How to Wash Dog Toys the Safe Way: 6 Methods That Actually Work

You probably wouldn’t drink from a cup that hasn’t been washed in months. But your dog? They’re happily chewing on a dog toy that’s been rolling around on the floor, covered in dirt, saliva, and who knows what else.

Dog toys are bacteria and virus magnets.

Over time, they collect everything from leftover treat crumbs to mold spores—things that can make your dog sick and cause allergy and health concerns.

The problem? Many pet owners either don’t clean toys often enough or use harsh chemicals that leave behind toxic residue.

The good news? Keeping dog toys clean doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this guide, we’ll walk through six safe, vet-approved methods to wash dog toys without damaging them. Whether they’re made of rubber, plush, or rope, different materials need different cleaning approaches.

Let’s make sure your dog’s favorite toy stays fun—and not a hidden health hazard.

6 Safe and Effective Ways to Wash Dog Toys

Dog toys take a beating. They get chewed, dragged through the dirt, and left in places you'd rather not think about. Over time, they collect bacteria, mold, and who knows what else.

But here’s the tricky part: not all dog toys can be cleaned the same way. Scrubbing a plush toy like a dish? Probably not the best idea. Tossing a rubber ball in the washing machine with a cleaning agent and fabric softener? That won’t end well.

That’s why choosing the right cleaning method matters. Done correctly, it keeps your dog’s toys germ-free without ruining them.

1. The Dishwasher Hack (For Hard Plastic & Rubber Toys)

The dishwasher with dishwashing liquid isn’t just for plates. It’s also one of the simplest ways to sanitize rubber and plastic dog toys without using harsh chemicals.

The high heat kills bacteria, and the steam helps break down built-up grime.

How to do it:

• Place the toys on the top rack—this keeps them away from the heating element.
• Skip the heavily scented detergents. Instead, use a pet-safe, fragrance-free option or just distilled white vinegar.
• Run a normal wash cycle with hot water (no heated dry).

What to avoid:

• Toys with squeakers. The heat will melt or damage them, leaving your dog disappointed.
• Toys with cracks or peeling. Heat can make the damage worse, and bacteria can still hide in those crevices.

If a dog toy, like Puppy Can Toy Durable Rubber Chew Toy & Treat Dispenser, is made of solid rubber or plastic, the dishwasher is an easy way to disinfect it without much effort. Just don’t forget to rinse off any leftover soap before handing it back to your dog.

2. The Hand-Wash Method (For Delicate & Squeaky Toys)

Some dog toys need a little extra care. Tossing them in the dishwasher with dishwashing liquid might seem like an easy fix, but for squeaky toys, soft rubber, or fabric-covered options, it’s a one-way ticket to the trash.

Hand-washing is a safer alternative. It’s gentle enough to avoid damage while still getting rid of bacteria and grime.

How to do it:

• Fill a sink or a bowl with warm water. Too hot, and you risk breaking down the toy’s material.
• Add a mild, pet-safe soap. Castile soap or a baby-safe dish soap works well. Avoid anything with strong chemicals or fragrances.
• Scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Pay close attention to grooves, seams, and textured areas—bacteria love hiding in those spots.
• Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap can cause an upset stomach if your dog chews on the toy.
• Let the toy air dry completely. Any moisture left behind can lead to mold, which is the last thing you want in something your dog chews on.

When to skip hand-washing:

• If a puppy toy absorbs too much water (some plush toys do), machine washing may be better.
• If a chew toy is falling apart—at that point, it’s probably time to replace it.

Hand-washing takes a little more effort, but for delicate toys, it’s the best way to keep them clean without ruining them.

3. The Washing Machine Trick (For Plush & Fabric Toys)

Good news: Most plush dog toys like Petique Mini Hula Hemp Koala and Bunny Twist Dog Toys can survive a spin in the washing machine.

It’s one of the easiest ways to clean soft toys without spending time scrubbing. The key is to use the right settings and avoid harsh detergents that could leave behind chemical residues.

How to do it:

• Put toys in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents them from getting tossed around too much (or losing an ear in the process).
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Hot water can break down fabric and cause stuffing to clump.
• Skip the detergent. Instead, add baking soda (to remove odors) and vinegar (to disinfect).
• Choose the right drying method. Air drying is safest, but if you need to speed things up, use the lowest heat setting in the dryer.

When to be cautious:

• If the toy is already falling apart, washing might finish the job.
• If it has electronics, batteries, or squeakers, avoid the machine—hand-washing is safer.

Done right, machine-washing extends the life of plush toys while keeping them clean enough for your dog to chew on without worry.

4. The Freezer Method (For Rope & Soft Fabric Toys)

Here’s a cleaning method that requires zero scrubbing.

Freezing dog toys won’t remove dirt, but it can help kill bacteria, mold, and even parasites lurking inside fabric or rope fibers. It’s especially useful for toys that absorb moisture and are tricky to dry completely.

How to do it:

• Seal the toys in a plastic bag. This prevents moisture from making a mess inside your freezer.
• Leave them in for 24-48 hours. The cold temperature slows bacteria growth and helps kill off unwanted germs.
• Take them out and let them thaw. At this point, the bacteria are dead—but the dirt isn’t going anywhere.

