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 build-up 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. These can be sharp or dangerous if swallowed by your dog so make sure they’re all out! Check for any removable squeakers as well, which can also be swallowed by your pet.
- 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 into 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.
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 could 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 washing machine or dishwasher because they can get torn apart by the moving parts inside the machine.
- 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 a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. To keep your dog healthy and safe, it’s important that you know how to wash dog toys properly.