If you’re like most dog owners, you have a plethora of dog toys lying around your house. Also, like most dog owners, you may not know how to properly clean them all. Well, never fear! This guide is here to teach you how to clean your dog’s toys with ease.
Before you dive in, be sure to save our related article for later: How to Teach Your Dog to Put Away its Toys.
How To Clean Dog Toys
Cleaning both large and small Toys
The first step is to identify which type of toy you’re cleaning. There are three types: plush, rubber, and fabric.
For plush toys, you can use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove all the dirt and hair. You can also spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth.
For rubber toys, you can use soapy water and a sponge to clean them. Then, rinse them off with clean water and let them air dry.
For fabric toys, you can spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth. If the toy is machine-washable, you can place it in the washing machine following the instructions on the tag.
If the toy is not machine-washable, you can handwash it in soapy water.
If your dog has a favorite toy that he or she doesn’t want to share, you can also clean it quickly by wiping it down with a damp cloth or using a pet-safe disinfectant.
Once you’ve cleaned the toy, make sure to dry it completely before giving it back to your dog. Otherwise, the toy could harbor bacteria or mold. Now that you know how to clean dog toys, you don’t have to worry about your dog ingesting bacteria from them.
Cleaning Large Toys
First, you’ll want to start by taking the toy apart if possible. If the toy is made of plush material, it’s probably not safe to put it in the washing machine.
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a mild detergent. Swish the toy around in the water to loosen any dirt or grime, then rinse it off with clean water. If the toy is still dirty, you can repeat this process until it’s clean.
Once the toy is clean, make sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Then, allow it to air dry completely before giving it back to your pup.
Cleaning dog toys does not have to be a chore. With these simple tips, you can keep your pup’s toys clean and fresh – without any fuss.
How can I disinfect my dog’s toys?
It is important to disinfect your dog’s toys, especially if you have more than one dog. Dogs can transfer germs to each other through their toys, and you don’t want your dogs to get sick.
There are a few ways that you can disinfect your dog’s toys.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Put a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and scrub the toy. You can also just soak the toy in hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes.
Vinegar
Another way to disinfect your dog’s toys is to use vinegar. Put some vinegar in a bowl and soak the toy in it for about 10 minutes.
You can even use bleach to disinfect your dog’s toys. Put some bleach in a bowl and soak the toy in it for about 10 minutes. Make sure you rinse the toy off really well after you disinfect it so that your dog doesn’t ingest any of the chemicals.
Disinfecting the toys once a week should be enough to keep them clean and free of germs. If your dog likes to chew on his toys, you might want to disinfect them more often, like every day or every other day.
By keeping your dog’s toys clean, you’ll help keep your dog healthy.
How do you clean soft dog toys with squeakers?
The first step is to take the toy apart. This means removing any stuffing, squeakers, or other removable parts. Once the toy is disassembled, you can start cleaning each piece separately.
For the fabric parts of the toy, you can use a mild detergent and warm water, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt or stains. Rinse the fabric well and allow it to air dry completely before reassembling the toy.
For the squeaker, you can put it in the dishwasher or you can wash it by hand. When it comes to the stuffing, it may be easier to replace it than to clean it.
Again, make sure these parts are completely dry before reassembling the toy.
If your dog has a tendency to chew his squeaker toys, you may want to consider using a pet-safe disinfectant to clean them. This will help kill any bacteria or germs that may be present.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and test the product on an inconspicuous area of the toy first.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dog’s toys clean and free of harmful bacteria.
READ MORE: Best Exercise Pens for Dogs TESTED So You Don’t Have To! We tried the best exercise pens for dogs so your pooch can get the safe playtime they need.
FAQS
Can you wash dog toys with a fabric softener?
Some people might think that using fabric softener when washing their dog’s toys is a good idea. However, this can actually damage the toy and make it less durable. It’s best to avoid using fabric softener altogether when cleaning your dog’s toys.
If your dog’s toys are filthy, you may need to pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing. Always check the care instructions on the toy before pre-treating or washing, to be sure you’re not damaging the toy.
When washing dog toys, it’s best to use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. You may also want to put the toys in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from getting banged around in the washer.
After washing, be sure to dry the toys completely before giving them back to your pup. Toys that are left damp can mildew and become damaged. Putting the toys in the sun or in a warm, dry place will help them dry quickly and thoroughly.
Should you wash new dog toys before use?
Yes, you should wash new dog toys before use. Washing new dog toys helps remove any dirt, debris, or manufacturing chemicals that may be on the toy. It’s also a good way to clean off any potential allergens that your dog may be sensitive to.
Cleaning dog toys is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and safe. By following these simple tips, you can help protect your furry friend from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
