How to Wash Dog Toys Safely

We know that dogs love their toys. Unfortunately, dog toys get covered in dirt and germs. The toys can grow fungus, mold, mildew, and bacteria. The risk is that the toys can be contaminated with Parvovirus or Distemper. Therefore, it is essential to clean your dog’s toys. We will share some tips on safely washing dog toys, so you do not have to worry about any of the abovementioned issues.

According to a study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), dog toys are among the top 10 germiest items in the home. We recommend that you clean dog toys every two weeks. However, the toys that suffer through rough play and are covered in drool, dirt, and germs should be cleaned daily. How to clean your dog’s toys is dependent on the type of toy that it is.

Ropes and stuffed toys can be washed in hot water. The good thing about hot water (at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit) is that it kills bacteria and viruses. Toys with plastic pieces and squeakers should be washed in cold water, so the plastic doesn’t melt. When washing stuffed toys, only use pet-safe detergents. Avoid ingredients such as bleach, chlorine, and sodium lauryl ether sulfate. After all, your dog will put the washed toys in its mouth. You can skip the laundry detergent and go the all-natural route if you wish. Sprinkle the toys with baking soda before loading them into the washing machine. Then add a couple of capfuls of vinegar. You can also wash the dog toys in the sink. Ensure that you use pet-safe antibacterial dish soap, hot water, and a scrub brush.

It is important to dry the dog toys after washing them. You can either air-dry them or place them in the dryer on air-dry or the lowest heat setting. Do not use heat if the toys contain plastic. Another thing to avoid is the use of scented dryer sheets. As you can see, washing dog toys aren’t that difficult. Set time aside every few weeks to wash dog toys and prevent germs along the way!