Why it’s not a complete fix:

• The freezer won’t remove slobber, grime, or food residue.
• For best results, follow up with a proper wash—hand-wash or toss them in the washing machine afterward.

Think of this as a quick disinfecting hack, not a deep clean. It’s a useful step, but for a truly clean toy, you’ll still need soap and water.

5. The Vinegar & Baking Soda Soak (For Stubborn Odors)

Some dog toys hold onto smells no matter how many times you wash them. That musty, damp dog-slobber scent? It lingers.

When regular cleaning isn’t enough, vinegar and baking soda can help. They’re both natural deodorizers, meaning they neutralize bad smells without covering them up with artificial fragrances.

How to do it:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. This creates a mild, pet-safe cleaning solution.
• Soak the toys for about 30 minutes. The vinegar breaks down odor-causing bacteria while loosening grime.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Any lingering vinegar smell will fade as the toy dries.
• For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda on plush toys before washing. This absorbs leftover odors and helps lift stains.

Why it works:

• Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills odor-causing bacteria.
• Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes lingering smells instead of just masking them.

This method doesn’t use harsh chemicals, making it a safe and effective way to refresh dog toys—without leaving behind any artificial scents.

6. The Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (For Deep Disinfection)

Some dog toys need more than just a rinse. If a toy is extra grimy or has been sitting in a forgotten corner for too long, hydrogen peroxide can help. It’s a safe, pet-friendly disinfectant that kills bacteria without harsh chemicals.

That said, it’s not for every toy. Hydrogen peroxide has mild bleaching properties, which means it can fade colored toys or damage fabric. Stick to using it on rubber, plastic, or other non-porous materials.

How to do it:

• Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. This keeps it strong enough to disinfect without being too harsh.
• Soak the toy for 5-10 minutes. Let it work its way into crevices where bacteria hide.
• Scrub if needed. A soft brush can help remove built-up grime.
• Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover peroxide could upset your dog’s stomach if ingested.

When to skip this method:

• If the toy is made of fabric, rope, or has bright colors—it may lighten or weaken them.
• If the toy has small cracks or damage, as liquid can seep inside and cause mold.

For non-porous toys, though, this method is one of the best ways to ensure deep cleaning without using artificial disinfectants. Just rinse well and let the toy dry completely before giving it back to your dog.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog’s Toys? (And Why It Matters)

No one wants to be a germaphobe, but dog toys are dirtier than you think.

Studies have found that pet toys can harbor more bacteria than toilet seats. Yes, you read that right. Between saliva, dirt, and food crumbs, they become the perfect breeding ground for germs, mold, and even yeast.

So, how often should you clean them? It depends on the type of toy:

• Daily/Weekly: Rubber and silicone toys—especially if they’re used for chewing or filled with treats.
• Every Few Weeks: Plush and fabric toys—unless they start smelling bad sooner.
• Monthly: Rope toys—assuming they don’t get slimy before then.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dog Toys

Cleaning dog toys seems straightforward, but a few common mistakes can do more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using harsh chemicals. Bleach, Lysol, and scented detergents might kill bacteria, but they’re not safe for dogs. Even small amounts of residue can cause stomach issues or skin irritation. Stick to pet-safe cleaning solutions.
• Not rinsing properly. Soap residue can build up on toys, and if your dog chews on them, they’re ingesting it. Always rinse thoroughly—especially when using vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide.
• Overwashing plush toys. Tossing stuffed toys in the washing machine too often can weaken the fabric and seams, causing them to fall apart faster. Clean them when necessary, but don’t overdo it.
• Leaving toys damp. Wet toys create the perfect environment for bacteria and mold. Let them dry completely before giving them back to your dog. If it smells musty, it’s probably time to replace it.

How to Keep Dog Toys Cleaner for Longer

Cleaning dog toys is one thing. Keeping them clean? That’s another challenge.

Dogs have a way of dropping toys anywhere—under the couch, in the backyard, sometimes straight into the water bowl. Instead of constantly deep-cleaning, a few small habits can keep toys fresher for longer.

• Rotate toys. Instead of leaving all of them out, swap them out every few days. This limits exposure to dirt and bacteria while making old toys feel "new" again.
• Store them in a dry place. Damp toys are a breeding ground for mold. Keep them somewhere well-ventilated, and avoid stuffing them into a toy bin before they’re fully dry.
• Spot clean regularly. Wiping off dirt or rinsing toys quickly after use prevents buildup. Waiting until they smell bad means you’ve waited too long.
• Use pet-safe disinfecting wipes. For a quick refresh, especially for rubber or plastic toys, a simple wipe-down can keep bacteria in check between washes.

Your Dog’s Toys Are Clean… For Now

For a few glorious minutes, your dog’s toys are spotless. No slobber. No mystery stains. Just fresh, clean playthings.

Of course, that won’t last.

Dogs do what dogs do—chew, drag, and occasionally bury their toys in places you’d rather not think about. But that’s exactly why regular cleaning matters. It keeps bacteria in check, reduces odors, and helps extend the life of your dog’s favorite chewables.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be a chore. A simple routine—quick spot cleans, proper storage, and deeper washes when needed—keeps things under control without much effort.

Because let’s be honest—your dog is going to drool all over them again anyway.