How to Wash Dog Toys in Your Washer
Spending time with pets — whether it’s tossing a ball or playing tug-of-war — is a favorite family pastime. However, some pet owners might not think about the cleanliness of their dog’s toys. Dog toys endure a lot of wear and tear and can get dirty easily. Learning how to clean dog toys can help ensure your loyal companions have clean toys to play with, their toys stay in good condition and your living space stays clean, too. Learn how to wash more pet items like dog leashes and harnesses, dog blankets, collars, stuffed animals or dog beds in the washer.
Can You Wash Dog Toys in the Washing Machine?
Many soft dog toys can be run through the washing machine, provided you use a dog-safe laundry detergent or other natural cleaning methods. Make sure before you begin washing to always check the manufacturer’s instructions on your furry friend’s favorite toys. You can also add an extra rinse at the end of the wash cycle to help ensure that washed toys are clear of detergent residue. Select washers from Maytag brand even have a built-in faucet you can use to hand-rinse or spot clean your pet’s favorite toy.
WHAT LAUNDRY DETERGENT IS SAFE FOR DOG TOYS?
Only use pet-safe detergents when washing dog toys in the washing machine. Because pets have their toys in their mouth, it is important to ensure that the detergent you use does not have any ingredients such as the following:
Bleach
Chlorine
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)
Phthalates
Artificial dyes
It’s a good practice to check with your veterinarian for recommendations on what kinds of substances are best for cleaning pet toys. It is also recommended to perform an extra rinse after washing your dog toys so you can be sure any residual detergent is removed.
What Are Some Natural Ways To Clean Dog Toys?
You might want to consider a natural method when you do not have a dog-safe detergent to run your dog toy through the washer. Try using soap nuts, which do not dissolve in your cleaning cycle, or dust baking soda onto toys before placing them in the washing machine. You may also want to consider adding white vinegar to the detergent compartment when going the natural route.
Should You Wash New Dog Toys Before Use?
Since dog toys often go in your dog’s mouth, it is a good idea to wash new dog toys before use. This is because it is difficult to know whether the toys themselves have been previously chewed, if in a store, or contaminated during shipping. Make sure to review any cleaning instructions before washing your new toy.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR DOG TOYS?
How often you clean your dog’s toys depends on the fabric, the frequency of use and what kind of messes it comes into contact with. A good rule of thumb is to wash dog toys at least twice a month to help ensure they stay in good condition. Keep in mind that your pet’s most-loved toys, or those that go outside may need to be cleaned more often than other toys. Learn how to wash dog collars in the washer as well.
How Do You Take Care of Dog Toys Between Cleanings?
Taking care of dog toys between cleanings is as simple as making sure that they are still in good enough quality to be played with. Inspect your dog’s toys for any potential hazards, such as plastic that could be chewed away or loose stuffing that could be swallowed. Also, bring your toys in from outside as they are more likely to be subject to deterioration from the elements.
CONQUER PET HAIR LIKE A PRO
Whether washing dog toys, dog clothes, blankets or dark clothing, pet hair can be extra tough to remove. Skip extra time spent lint rolling items with the Maytag® Pet Pro Washer that’s built to trap and remove pet hair. Press the Pet Pro option on your washing machine to engage the built-in Pet Pro Filter and remove 5x more pet hair.1 Pair it with a Maytag® Pet Pro Dryer that uses a no-heat, extended dry time to lift pet hair from clothes and capture it in the XL lint trap. The Maytag® Pet Pro System works together as a complete laundry solution for pet parents.
HOW TO WASH PLUSH DOG TOYS
Your dog’s plush toys may get covered in slobber or dirt and become smelly. Knowing how to wash plush dog toys can help ensure they are clean and ready for playtime.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
SUPPLIES
Pet-safe laundry detergent
Washing machine
Mesh laundry bag (optional)
STEP 1: CHECK LABELS
Before putting your dog’s toys in the washing machine, check that the care label does not warn against machine washing.
STEP 2: LOAD TOYS INTO WASHING MACHINE
Only machine wash squeaker dog toys if you are able to remove the squeaker before washing. Be sure to inspect the toys for tears so they do not lose their stuffing in the washing machine. You may want to put them inside a mesh bag to catch any stuffing that finds its way out of the toy. If you’re only washing a few toys, you will want to throw in a couple towels, dog blankets or other items to help keep the load from becoming off-balanced.
