How To Clean Dog Toys In Washing Machine
The Filthy Truth About Your Dog’s Toys. And How To Actually Clean Them.
Look. Your dog’s favorite slobbery, mangled plush thing? It’s a petri dish. Honestly. You think that cute little rope toy is just slobber-soaked? It’s got more bacteria than a public restroom toilet seat. And you waa know how to clean dog toys in washing machine? Fine. Let’s get this over with.
The thing is, most owners just… don’t. They either forget, they’re too lazy, or they just don’t waa deal with the funk. I get it. But your dog’s health? It matters. Or at least, it should.
Prep Work: Don’t Be an Idiot.
Before you just chuck Fluffy’s favorite stuffed unicorn into the wash, you gotta do some homework. Not all toys are built for the spin cycle, you know?
Check the Material.
Plush toys, ropes, hard rubber toys – most are fine. But anything with delicate parts, glued-on bits, or electronics? Leave it. Seriously. No one needs a melted plastic mess or a battery-acid incident.
Watch: How To Clean Your Dogs Toys
Inspect for Damage.
Torn seams? Ripped-out stuffing? Chew marks deep enough to hide a small rodent? These toys are already on their last legs. Washing ’em might just be the final nail in the coffin. Toss ’em. Buy new ones. It’s not rocket science.
Pre-Treat Stains.
Got a stubborn bit of… whatever… caked on? A quick scrub with an old toothbrush and some mild soap beforehand can save you a world of hurt later. This ain’t fancy, just practical.
The Washing Machine Method: Get It Done.
Alright, you’ve done the basic sanity checks. Now, let’s get these things clean. We’re not aiming for sterile, just… less disgusting. Aim for a load once a month, or more if your dog’s a serious slobberer.
Use the Right Detergent.
This is crucial. NO harsh chemicals. No bleach. No fabric softener. These things can irritate your dog’s skin or worse, be toxic if ingested. Look for a mild, hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Unscented is best.
Washing Machine Settings: Go Gentle.
Think delicate cycle. Or, if your machine’s got one, a ‘sanitize’ cycle on low heat. Cold or warm water is fine, but hot water can warp some plastics. You ain’t trying to melt their toys, right?
Bag ‘Em Up.
Mesh laundry bags are your best friend here. They protect the toys from getting too banged up, prevent small bits from breaking off and clogging your machine, and keep the whole process from sounding like a rock concert.
Don’t Overload.
This isn’t the time to cram your machine full. Give the toys room to actually get clean. If you’ve got a mountain of toys, do two smaller loads. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Rinse Thoroughly.
This is non-negotiable. Run an extra rinse cycle. You don’t want any detergent residue left behind. Dogs lick their toys. A lot. Remember that little guy I had, Buster? He once ate a whole pack of glow sticks. Didn’t end well. So yeah, rinse. Properly.
Drying: The Final Frontier.
This is where most people screw up. Wet toys = mildew. Ew.
Air Dry is King.
The absolute best way? Hang ’em up or lay ’em out somewhere with good airflow. A suy spot is great for a little extra sanitizing, but make sure they dry completely. This can take 24-48 hours. Patience, people.
Low Heat Dryer? Maybe.
If you MUST use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting or ‘air fluff’ only. High heat will warp, melt, and destroy most dog toys. Honestly, it’s a gamble. I learned this the hard way with a $30 Kong that ended up looking like a melted Dali clock. Stick to air drying if you can.
Other Toy Types: What About Them?
Not everything goes in the wash.
Watch: How To Clean Dog Toys
Hard Rubber & Plastic Toys
These are usually a breeze. A good scrub with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush usually does the trick. You can soak them in a 1:10 bleach-to-water solution for about an hour if they’re really grimy, then rinse thoroughly. Or, boil ’em for 5-10 minutes. Just make sure they’re bone dry before giving them back.
Stuffing-Free Toys
These can be a nightmare. The outer fabric might be washable, but the lack of stuffing means they can get mangled. Follow the machine washing steps above, but be extra vigilant about damage.
Watch: How I wash my dog's stuffed toys
Soft Plush Toys
These are your prime candidates for the washing machine. Just follow the steps outlined earlier. They’re usually the dirtiest anyway.
A Quick Cheat Sheet Table
| Toy Type | Washing Machine? | Drying Method | Notes |
| Plush Toys | Yes (in mesh bag) | Air dry preferred; Low heat dryer ok | Check for damage first |
| Rope Toys | Yes (in mesh bag) | Air dry | Can get very dirty, needs thorough cleaning |
| Hard Rubber Toys (e.g., Kong) | No (usually) | Hand wash/Boil, then air dry | Soak in dilute bleach for stubborn grime |
| Hard Plastic Toys | No (usually) | Hand wash, then air dry | Check for nooks and craies |
| Teis Balls | Yes (optional, use mesh bag) | Air dry | Can lose fuzz; wash separately if concerned about color |
Look, it takes effort. But a clean toy is a safer toy. Stop letting your dog chew on a biohazard. Get it done. Your dog will thank you. Eventually. Maybe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dog toys be washed in the washing machine?
Yes, many dog toys can be washed in a washing machine, especially plush toys, ropes, and some hard rubber toys. Always check the toy’s material and condition first. Use a mesh laundry bag and a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid washing toys with electronics or delicate parts.
Is it safe to use laundry detergent to wash dog toys?
It is generally safe if you use a mild, hypoallergenic, and unscented detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and fabric softeners, as these can be toxic or irritating to your dog if ingested. Always rinse toys thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Can you wash dog toys with squeakers in them?
Yes, you can often wash dog toys with squeakers. However, you must be extra careful. Ensure the squeaker is securely enclosed within the toy and that the toy is not already damaged. Place it in a mesh bag to protect it during the wash cycle and always check afterwards to ensure the squeaker is still intact and hasn’t been dislodged or damaged.
How to sanitize a dog toy?
To sanitize dog toys, you can use a washing machine on a ‘sanitize’ cycle with hot water and mild detergent, followed by thorough air drying. For non-machine washable toys, soak them in a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for about an hour, then rinse extremely well and air dry completely. Boiling some durable rubber toys for 5-10 minutes can also sanitize them.
How often should I wash my dog’s toys?
A good rule of thumb is to wash plush and fabric toys at least once a month. Hard rubber or plastic toys that are regularly chewed and slobbered on should be washed weekly with hot, soapy water. If your dog is frequently ill or has a compromised immune system, you may need to wash their toys more often.
