Dog toys are dirtier than you think; try these cleaning tips from vets

Your dog's favorite plush toy or squeaky ball can collect much more than just slobber. Over time, dog toys can accumulate bacteria, dirt, food residue, and everyday wear that may make them less safe. Regular cleaning can help prevent harm to your pets and household.

Keep reading to learn what you should use to clean your dogs' toys, and when some toys might need to be tossed out entirely.

Why cleaning dog toys matters

"Dog and cat mouths contain a range of bacteria (with species such as Actinomyces and Streptococcus)," said Natascha Hedegaard, BVetMed, PgC (SAM), MRCVS, In-House Veterinary Advisor at JoyFull Pet. "If toys are not washed regularly, bacteria can accumulate on toys, posing a risk to both humans in the household and pets when they next chew the toy."

Beyond bacteria, dirt, food debris and everyday wear can accumulate on toys over time, making them unsafe for both dogs and their owners. Keeping toys clean can make them last longer and make it much easier to spot damage.

Use pet-safe cleaners and skip harsh chemicals

Dog toys cannot be cleaned with just any chemical, as some can be harmful to your pets' health.

"The use of harsh chemicals such as bleach and phenol is strongly discouraged," said Iryna Smyrnova, DVM, a veterinarian at MeoWoff. "These chemicals can create harmful residue that may result in a serious burn on your pet's delicate mucous membranes." She recommends these pet-safe cleaners instead:

• Pure castile soap
• Unscented dish soap
• Hypoallergenic laundry detergent
• White vinegar

Be sure to rinse the toys out thoroughly and let them dry out completely before returning them to your pet.

How to clean dog toys based on material

Dr. Smyrnova provided the following tips to clean your dogs' toys based on their material:

• Soft, plush toys: Place them in a mesh bag and wash them on a gentle cycle on high heat. Avoid adding fabric softeners or scent boosters.
• Rubber, plastic, or nylon toys: Wash with soapy water or place them on the top rack of the dishwasher (if the manufacturer recommends it).
• Rope toys: Can generally be soaked in hot water and washed according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Hard chews: Wash with warm water and thoroughly dry.
• Electronic or interactive toys: Remove batteries if possible and wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

"Any toys used with a fresh food product (such as frozen yogurt in a rubber toy) should be washed after every use," Dr. Hedegaard said. "Plush toys that are gathering slobber should be washed weekly, and harder chews can be washed every few weeks if not gathering dirt or slobber sooner."

When cleaning isn't enough: Signs it's time to replace a toy

Even thorough cleaning might not be enough to save some of your dog's toys.

"If frequent washing or chewing is damaging a toy, this could risk your pet swallowing pieces of the toy, so please replace any toys showing signs of damage," Dr. Hedegaard said. Toss away toys if they have:

• Tears or holes
• Frayed rope fibers
• Exposed stuffing
• Loose parts
• Cracks or sharp edges
• Persistent odor after washing

Keep an eye on your pet's toys

A clean toy doesn't automatically mean it's safe. Check your pets' toys regularly for wear and replace them once they become too damaged to clean.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Own: Dog toys are dirtier than you think; try these cleaning tips from vets

Reporting by Taneia Surles, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Own

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 6:06 PM.