A Safe & Easy Guide to Cleaning Dog Toys

Dog toys go through a lot—chewing, drooling, being rolled back and forth across the floor, trips to the park, and more. Over time, they collect dirt, odors, and bacteria, to the point that they, too, need a good, solid clean to stay safe for everyday play.

Can You Clean Dog Toys with Laundry Detergent?

Yes—just use a laundry detergent designed to be safe for use around pets! When used as directed, laundry detergent can safely be used to clean many kinds of dog toys. When fully rinsed, detergent residue should not remain on dog toys, which is the primary safety concern for pets when cleaning items they chew or lick. Any toy washed with detergent should feel completely free of slipperiness, foam, or scent before going back to your dog. 

When choosing a detergent to clean dog toys, look for dye-free or fragrance-free formulas that rinse clean and don’t leave behind strong fragrances or coatings. Pre-measured detergent tablets, such as Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets, can help reduce residue because they dissolve fully when used as directed.

How to Clean Plush and Fabric Dog Toys

Fabric and plush toys often absorb the most odors because they’re porous and soak up more. Luckily, they’re fine to throw in the washing machine. 

1. Place toys inside a mesh laundry bag to protect stitching.

2. Use a small amount of detergent and choose a gentle cycle.

3. Add an extra rinse if the toy feels soapy afterward.

4. Air dry or dry on a low heat setting–high heat can damage squeakers or cause stuffing to clump.

If a toy still smells musty after washing, it may have internal moisture buildup—especially in toys with squeakers. Sometimes a second wash and full air dry solves it, but if the smell remains, it may be time to replace the toy. 

How to Clean Rubber, Silicone, and Hard Plastic Toys

Simply fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap or detergent, let the toy soak, and scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse under running water until it feels completely clean.

Some durable rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher-safe (if the manufacturer allows). Skip the heated dry setting to avoid warping the material.

How to Clean Rope Toys

Rope toys absorb the most moisture and can harbor bacteria deep within the fibers. A soak in warm, soapy water usually works. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and let the toy dry fully—ideally outside in sunlight. If the rope toy remains damp or sour-smelling even after cleaning, it usually means they should be replaced.

What NOT to Use When Cleaning Dog Toys

It’s best to avoid products that can damage toys or leave behind residues dogs may chew or lick. Strong chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or disinfectant sprays leave lingering fumes and can break down materials. Abrasive powders or scrubbing pads can scratch toys, especially plastic or rubber. Heavy fabric softeners leave a coating that stays on plush fabrics. And toys should never be soaked in strong cleaners intended for non-food surfaces.

Any product you wouldn’t want lingering on your hands, you don’t want lingering on your dog’s toys! 

When Laundry Detergent Isn’t the Problem

Sometimes the residue you see on toys isn’t detergent—it’s softener buildup, food debris, or saliva dried into the fabric. Softener in particular can leave waxy patches on plush toys if too much is used or if it doesn’t disperse evenly. If toys feel greasy even after washing, try washing again without any softener and add an extra rinse cycle.

How to Remove Existing Detergent Residue

If a toy already has detergent marks or feels slippery, it’s usually easy to fix. Rinse thoroughly under warm water while squeezing or pressing the material to release trapped soap. You can also rewash the toy without detergent and add a splash of vinegar to the rinse cycle (for fabric toys only). After cleaning, let the toy air dry fully before giving it back to your dog.

How Often Should You Clean Dog Toys?

Cleaning frequency depends on the toy and your dog’s habits:

• Plush toys: weekly or bi-weekly.

• Rubber or silicone toys: every few days or whenever they feel sticky.

• Rope toys: weekly, or more often if wet from outdoor play.

• Hard plastic toys: weekly or as needed.

For multi-dog households or heavy chewers, you may want to clean toys more frequently. The goal isn’t perfection—just buildup prevention.

Key Takeaways:

• Most dog toys can be safely cleaned with mild detergent if rinsed thoroughly.

• Plush and rope toys trap moisture and need full drying.

• Avoid bleach, disinfectants, and fabric softeners on dog toys.

Dog toys pick up a lot more than we realize, but keeping them clean doesn’t have to be complicated. A little consistency goes a long way—and your dog gets fresher, cleaner toys they’ll want to play with again and again.

Bonus: How to Keep Your Home Clean and Your Pets Safe. Looking for more pet-safe cleaning tips? This guide walks through simple ways to maintain a clean home while reducing your pet’s exposure to harsh residues and unnecessary chemicals.