How To Clean Dog Toys: Keeping You And Your Pet Safe And Active

Most people don't even consider cleaning dog toys, but this article will encourage you to. Learn how to properly clean your chuckit dog toy to keep both you and your pet safe. 

The toys that your dog plays with are frequently found in their mouths, in the yard, at the park, in puddles, on their beds and in numerous other locations where mud and filth can accumulate.

The mouth of your dog is, let's face it, fairly disgusting. It is contaminated with dirt, bacteria, and other items they brought home from their travels. Consider how many dog toys are only accumulating bacteria, drool, dog food bits, and more, even if the bacteria in their mouths might not instantly damage us or them.

How Frequently Should You Wash Your Dog's Toys?

Dog toys are among the top 10 germiest household items, according to a study by NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation), so it is a good idea to clean them properly AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. However, weekly cleaning would be preferable.

Cleaning chuck it toys every day is an excellent idea for those that endure rough play and get covered in slobber, grime, and who knows what else. This is especially true for any toys that have been used outside of your lawn and home.

How To Clean Your Dog's Toys

Manufacturer care instructions are included with most toys. If there are care instructions, always follow them. What do you do when you no longer have the care instructions because it is not usually practical to keep the package around for months after purchasing a toy? If the toy or brand is still available and you can identify it, you might be able to find care instructions online or by getting in touch with the maker. Even so, it isn't too difficult to determine which techniques might be effective for various kinds of toys. Take into account these ideas to get you going:

Rubber, Plastic, And Nylon

Hard toys should always be hand-washed in warm, soapy water. There is a lot of information out there that suggests placing these dog toys for fetch in the dishwasher. However, not all materials can be put in the dishwasher. Try to avoid using the dishwasher unless you have checked the manufacturer's care instructions. 

Some rubber, plastic, or nylon materials may lose their structural integrity when exposed to the high heat, steam, and chemicals in the dishwasher. The toy's lifespan being shortened by the dishwasher is the best-case scenario. However, there are some instances where the damage is serious enough for the plastic to leak dangerous chemicals that could hurt your animal.

Toys should be pre-soaked in vinegar and water solution for thorough cleaning. Despite its strong flavor, vinegar is inherently non-toxic. Cleaning the nooks and crannies where bacteria might lurk requires the use of a toothbrush or small scrub brush. Before putting your toys back in the toy bin, give them a thorough rinse and towel dry.

Cleaning Rope Toys

Softer toys may generate bacteria, so you might want to sanitize them. According to a U.S. government study, microwaving domestic cleaning supplies like sponges kills all types of microorganisms, including mold, yeast, and bacteria. Cleaning rope toys. Microwave the toy for one minute after dampening it. Because microwave wattages differ, keep an eye on the toy as it's being heated. When removing the item, use caution because it can be hot. The next-best choice is to run the toy through your dishwasher's hot cycle without any detergent. This kills germs, yeast, and mold almost as well as using a microwave. If you wish to sanitize your rope toys, it is not sufficient to just wash them in extremely hot water.

Stuffed Toys

Stuffed toys, like rope toys, are constructed of numerous soft materials that are a breeding ground for numerous microorganisms. Stuffed animal washing is best done in the laundry. Since these are dog toys and are intended to be a little durable, the standard wash cycle should be ok for them.

To keep small-breed dog toys contained in the washer, you might wish to put them inside a mesh laundry bag. Additionally, hanging toys to dry is a fantastic option for protecting them from the heat of the dryer if they include crinkles or squeaks. Normal stuffed animals without additional pieces should be safe to dry in the dryer.

Read More: How To Pick The Best And Safest Dog Toy?

Final Words

You may thoroughly check dog toys for wear and tear by routinely cleaning them. Any toy that has been broken could pose a choking risk or cause an intestinal blockage if your dog ingests a large piece or multiple little fragments.