How To Clean Dog Toys: Keeping You And Your Pet Safe And Active

How to clean dog toys is one of those things we rarely think about, but it plays a huge role in keeping your dog healthy, happy, and always ready for playtime. If your dog is a play freak, toys surely don’t just stay in a toy basket. They end up:
✔ in the yard
✔ on the couch
✔ in the food bowl
✔ and sometimes… in the toilet!

And because dogs love to chew, lick, and cuddle their toys, it’s super important to keep them clean and germ-free. But here’s a question most pet parents forget to ask:

“How often clean dog toys when they are constantly in the dog’s mouth?”

Well… if dogs could talk, they’d probably say:

“Daily! You humans, wash EVERYTHING except my favorite squeaky chicken!”

Fortunately, learning how to clean dog toys (properly) is easy. And keeping toys clean doesn’t just make your home smell fresher. It keeps your best buddy healthy, happy, and always ready for playtime.

Let’s fetch the best cleaning tips. And YES, we’ll also look at some fun must-have toys for dogs from popular pet-approved brands you already love!

Why Cleaning Dog Toys Matters More Than You Think?

Look… your dog doesn’t care where that ball has been. Mud puddle? Sure! Bird poop zone? Even better! 

But dirty pet toys can:

✔ Collect bacteria
✔ Grow mold (ew!)
✔ Smell
✔ Trigger tummy troubles
✔ Causes dental problems

So… the rule of paw?

If it goes in your dog’s mouth (which is basically everything), it should be cleaned regularly.

This brings us to the big question…

How Often Do I Clean Dog Toys?

A Quick Role for Every Toy Type -

There’s no “one schedule fits all,” but here’s a simple system:

And if your dog is a drooling superstar?  You may want to speed that up.

How To Wash Plush Dog Toys (Soft & Cuddly Favorites)?

Soft pet toys = big snuggle energy 

But plush toys like the Outward Hound Hedgehog Dog Toy can trap saliva, sweat, food, and bacteria.

Here’s how to wash plush dog toys the safe way:

Washing Machine Method

1. Check toys for holes or damaged seams
2. Repair small tears (unless you want a snowstorm of fluff!)
3. Use a natural or fragrance-free detergent
4. Gentle wash cycle only
5. Air dry or tumble on low heat

Outward Hound recommends squeezing excess water out before drying - wet stuffing isn’t fun for anyone.

How To Clean Rubber Chew & Treat-Dispensing Dog Toys?

Rubber toys are tough, durable, and often edible-treat-compatible, like the iconic Kong Classic Toys for Dogs

But bacteria love sticking inside all those nooks.

For KONG Toys

KONG makes cleanup easy:

✔ Rinse with warm water + dish soap
✔ For stubborn peanut butter, try soaking it in warm water with soap to loosen the leftovers
✔ Use a brush to scrub inside the KONG
✔ All KONG rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher safe
✖ Skip the drying cycle, as there can be a heat damage risk

All in all, KONG = top dishwasher-safe dog toys clean success!

For Nylabone Chew Toys

Nylabone Chew toys are one of the best dog toys built for shredding energy, but NOT for dishwasher adventures.

• No boiling
• No dishwasher
• No microwave or washing machine

Instead:

✔ Scrub with a brush under warm water
✔ Mild, non-toxic detergent only
✔ Rinse thoroughly
✔ Inspect for wear while cleaning

As your dog chews (especially chewers like those who love the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Toy Chicken), cracks or missing bits mean: time for a replacement!

For Benebones

Benebones encourage chewing, but debris can stick to small flakes.

To keep Benebone Nylon Chews safe:

✔ Remove trapped hair or crumbs
✔ Brush and wipe regularly
✔ Watch for wear + remove if pieces become tiny

All toys, including the top-rated Benebone Dental Chew Toys for Dogs Peanut Butter, deserve a clean life too!

For Busy Buddy Toys

These amazing toys are a fan-favorite for tough chewers, especially the Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Treat-Dispensing Dog Chew Toy with Refillable Rawhide Treats. These toys are:

✔ Safe for pets
✔ Designed for tough play
✔ Suitable for the top shelf in the dishwasher
✔ Easy to clean after treating fun

Remove leftover treat gunk, pop it in the dishwasher, and let the sparkle begin. It’s safe for your pet, easy to clean, and top-shelf dishwasher safe.

For Nina Ottosson Puzzle Games Toys for Dogs

Puzzle toys = brain gym for dogs! 

There are two cleaning methods for Nina Ottosson toys, depending on the type:

The toys from this brand are basically interactive dog toys that work amazingly in stimulating the brains of your little buddies. The Nina Ottosson Twister Interactive Dog Toy can be a great addition to your dog toy basket if you are looking for something unique.

Remember: treat residue = mold magnet. So, it is your responsibility to keep puzzles fresh for your rockstar!

For Earth Rated Rubber Toys

Earth Rated toys are one of the best dog toys that are easy-breezy to clean up:

✔ Top-rack dishwasher safe
✔ A soak + scrub in a sink works too
✔ Bottle brush for tight spaces and if cleaning by hand

Fetch toys like the Earth Rated Natural Rubber Dog Fetch Toy Yellow stay shiny and slobber-free with quick care.

For ZippyPaws Toys

ZippyPaws gives multiple material options:

Cuddle buddies like the ZippyPaws Caterpillar with Squeakers Plush Dog Toy deserve fresh squeaks!

For Starmark Toys

Starmark offers dishwasher-friendly durability:

✔ All toys can be hand-washed with soap + water
✔ Some toy styles are top-rack dishwasher safe

The Starmark Everlasting Dog Treat Bento Ball Dog Chew Toy is a top-reviewed treat dispenser for fur buddies. Also, the super-simple cleaning process makes this toy a great must-have.

For Chuckit! Fetch Toys

Fetch toys get DIRTY fastest, especially if your dog is a mud-enthusiast. 

The tough dog toys from this brand, like the Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball Dog Toy stays well-maintained when:

✔ Hand-washed with hot water + soap
✔ Scrub dirt completely
✔ Rinse until squeaky clean 

Quick Toy Safety Checklist

Before toy cleaning day turns into trash day, here are a few things you should check. This helps ensure your pet stays safe from any unwanted surprises:

• Loose parts - Buttons, squeakers, or pieces that can come off easily
• Frayed edges or torn fabric - Plush toys can expose stuffing, which pets may swallow
• Cracks in rubber or plastic toys - Broken pieces can become choking hazards
• Foul odor - A sign of bacteria or mold growing inside
• Sticky or greasy surface - Dirt and saliva buildup that could make your pet sick
• Chew damage - Deep bite marks can trap harmful germs
• Too small for your dog - Small toys can get stuck in the throat
• Old and worn-out toys - Sometimes, it’s better to replace them than repair

Cleaning Made Easy: A Quick Summary

Bonus Tips for Longer-Lasting Toys

• Rotate toys to reduce wear
• Keep indoor vs outdoor toys separate
• Store dry toys in a clean basket
• Supervise extreme chewers with tough dog toys

A clean toy = a happy toy = a SUPER happy dog. 

Final Woof

Dogs explore the world with their teeth and tongues, so let’s keep their toys fresh, fun, and free from hidden germs. Now you know:

• How to clean dog toys of all types?
• Which toys are dishwasher-friendly?
• Why are toy safety checks essential?

Whether your pup loves puzzle toys like Nina Ottosson, heavy-duty chews from Nylabone, or fetch champions from Chuckit! keeps the fun going with a quick cleaning routine. Healthy pups play harder, snuggle better, and live their happiest lives.