Your dog's toys end up in his mouth, out in the yard, in their bed, in mud puddles and many other dirty places.
Most pet owners don't think about keeping their dog's toys clean, but it's an important part of keeping Fido healthy.
Learning how to wash dog toys will help you keep your pet safe and ward off germs.
While everyday dirt, drool and saliva don't pose immanent danger to your pet, these substances will build up on your pup's toys over time.
You probably haven't even thought of how dirty your dog's toys are.
Pick one up and really check it out.
Chances are, you'll be rushing to clean them once you take a better look!
Yes, you could always throw Fido's dirty toys in the trash and buy new ones, but that's not cost-effective or eco-friendly.
There is a better way!
Get into the habit of cleaning your pet's toys on a regular basis, and you won't have to worry about odor, dirt or drool build-up.
And if your dog is one of those toy terminators consider getting an indestructible dog toys.
How to Wash Dog Toys
When you're washing dog toys, there are a couple of rules that you should follow.
First, do not put the toy in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is dishwasher safe.
Also, be sure to use pet-safe laundry detergent if you are going to clean them in the washing machine.
If you're looking for a safe laundry detergent to use when learning how to wash dog toys, clothes or bedding, check out the recipe that I use.
This DIY powder detergent is cheaper than most similar products on the market and is a great option for dogs with sensitive skin.
Rubber, plastic and nylon toys
These can be hand washed with antibacterial soap.
You can use a toothbrush to get into the small spaces.
If the toys have a lot of build up on them, try socking them in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts hot water.
Allow them to soak for 15 minutes before washing.
Rope and plush toys
Rope toys can easily be a problem if your dog is playing with their rope toy frequently. Especially if they play with it outside in the dirt or slobber on it quite a bit.
This daily use breeds bacteria making it a ripe opportunity for your dog to get sick.
The same goes for plush toys too.
Here's how you clean them:
Go ahead and just throw them right into the washing machine.
You'll want to do a small load of dog toys separately from your regular laundry.
Use a pet-friendly laundry detergent, and allow the toys to air dry.
Wrapping up how to wash dog toys
Remember, just because your dog is a dog that can fight off bacteria and viruses, does not mean you should let their toys get dirty and nasty over time.
Think of a dog water bowl, are you going to let your dog keep drinking 2 week old water?
Your answer, is probably not. The same goes for toys.
Keep a routine of washing and cleaning dog toys so they can continue to play with them without risking ingesting mold.
READ NEXT: Which Dog Toys Do Veterinarians Recommend?