STEP 3: ADD DETERGENT
Add a pet-friendly detergent to the washing machine or dispensers. The detergent should be free of bleach and harmful chemicals.
STEP 4: WASH TOYS
Select a wash cycle on your washing machine. A gentle or delicate cycle will most likely be best for your dog toys. If you are using the Maytag® Pet Pro washer, make sure to select the Pet Pro option to help remove excess pet hair. This washer option unleashes additional water and a deep rinse to activate the Pet Pro Filter, which lifts and captures pet hair from items. Once removed, pet hair is caught in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a clean you can see.
STEP 5: DRY THOROUGHLY
When the toys are done washing, dry them thoroughly by either air drying or putting them in the dryer on low heat. Do not use dryer sheets if you choose to tumble dry the toys.
How to Wash Plastic, Rubber or Nylon Dog Toys
Washing plastic, rubber or nylon dog toys is an important part of keeping toys in good repair and ensuring your dog has clean toys to play with. When washing these toys by hand, use pet-safe antibacterial soap and warm water before scrubbing your pet toys in the sink. Allow them to dry completely before giving them to your pet.
Note: always make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific dog toy prior to cleaning to ensure that you don’t damage the toy.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
SUPPLIES
Antibacterial dish soap
Water
Toothbrush or scrub brush
STEP 1: FILL SINK
If your dog toy is labeled dishwasher safe, you can wash it on the top rack of your dishwasher. If not, begin by filling the sink or a tub with warm water and antibacterial dish soap.
STEP 2: WASH TOYS
Use the antibacterial dish soap and warm water to wash the rubber or plastic dog toys. If they are very dirty, you can use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean them thoroughly or get into any crevices where dirt or grime might build up.
STEP 3: RINSE AND DRY
Thoroughly rinse the dog toys with clean water and allow them to fully dry before giving them back to your pet to enjoy.
Can You Wash Dog Toys in the Dishwasher?
Dog toys made with plastic or rubber can be washed in the dishwasher. Select Maytag® dishwashers feature a Pet Pro Sanitization cycle that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria in your pet’s toys and bowls.3
How to Clean Dog Rope Toys
The process for cleaning your dog’s rope toys is similar to the one for cleaning their plush toys. After a session of tug-of-war, follow these instructions to get the rope toy ready for the next skirmish.
Supplies
- Water
Tools
- Microwave
STEP 1: FILL SINK
Begin cleaning your rope toy by filling a sink or a tub with warm water, scrubbing away any caked on dirt or grime and allowing the toy to soak for five minutes.
Step 2: Microwave
After the toy has sufficiently soaked in hot water, place it in your microwave and run the appliance for a minute.
Step 3: Air Dry
Allow the toy to fully cool before removing it from the microwave and wringing out any excess water. Give the toy time to dry before giving it back to your dog.
How Do You Disinfect Dog Toys?
When attempting to disinfect dog toys, one option is to run them through a wash cycle designed to sanitize. Keep in mind that these cycles often use high temperatures that may not be suitable for all dog toys. Check your care label before using a sanitize cycle.
Select Maytag® washers feature a Sanitize with Oxi cycle that removes 99.9% of household bacteria.2 Increased wash temperatures and oxygenated additives work together to clean tough messes.
WHEN SHOULD YOU THROW DOG TOYS AWAY?
It is time to get rid of a dog toy when it’s too heavily chewed to be effectively cleaned, it’s torn or destroyed and stuffing is falling out or if it has pieces coming off that could be a choking hazard or a danger if swallowed.
Regularly inspecting your dog’s toys can help ensure that they stay in good repair and that you are aware of any issues that might be a hazard to your pet. When in doubt about keeping or discarding a dog toy, it’s probably best to just throw it away. Learn how to wash other daily use dog items, like dog food and water bowls in the dishwasher.
SHOP MAYTAG® PET PRO SYSTEM FOR PET HAIR REMOVAL
When it comes to performance and durability, Maytag brand has powerful washers to tackle all your family’s messes. The Maytag® Pet Pro System helps you conquer pet hair like a pro. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer removes 5x more pet hair1, while the XL lint trap in the dryer traps and removes additional pet hair.
Maytag® Pet pro dishwasher
KILLS 99.99% OF BACTERIA IN PET BOWLS2
Learn More about Tough Laundry Jobs
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1. Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.
2. Bacteria tested were S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae.
3. See UL Verify for specific organisms.
