How to Clean Dog Toys: Rubber, Plush, Rope and Puzzle Toys
Updated October 31, 2026
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Dog toys collect saliva, dirt and food. The CDC's Healthy Pets guidance reminds pet owners that pets can carry germs and to wash hands after handling pets and their food and supplies. Regular toy cleaning is simple extra hygiene.
How to clean each type
| Toy type | How to clean | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard rubber and nylon | Hot soapy water and a bottle brush; rinse well. Many are top-rack dishwasher safe; check the maker's label | Clean food-stuffed toys after each use |
| Plush | Machine wash on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag with a pet-safe, fragrance-free detergent; air dry or low heat | Check squeakers and seams after washing |
| Rope | Soak in hot water, rinse, and dry completely | Throw out frayed rope, since dogs can swallow strands |
| Puzzle and treat toys | Take apart if possible, wash with soap and water, dry fully | Follow the maker's instructions for electronic parts |
How often
Wash food-stuffed toys after every use, hard toys weekly, and plush toys every week or two, or sooner if they are visibly dirty or your dog has been sick.
Products to avoid
Rinse well after any cleaner. Bleach should be diluted and rinsed off fully if you use it at all, and never mix cleaners. Keep cleaning products out of your dog's reach.
When to replace a toy
- Cracks, missing chunks or loose parts
- Torn plush with stuffing or squeakers showing
- Smells that stay after washing
Shop easy-clean toys: Shop dishwasher-safe dog toys on Amazon. See also dog chew toys.
Safety
No toy is truly indestructible. Supervise play with any new toy, check toys for cracks, loose pieces or exposed stuffing, and throw out damaged toys. If your dog swallows part of a toy, or shows vomiting, straining or loss of appetite afterward, call your veterinarian.
New guides
Related guides
- Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: What Actually Holds Up
- Interactive Dog Toys: Types, Uses and How to Pick One
- Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Difficulty Levels and How to Start
- Squeaky Dog Toys: Are They Safe and Which Kind to Get
- Tug Toys for Dogs: How to Choose and Play Safely
Potty training a puppy too? See PottyMat's guides to dog potty pads and indoor potties.