How to Clean Pet Toys

Pet toys accumulate saliva, dirt, bacteria, and mold over time — especially chew toys and soft toys that your pet carries around constantly. Regular cleaning keeps your pet healthy and prevents the spread of bacteria in your home. Here's how to clean different types of pet toys safely and effectively.

How Often Should You Clean Pet Toys?

• Soft/plush toys: Weekly, or immediately if visibly soiled.
• Rubber and plastic toys: Weekly, or after outdoor use.
• Rope toys: Weekly — rope fibers trap bacteria and mold easily.
• Interactive/puzzle toys: After every use if they contain food or treats.

Cleaning Soft and Plush Pet Toys

Machine Washable Plush Toys

1. Check the toy for loose parts (eyes, buttons, squeakers) that could come off in the wash.
2. Place in a mesh laundry bag to protect the toy and your machine.
3. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and fragrance-free, pet-safe detergent.
4. Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odor.
5. Air dry completely — do not use high heat, which can damage stuffing and squeakers.

👉 Recommended: Lucy's Family Owned Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon — natural odor neutralizer safe for pet toys.

Hand Washing Plush Toys

1. Fill a basin with warm water and a small amount of pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent.
2. Submerge the toy and squeeze gently to work the soapy water through the fabric.
3. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains.
4. Squeeze out excess water and air dry completely.

Cleaning Rubber and Plastic Toys

Dishwasher Method (Easiest)

Most rubber and hard plastic pet toys are dishwasher safe. Place on the top rack and run on a hot cycle without detergent, or with a small amount of pet-safe dish soap. The heat sanitizes effectively.

👉 Recommended: Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowls, Dishwasher Safe — dishwasher-safe pet accessories are the easiest to keep clean.

Hand Washing Method

1. Scrub with a dedicated pet toy brush and warm soapy water.
2. Pay special attention to grooves, holes, and textured surfaces where bacteria accumulate.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. For extra sanitizing, soak in a diluted white vinegar solution (1:1 with water) for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Cleaning Rope Toys

Rope toys are particularly prone to mold and bacteria because the fibers stay damp after use. The most effective cleaning method:

1. Wet the rope toy thoroughly.
2. Microwave on high for 1 minute to kill bacteria (only for toys without metal parts).
3. Allow to cool completely before returning to your pet.
4. Alternatively, soak in a diluted white vinegar solution for 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely in sunlight.

Note: Replace rope toys when they become heavily frayed — loose fibers can be swallowed and cause intestinal blockages.

Cleaning Interactive and Puzzle Toys

1. Disassemble all parts.
2. Wash each piece with warm soapy water and a small brush to reach all crevices.
3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reassembling.
4. For food-dispensing toys, clean after every use to prevent mold from food residue.

When to Replace Pet Toys

• When rubber or plastic toys develop cracks that harbor bacteria.
• When plush toys lose stuffing or have exposed squeakers that could be swallowed.
• When rope toys are heavily frayed.
• When toys develop persistent odor that cleaning doesn't resolve.

Final Thoughts

Weekly cleaning of pet toys is a simple habit that significantly reduces bacteria and mold in your home. Rubber and plastic toys are the easiest to clean — dishwasher safe options make the process effortless. For plush toys, a gentle machine wash with white vinegar in the rinse cycle keeps them fresh and safe for your pet.