Can dog toys be washed? You might be surprised to hear this, but pet toys can be washed. It may not be a good idea to wash them regularly, but it is possible. Some pets like their toys to get dirty, and others don’t mind if their toys stay clean. If you have a pet who likes to get dirty, then you may want to consider washing your pet’s toys on a regular basis.
Washing Dog Toys
Washing your dog’s toys is an important aspect of keeping him happy, healthy, and entertained. If your dog has a favorite toy that gets dragged around the house and played with every day, then it’s essential that you wash it regularly.
Regular washing will keep the toy in good condition and prevent any bacteria buildup that could cause illness or infection.
If you’re unsure how to wash fabric toys, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Remove all loose parts from the toy before washing it. Make sure they are all out, because your dog could swallow something sharp or dangerous. Look for any removable squeakers as well, because your pet might swallow them.
- Step 2: Fill a clean sink or tub with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent such as baby shampoo or Dawn dish soap to create suds in the water. Place the toys in this clean water solution and allow them to soak for at least 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Rinse each toy under running water until all traces of soap are gone from the surface of each plush animal. This should take about 5 minutes for each item.
How to Wash Squeaky Dog Toys
Keeping those squeakers clean is essential, especially since dogs slobber all over them and then decide to leave them under the couch for weeks. So, how do you wash these noise-making wonders? Most soft, plush, squeaky toys can usually go right in the washing machine. Just pop them into a pillowcase or a laundry bag to protect the squeaker inside, and wash on a gentle cycle with pet-safe or hypoallergenic laundry detergent. For hard plastic squeaky toys, a soak in warm soapy water should do the trick; just make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Can You Wash Dog Rope Toys?
Most rope toys can be tossed right into the washing machine. Just like with squeaky toys, using a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag can help keep the fibers from fraying. Use a pet-safe or hypoallergenic laundry detergent and opt for the gentle cycle. If your washing machine has a sanitizer setting, even better!
Once it’s washed, you can either let it air dry or place it in the dryer on a low-heat setting. But here’s a pro tip: if you want to go the extra mile in killing bacteria, you can also boil the rope toy for about 10-15 minutes, then let it air dry.
Tips for Washing Your Dog’s Toys
The following tips will help you wash your dog’s toys properly:
- Only use mild detergents when washing your dog’s toys. Detergents with heavy chemicals can damage the toy’s plastic surface or cause irritation to your dog’s mouth when he chews on it.
- Plastic toys should always be air dried after you wash them because heat from the dryer will melt the plastic. If you need to use a dryer for other items, then wash the plastic toy separately in cold water and let it air dry outside of the dryer.
- Rinse off any debris before washing each toy.
- If there are no instructions on the label of the toy itself, you can check its material to determine what temperature of water will be best.
- If your dog has eaten anything toxic or poisonous, throw away all of their toys immediately.
- Rubber toys are easy to wash because they’re usually dishwasher safe. If you don’t have a dishwasher at home, hand-wash these toys by placing them in a sink full of warm water, adding a small amount of mild soap, and swishing them around gently. Rinse the rubber toys with clear water and let them air dry before giving them back to your dog.
- Do not put plush toys in the dishwasher or washing machine because the moving parts inside the appliance could tear them apart.
- If you want to disinfect your dog’s toys, consider using a steam cleaner.
- Remove any batteries or squeakers from stuffed toys before washing them.
Wash Dog Toys Regularly
Dog toys are one of the best ways to keep your dog entertained and happy. They’re also a great way to bond with your pet, which can lead to a happier, healthier relationship. However, if you don’t properly clean and disinfect dog toys regularly, they can become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. To keep your dog healthy and safe, it’s important that you know how to wash dog toys properly.
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