How to Disinfect Dog Toys Safely (& Without Harsh Chemicals)
Our dogs have a toy basket. We managed to train them to get toys from it, but not to put them back. That part’s left to me. More than once I’ve picked up a chew drenched in slobber and thought, surely that cannot be healthy.
Dogs being dogs though, they love stinky stuff. Lemon-fresh scents, not so much. So there’s a bit of a balancing act in learning how to disinfect their toys safely — without harsh chemicals, and without ruining your dog’s favourite chews.
This guide walks you through exactly how to clean and disinfect different types of dog toys, which products are safe to use, and when it’s time to retire a toy altogether.
All You Need to Know about How to Disinfect Dog Toys
If you’re at the stage where your dog has grown into a proper destructive chewer, cleaning stops being optional. Tougher toys cost more, and replacing them every few weeks gets expensive fast. Keeping them clean isn’t just about hygiene — it’s what helps those pricier toys last longer, while still being safe for your dog to chew.
A List of Dog-Safe Cleaning Supplies You Can Use
🧽 Recommended materials:
- old toothbrush (for grooves and treat wells)
- white vinegar
- baking soda
- fragrance-free or pet-safe detergent
- food-grade hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- wash bag or old pillowcase
- microfibre towel
- sunshine (when you get it) — UV helps kill germs, so air-dry toys outside when possible
Safety tip: If using hydrogen peroxide, rinse toys thoroughly and avoid contact with eyes.
Why You Should Clean Dog Toys Regularly
Dog toys are slobber magnets — especially if you’ve got a power chewer.
Once saliva dries on toys, you end up with:
- bacteria build-up
- yeast and mould (that familiar ‘dog toy’ smell)
- germs transferred onto beds, carpets, and blankets
- a higher risk of tummy upsets
And if you’ve ever seen a buffalo horn fuse itself to a cheap poop bag, you’ll know how quickly drool and dirt can turn into something you definitely don’t want your dog chewing on.
Keeping toys clean means:
✔ better hygiene
✔ less smell
✔ toys last longer
How to Clean Different Types of Dog Toys
Different toys need different cleaning methods — here’s how to clean each type safely.
Plush Toys & Comforters
Soft toys soak up drool and can trap mould deep inside, especially if your dog carries them around often.
Most plush dog toys can go in the washing machine:
• 30–40°C gentle cycle
• put toys in a wash bag (same as you’d do with their harness or lead)
• use fragrance-free detergent
• air-dry fully to prevent mould
Can you wash dog toys with squeakers?
Usually, yes — as long as the stitching is secure and the label says machine-washable.
If you’re unsure, hand-washing is the safer option.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a wash bag, a pillowcase knotted shut works just as well.
Rope Toys After Muddy Walks
Rope toys are brilliant for tug, but they’re one of the worst offenders for trapping dirt and bacteria.
To clean them:
- soak in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes
- rinse well
- air-dry fully (a damp rope toy will grow mould)
You can microwave certain rope toys to reduce bacteria, but only if they’re safe for it:
✅ must be 100% cotton
✅ must be fully soaked beforehand
✗ no plastic or metal
✗ never use bleach anywhere in the process
Microwave for 60–90 seconds, let it cool, then dry it completely.
Important: Microwaving reduces bacteria, but it isn’t a full disinfect. Stick to soaking and proper drying as your main cleaning method.
Rubber & Tough Chew Toys
(KONGs, nylon chews, etc.)
Rubber and nylon toys are usually the most durable options for power chewers — and the ones that end up the messiest. Because they last longer, they tend to collect layers of dried drool, food residue, and dirt, so a proper clean goes a long way.
If you want to see which ones actually stand up to Staffy-level chewing, here’s what I find to be the most durable dog toys for aggressive chewers.
To clean rubber and composite toys:
• warm water + washing-up liquid
• scrub grooves and crevices with an old toothbrush
• rinse very well
For toys that get food stuffed inside (peanut butter, pastes, wet food):
Baking soda + vinegar paste
- apply the paste
- leave for 5 minutes
- scrub again
- rinse, then soak in clean water for 5 minutes
About dishwashers:
Dishwasher cycles remove surface grime, but most household settings stay below 60°C — meaning they don’t reliably sanitise. Use the dishwasher for a quick clean, not full disinfection.
Nylon bones:
These naturally roughen over time and help scrape tartar, but retire them when cracks or splits start to form.
Safe Cleaning Products (and Ones to Avoid)
✅ Safe options
- baking soda — useful for removing odours from rubber or stuffed toys
- white vinegar — great for dissolving slobber and residue on hard toys
- mild, fragrance-free washing-up liquid — safe for most toy surfaces
- UV/sunlight — helps reduce bacteria when toys are dried outside
Is it safe to wash dog toys with detergent and baking soda?
Yes — as long as you rinse everything thoroughly.
🚫 Avoid
- bleach or disinfectant sprays
- strong scents or harsh chemicals
- baby wipes containing alcohol or fragrance
If you wouldn’t want it in your own mouth, your dog definitely shouldn’t be chewing it.
How to Disinfect Toys You Can’t Wash
Some toys shouldn’t be soaked or machine-washed. This includes:
• latex toys with glued seams
• battery-operated squeakers
• toys that warp, split, or distort when wet
For these, use:
Food-grade hydrogen peroxide (3%)
→ wipe or spray the surface
→ let it sit for a few minutes
→ rinse thoroughly
→ air dry completely
If you only have 9% peroxide, dilute it 1:3 (one part peroxide to three parts water).
For more detail on safe concentrations around pets, here’s ASPCA’s guidance on cleaning ingredients and toxicities.
Dog-safe antibacterial wipes:
Good for quick refreshes, but they don’t replace a proper deep clean.
When NOT to Machine-Wash a Dog Toy
Not every toy can handle a wash cycle. Avoid machine-washing:
• crinkle plush toys — water gets trapped between the layers
• toys with squeakers that are glued in, not sewn
• leather collars, leads, or tug toys
For leather gear:
Wipe it down with a damp cloth and use a pet-safe leather conditioner.
Do not soak or machine-wash leather — it cracks, warps, and loses its shape once it dries.
When to Replace Toys (Even Clean Ones)
Some toys eventually reach retirement age, even if you keep them clean. Replace them when you see:
| Toy Type | Replace When… |
| Rope | long strands start coming loose or being swallowed |
| Rubber | cracks, missing chunks, or deep bite marks |
| Plush | stuffing poking out or ripped seams |
| Nylon | a visible split forming |
It’s always safer to throw a damaged toy out than risk an emergency surgery.
A Simple Cleaning Routine You Can Manage
This doesn’t need to be a strict schedule — just small habits that keep things under control.
Regular quick checks
• if (or when) the dogs start smelling a bit whiffy, I’ll check their bedding first — more often than not, that’s the culprit
• check the crate area for toys, chews, or stray socks (always socks)
Monthly
• hose down the crate tray outside
• wash bed covers
• machine-wash any washable toys, collars, and wearables
→ 30–40°C gentle cycle
→ use wash bags to protect clips and buckles (handy for harnesses)
Rotation = Toy Longevity
Store toys in a basket and rotate them through naturally.
It keeps things interesting for your dog and makes each toy last longer.
Final Thoughts: Clean Toys = Safer Play
Keeping dog toys clean doesn’t have to be a big job. A few small habits go a long way — fewer germs, less smell, and toys that last longer. Most importantly, it keeps playtime safer.
Which toys are the hardest for you to keep clean — the soft, fluffy ones, the nylon chews, the rope toys, or the food-stuffed chews? Let me know in the comments. It helps me see what other owners are dealing with.