Quick answer

Clean rubber chew toys in hot soapy water or the dishwasher top rack, and wash plush toys on a gentle machine cycle or by hand. Sanitize weekly or after heavy play, and always inspect for damage before returning the toy to your dog.

Why regular cleaning matters for dog toy hygiene

Dirt, saliva, and bacteria build up fast on chew toys, especially after outdoor fetch or slobbery tug sessions. A toy that looks clean can still harbor germs that may upset your dog's stomach or cause skin irritation. Regular cleaning also extends the life of the toy by preventing grime from breaking down materials and stitching.

How often should you clean each type of toy?

Rubber and silicone toys (like lick mats) should be cleaned after every few uses or at least once a week. Plush toys with squeakers need a gentle wash every 1–2 weeks, depending on how dirty they get. For toys used in water or outdoors, rinse them after each outing to remove mud and debris.

Step-by-step cleaning process

  1. Step 1: Inspect the toy for damage: Before cleaning, check for tears, loose threads, or broken squeakers. If the toy has a hole, stuffing can come out and become a choking hazard. Discard or repair damaged toys first. Common mistake: cleaning a toy with a hidden tear, then giving it back to your dog still unsafe.
  2. Step 2: Remove loose debris and surface dirt: Rinse rubber toys under warm water to remove saliva and dirt. For plush toys, shake off loose fur and debris. Use a soft brush on textured rubber surfaces to get into grooves. Checkpoint: skipping this step can leave grit that scratches the toy or wears down the material during washing.
  3. Step 3: Wash according to material: Rubber and silicone toys: wash with warm water and mild dish soap, or place on the top rack of the dishwasher (no heated dry). Plush toys: machine-wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of pet-safe detergent, or hand-wash with mild soap. Common mistake: using bleach or harsh chemicals can irritate your dog's mouth and degrade the toy material.
  4. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly: Soap residue can cause stomach upset if your dog ingests it. Rinse rubber toys under running water until no suds remain. For plush toys, run an extra rinse cycle in the machine. Checkpoint: if the toy still feels slippery, rinse again—residue is easy to miss in crevices.
  5. Step 5: Dry completely before giving back: Rubber toys: towel-dry and let air dry fully. Plush toys: air-dry only—never use high heat, which can warp squeakers or shrink fabric. Squeeze out excess water and hang or lay flat in a dry spot. Common mistake: returning a damp toy to your dog, which encourages mold and bacterial growth inside the toy.
  6. Step 6: Sanitize periodically (optional but recommended): For a deeper clean, soak rubber toys in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water for 15 minutes, then rinse. Plush toys can be sanitized with a vinegar rinse in the washing machine. Do not use vinegar on toys with metal parts or electronic squeakers. Checkpoint: vinegar smell fades once dry, but if your dog dislikes it, skip this step and stick to soap and water.

Product-specific care notes

  • SodaPup Tree of Life Enrichment Lick Mat: SodaPup Tree of Life Enrichment Lick Mat is made with food-grade silicone and has built-in suction cups for secure placement. Silicone is non-porous, so it resists bacteria better than many materials. The suction cups can trap debris if not rinsed after each use; a quick hand-wash with warm soapy water keeps them sticky and hygienic.
  • Mighty Dog Toy Linda the Witch: Mighty Dog Toy Linda the Witch has ultra-soft microfiber fur, six built-in squeakers, and reinforced stitching. Microfiber fur can hold onto dirt and saliva more than smooth surfaces. The multiple squeakers mean you cannot machine-dry this toy on high heat, or the squeakers may warp. Air-dry only to preserve the squeakers and fabric.
  • Tuffy Dog Toy Priolla the Purple Squid: Tuffy Dog Toy Priolla the Purple Squid has multiple layers of durable material and reinforced stitching. Layered construction makes this toy tougher, but water can get trapped between layers if not dried thoroughly. After washing, squeeze out excess water and hang to dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew inside the toy.