How To Keep Your Pets’ Toys Free of Bacteria

April 10, 2022

The last thing you want to do is throw away your pet’s favourite toy because it’s gross and dirty. Instead, it’s a good idea to wash your pet’s toys regularly each week.

When you think of how much your pet’s toys go through on any given day, it starts to become scarily clear that these beloved items could be harbouring millions of bacteria.

Your dogs (and cats) have their mouths all over those toys. They drag them across the floor, play with them outside and chew on them for pleasure. They are always in their mouths.

So each time they pick up their toy, not only is there a buildup of bacteria but also a transferral of bacteria. In other words, your dog is just as likely to pick up bacteria from his toy as he is adding to it. And so are you.

Luckily, dogs have strong bacteria-fighting properties in their saliva and rarely get sick from dirty toys. But you want to be safe nonetheless. Here are a few tips on keeping pet toys clean and bacteria-free:

Rubber and plastic toys

Some plastic and rubber toys can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher, but others may not. With all toys, make sure you read the labels and cleaning instructions first. Using harsh cleaning chemicals and water that is too hot may damage your pet’s toys and leave them unsafe and even toxic.

The recommended option is to give them a good soak in sudsy dish soap and warm water, before scrubbing them clean.

The safer option is to soak your rubber and plastic pet’s toys in white vinegar and water. Mix half as much vinegar to warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes, then give them a good scrub with a toothbrush. Just bear in mind that vinegar leaves a strong and lasting smell that your pet may not appreciate. Giving them a good rinse will help to get rid of some of the odour.

Plush toys and rope pulls

The easiest option is to throw your pet’s plush toys in the washing machine. The greener option is to choose the vinegar soak method. Many stuffed toys can be thrown in the dryer too, provided there are no plastic parts. Check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning plush toys.

Rope pulls can be disinfected by placing them in a microwave. First, soak the rope pull toy, then microwave on high for one minute. On the other hand, it’s easier just to throw them in the washer and dryer.

Any toys that are tattered and torn and beyond repair are best thrown in the garbage as they could pose a choking hazard.

So, washing your pet’s toys regularly will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and makes for a healthier playtime.