How to Wash Dog Toys

Dogs look so cute while playing with their toys. We love seeing them happy and grow. They take their toys everywhere - the parks, indoors, outdoors to our friends place, on walks, and adventures. 

The toys often get contaminated with germs, dust, dirt, slobber, and or whatever else they have been passed through. 

Other than that, dogs also chew toys, go on garden adventures and beach trips. Sometimes, muddy paws and never-ending fetch sessions also bring about germs and other culprits that potentially affect their health. 

Germs, bacteria, mould, pathogens, and unpleasant odours find a perfect breeding ground with these toys. All of these can be significant compromises to your dog's and your family’s health. 

You can keep your home clean by regularly washing your dog's toys and protecting your dog’s health. Also, help their beloved toys last longer.

Preventing the growth and spread of pesky germs is also important. Establishing a consistent toy-cleaning routine will significantly help you with this. 

We’ve prepared this post to help you get the best answers to the age-old common concerns of dog owners. How to clean and sanitize dog toys, which toys can go in the washer, and how often you should clean or replace them to keep them fresh. 

Importance of Cleaning Dog Toys

Dog toys are among the most bacteria-loaded items in the home, ranking among the top 10 germiest home items, according to NSF International. You couldn’t believe the fact that these dog toys can even get dirtier than shoes, door knobs, or carpets. 

The reason behind this is, dogs frequently chew, lick, and carry toys in their mouths, germs transfer more quickly and directly to their tongues, gums, stomachs, and even into their bedding. 

Regular cleaning matters because it:

• Prevents bacteria buildup (E. coli, yeast, mould)

• Reduces bad odours

• Improves safety by removing dirt and sharp debris

• Extends the lifespan of each toy

• Keeps playtime healthier and more enjoyable

How to Clean Your Dog’s Toys

Different toys require different cleaning methods. Below is the safest approach for each material.

1. Rubber Toys

How to clean:

1. Soak the toys in warm, soapy water. 

2. Take a soft brush to scrub them gently. 

3. Rinse thoroughly

4. Use a sunny spot to air dry them. 

If you’re wondering: Can rubber dog toys go in the dishwasher? The straight answer to this is, yes. You should place them on the top rack and avoid high-heat drying modes.

Rubber toys like Doog’s Fatchable range - including Tug Balls, Fetch Discs, and Fetch-a-Ball are easy to clean.

2. Plastic Toys

Clean the plastic toys gently to avoid damage. 

How to clean:

• Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water

• Use a toothbrush to clean grooves and textured areas.

• Rinse well to remove soap residue.

If the toy has electronic components or squeakers inside, avoid soaking it.

3. Bedding & Plush Toys

Soft, squeaky, and plush toys quickly collect saliva and dirt.

How to wash dog plush toys in a washer:

• Use a laundry bag

• Wash on a gentle cycle.

• Use fragrance-free detergent

• Air dry or use low heat only

If the toy has a squeaker, air-drying helps maintain its shape.

DOOG Tip: Pair fresh bedding with DOOG’s soft yet tough Stick Family Toys, perfect for indoor snuggles and outdoor fetch.

How to Sanitise Dog Toys Safely

Sanitising toys is the next level of cleaning which is usually essential. This becomes even more important if your dog plays outside, has allergens or chews aggressively. 

Safe Sanitising Methods:

1. Vinegar Solution

Mix:

• 1 part white vinegar

• 2 parts warm water

Soak toys for 10–20 minutes, scrub, rinse well, and air dry.

2. Boiling Method (For Rubber Only)

Boil rubber toys for 3–5 minutes to kill bacteria.

Not suitable for plastic, rope, or plush.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide (Mild Use)

For heavily soiled rubber toys, wipe with 3% hydrogen peroxide, let sit for 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Caution: Avoid bleach - even diluted, it’s unsafe for dogs.

How to Take Care of Dog Toys Between Cleanings

Extend your dog’s toy life by taking small weekly maintenance steps:

• Wipe toys after outdoor play.

• Let rubber toys dry in sunlight to kill surface germs.

• Store toys in a clean basket, not on damp flooring

• Rotate toys so each one gets rest and less wear.

• Rinse beach toys to remove sand and saltwater.

If your dog constantly fetches or tugs, choose durable toys like DOOG’s Fetchables and Stick Family.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog Toys?

Here’s a simple schedule:

Wash your dog’s rubber toys once a week. For plastic toys, washing them every 1 to 2 weeks would be enough. Plush toys need to be washed every 2 weeks, whereas bedding needs to be washed every 1 to 2 weeks. You should clean beach toys or muddy toys after every use, ideally.

If your dog has allergies, you might wash toys more often to remove pollen or dust.

Establishing a toy-washing routine is easy once you develop a weekly cleaning habit.

Should You Wash New Dog Toys Before Use?

Yes. Always wash new toys before your dog plays with them.

New toys may contain:

• Manufacturing dust

• Factory chemicals

• Packaging residue

• Germs from storage or shipping

A quick wash with warm water and mild soap is enough.

When Should You Throw Away Dog Toys?

No matter how well you clean dog toys, some need replacing. Replace a toy if:

• It’s missing pieces

• It’s torn or ripped open.

• Stuffing is coming out.

• Plastic edges have become sharp.

• Rubber is cracking

• It smells bad even after washing.

• Your dog can swallow small parts.

If a toy is not safe, it’s no longer a toy.

For tough, long-lasting replacements, DOOG’s outdoor toy collection is designed exactly for active dogs who love to run, fetch, tug, and chew.

Clean Toys Mean Happy Dog

Simple habits make a huge difference. They add value to our dogs' lives in many ways. Healthy dogs are happy dogs, and clean toys promote the health of your pup - making their playtime safer, fresher, and more fun.  

You’ll go a long way with a little cleaning. Knowing how to wash, disinfect, and care for dog toys between wash cycles will greatly help.

Whether you want to buy new dog toys or it's time to replace or upgrade worn-out toys, DOOG offers premium, durable, and easy-to-clean options that make playtime memorable for you and your dog.

Clean toys are healthy toys. Choose toys that are made to stay that way longer.