken

Drying Times

Note: Times increase significantly in humid conditions.

When to Replace Toys

Replace Immediately If:

• Exposed stuffing, squeakers, or internal components visible
• Missing chunks from rubber items (intestinal blockage risk)
• Heavy rope fraying with loose strings
• Deep cracks that harbor bacteria permanently
• Persistent mold after multiple cleaning attempts
• Foul odor that won’t dissipate
• Sharp edges or broken parts present

Warning Signs Consider Replacement Soon:

• Persistent discoloration despite cleaning
• Brittle or degraded material texture
• Completely worn smooth (no longer provides dental benefits)
• Small tears beginning at seams
• Surface cracking in rubber starting to appear
• Beginning rope unraveling

Every responsible dog owner knows that love means more than cuddles and treats it means protecting our pets from invisible dangers they can’t understand. Clean Pet Toys are an extension of the safe, healthy environment we work hard to create in our homes. When cleaning becomes routine rather than afterthought, we transform from casual pet owners into dedicated guardians of our dogs’ wellbeing.

FAQs

1. Can I use bleach to clean dog toys?

Yes, you can use diluted bleach to disinfect dog toys. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, soak the toys for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water multiple times. Ensure toys are completely dry and bleach-free before giving them back to your dog to prevent irritation.

2. Can you boil dog toys to clean them?

You can boil certain dog toys, particularly those made of rubber, silicone, or nylon, by placing them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. However, avoid boiling plush toys, toys with squeakers, or those with electronic components as heat can damage them. Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first to prevent melting or warping.

3. Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean dog toys?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) is safe for cleaning dog toys and works as a natural disinfectant. Spray or soak the toys in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes, scrub if needed, then rinse thoroughly with water. It’s gentler than bleach and breaks down into water and oxygen, making it a pet-safe cleaning option.