How to Wash Dog Toys: A Breeder’s Complete Guide to Keeping Playtime Safe and Hygienic

As a breeder and lifelong dog lover, I’ve learned that one of the simplest ways to keep our dogs healthy is something we often overlook—cleaning their toys.

We sanitize bowls, wash bedding, and even wipe paws after muddy walks, but dog toys? They’re usually slobbered on, tossed around the yard, dragged through mud, and then… back in the mouth. That’s a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and even parasites.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to wash dog toys properly, breaking it down by material (rubber, plush, rope, squeaky, etc.), and sharing my personal breeder-tested methods for safe, effective cleaning.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to extend the life of your dog’s favorite playthings while protecting their health.

Why Washing Dog Toys Matters

Before we dive into techniques, let’s talk about why toy hygiene is so important.

1. Germs Multiply Fast

Saliva + dirt = bacteria. According to veterinary studies, dog toys can harbor harmful microbes like E. coli, Salmonella, and yeast, all of which can affect both dogs and humans.

2. Prevent Mold & Mildew

Rope and plush toys, especially if left damp, are prone to mold. I once had a client bring in a Labrador with digestive upset—turns out he’d been chewing on a moldy rope toy.

3. Extend Toy Life

Regular cleaning removes grime and prevents materials from breaking down. This means you spend less on constant toy replacements.

4. Protect Sensitive Dogs

For puppies, seniors, or dogs with weak immune systems, a dirty toy can trigger health problems. As a breeder, I make toy cleaning part of my kennel’s weekly routine.

How Often Should You Wash Dog Toys?

From my experience:

• Heavy chewers: Every 2–3 days.
• Casual players: Weekly.
• Outdoors toys: Immediately after muddy or wet play.
• Kennel/breeding environments: Every 1–2 days for hygiene.

Tip: If you notice a slimy film (the dreaded “biofilm”), it’s already overdue for a wash!

The Golden Rule: Match the Cleaning Method to the Material

Not all toys are created equal. A plush squeaky toy can’t go through the same treatment as a tough rubber Kong. Here’s the breakdown:

🧼 How to Wash Rubber, Plastic, and Nylon Dog Toys

These are the easiest to clean and the most common in breeder households.

Steps:

1. Rinse under warm water to remove dirt.
2. Soak in a sink with hot water and mild, pet-safe dish soap for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a designated brush (never use the same one as for human dishes).
4. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains.
5. Air-dry completely.

Pro Tip (from my kennel):
Once a week, I sanitize rubber toys by running them through the top rack of the dishwasher (no detergent, just hot water + vinegar).

🧸 How to Wash Plush Dog Toys (Stuffed Animals)

Soft, cuddly toys are bacteria magnets.

Steps:

1. Remove any parts that could come loose (plastic eyes, squeakers if detachable).
2. Place toys inside a laundry bag or old pillowcase.
3. Machine wash on gentle cycle with unscented detergent or baking soda.
4. Air-dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Warning: Avoid strong detergents or dryer sheets—they can irritate sensitive noses.

🪢 How to Wash Rope Dog Toys

These are the trickiest because rope absorbs everything. But there’s a breeder hack!

Steps:

1. Soak in water until fully saturated.
2. Microwave the wet rope toy for 60 seconds (kills bacteria and mold).
3. Let cool before giving back to your dog.

Pro Tip: I alternate between two sets of rope toys—one for play, one for cleaning.

🎶 How to Wash Squeaky Dog Toys

The squeakers make this tricky since water can get trapped.

Steps:

1. Hand wash only—never machine wash.
2. Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to scrub the outside.
3. Rinse with a damp cloth, being careful not to soak the squeaker.
4. Air-dry thoroughly before use.

Breeder’s Tip: Rotate squeaky toys often; they wear out faster and are harder to sanitize.

🦴 How to Wash Natural Chew Toys (Antlers, Bones, Wood)

Chews like antlers or bully sticks aren’t toys in the traditional sense but should still be sanitized.

Steps:

1. Rinse off dirt.
2. Boil for 10–15 minutes to kill bacteria.
3. Let dry completely.

⚠️ Important: If the chew splinters or becomes too small, discard immediately to avoid choking hazards.

DIY Natural Cleaners for Dog Toys

As a breeder, I avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, I rely on safe, natural alternatives:

• White vinegar: Great for soaking plastic/rubber toys (1 part vinegar, 1 part water).
• Baking soda: Add to plush toy laundry loads for odor control.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Use diluted (3% solution) for disinfecting chew toys.

These keep toys clean without exposing dogs to toxic residues.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Over the years, I’ve noticed that different breeds play differently—and that affects how often toys need cleaning.

• Labradors & Retrievers – Obsessive chewers; wash rubber and rope toys almost daily.
• Bulldogs & Pugs – Drooly mouths; sanitize toys more often to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Shih Tzus & Toy Breeds – Love plush toys; wash soft toys weekly.
• German Shepherds – Heavy chewers; inspect toys for damage during every wash.
• Great Danes & Giants – Big mouths mean faster wear; sanitize and rotate toys more frequently.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Toy (Not Just Wash It)

Washing helps, but sometimes it’s better to say goodbye:

• Torn seams with stuffing exposed.
• Rope toys unraveling into long threads.
• Rubber toys with cracks or chunks missing.
• Strong odor even after washing.
• Chews worn down to choking-size pieces.

As a breeder, I follow a “when in doubt, throw it out” rule. A $10 toy isn’t worth a $500 vet bill.

My Personal Routine as a Breeder

Here’s how I manage toy hygiene across my kennel:

• Daily: Rinse rubber toys, inspect chews.
• Every 2–3 days: Wash rope toys in the microwave.
• Weekly: Machine wash plush toys.
• Monthly: Rotate old toys out and replace with new ones.

This system keeps both my breeding dogs and puppies healthy, safe, and happy.

FAQs About Washing Dog Toys

Q1: Can I use bleach to clean dog toys?
I don’t recommend it. Even diluted bleach can leave harmful residues. Stick to vinegar or mild soap.

Q2: Can dog toys go in the dishwasher?
Yes, rubber and hard plastic toys can. Use the top rack, hot water, and skip the detergent.

Q3: How do I sanitize toys without chemicals?
Microwaving rope toys and boiling bones/antlers are chemical-free options.

Q4: What’s the safest detergent for plush toys?
An unscented, dye-free detergent or simply baking soda.

Q5: How do I keep toys from smelling bad?
Frequent washing plus baking soda in laundry cycles helps.

Final Thoughts from a Breeder

Learning how to wash dog toys is one of the simplest ways to improve your dog’s health. Clean toys mean fewer germs, fewer vet visits, and a longer lifespan for your dog’s favorite playthings.

As a breeder, I’ve seen firsthand how little details like this add up to healthier, happier dogs. Whether you’re raising a litter of puppies, managing a senior’s comfort, or just trying to keep your Labrador busy, regular toy cleaning is a must.

So next time your pup drops that slimy ball at your feet—don’t just throw it back. Wash it first