How to Clean Dog and Cat Toys: Rubber, Plush and Catnip

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Pet toys pick up saliva, dirt, food and fur every day, and the favorite ones get the dirtiest. Cleaning them is quick once you know which method suits which material. This page covers how to clean rubber and plastic dog toys, stuffed KONGs, plush and rope toys, and the more delicate cat toys such as catnip toys and feather wands, how often to wash them, and when a toy should go in the bin instead.

The short answer: wash rubber and hard plastic toys in warm soapy water or on the top rack of the dishwasher if the maker says it is dishwasher safe, then rinse and dry. Machine wash sturdy plush dog toys on a gentle cycle with a mild, unscented detergent, after checking for holes. Hand wash small cat toys, spot clean catnip toys, and let everything dry completely before your pet gets it back. Throw away toys that are broken or cannot be cleaned.

How we wrote this: the steps come from the toy makers’ own care pages (KONG, Outward Hound, West Paw), from Whole Dog Journal and PetsRadar, and from a cat toy cleaning guide reviewed by a veterinarian at The Vet Desk, all linked where they are used. Always follow the care label on your own toy first. If your pet has been ill with a contagious disease, ask your vet how to deal with their toys and bedding.

Why clean pet toys

Whole Dog Journal notes that dog toys are exposed to dirt, saliva, bacteria and even fecal matter over time and can harbor germs and allergens. Outward Hound adds that toys can carry contagious diseases such as canine parvovirus and kennel cough. For cats, The Vet Desk says toys collect dirt, saliva, fur and bacteria, and can get so dirty or smelly that a cat stops playing with them. Cleaning also makes toys last longer, PetsRadar points out, and gives you a regular chance to check them for damage.

How to clean rubber and plastic dog toys

1. Check the label. Many rubber and plastic toys can go on the top rack of the dishwasher, but only if the maker says so. Outward Hound warns that thin latex rubber toys will likely melt in the dishwasher and should be hand washed.
2. Hand wash in hot soapy water with dish soap, using a scrub brush or old toothbrush for the crevices, as Whole Dog Journal describes.
3. Rinse thoroughly so no soap is left on the toy.
4. Let it dry completely, inside and out, before your dog plays with it again.

Stuffed KONGs and treat toys

KONG says to rinse its toys with warm water and dish soap, soak them in warm soapy water if dried food such as peanut butter does not rinse out, then scrub the inside with a KONG brush or an old toothbrush and rinse well. A chopstick helps push out stuck treats. KONG says all its rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher safe, with normal dishwasher detergent, but to skip the drying cycle because the heat can damage the toy. For a toy that has been hidden under the sofa for a while, KONG suggests soaking it in warm soapy water for at least an hour and using a bottle brush inside. See the KONG Classic.

Other makers differ, so check each toy. West Paw lists its Zogoflex Bumi tug as dishwasher safe (West Paw Zogoflex Bumi), while Outward Hound says to hand wash the plastic Dog Tornado puzzle with mild soap and warm water and dry every compartment.

How to wash plush and rope dog toys

1. Check for holes first. Outward Hound says to sew up any hole before machine washing, or hand wash, because a torn toy can burst and a broken rope toy can unravel. If it cannot be saved, throw it away.
2. Take out a removable squeaker and wash it separately, as Whole Dog Journal suggests.
3. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Outward Hound recommends products free of dyes and fragrances; Whole Dog Journal suggests unscented detergent for dogs sensitive to chemicals or fragrances.
4. Dry thoroughly. Air dry, or squeeze out the water and tumble dry on low heat. Whole Dog Journal warns that damp toys can grow bacteria and mold.

Rope toys are the hardest to get dry, because, as Whole Dog Journal notes, they can trap moisture inside the fibers. Our view, not a quote from the sources: wring them out well and let them dry fully in a warm, airy spot, and replace a rope toy that stays smelly or starts to fray.

Fabric enrichment toys often say on the label whether they can go in the machine. The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat, for example, is listed as machine washable.

How to clean cat toys

Cat toys are smaller and more delicate than most dog toys, so gentler methods work better. These tips come from The Vet Desk, reviewed by a veterinarian, and PetsRadar.

• Fabric, cloth, feather and sisal toys: wash by hand in hot soapy water, because they tend to fall apart in a washing machine even on the gentle setting. If you do use the machine, put them in a garment bag or tied pillowcase.
• Hard plastic toys: wipe with a cloth sprayed with an antibacterial spray, then rinse with clean water so no residue is left, as PetsRadar advises, or wash in soapy water.
• Catnip toys: take the catnip out of refillable toys first, then wash the toy and let it dry before refilling. For toys with catnip sewn inside, PetsRadar suggests spot cleaning with a cloth or soaking in clean water without detergent.
• Feather wands: The Vet Desk counts feather toys among the delicate toys to hand wash only when needed. Our view: clean just the feather or fabric end, gently, and let it hang to dry. For a wand like Go Cat Da Bird, the makers sell replacement attachments for when the feathers wear out.
• Use a soft cloth, not a scrubber, which The Vet Desk says leaves tiny scratches where dirt can collect.
• Skip harsh chemicals and scented detergent. The Vet Desk says harsh chemicals can leave residue, does not recommend Lysol spray or laundry detergents, and notes that a strong scent may put your cat off the toy.
• Air dry, out of reach. The Vet Desk advises against the dryer, which can damage plastic toys, and says to let toys dry where your cat cannot get them until they are fully dry.

How often to clean pet toys

There is no fixed rule. For cats, The Vet Desk suggests a weekly wash for sturdy plastic toys used every day, and washing delicate toys such as catnip pouches, feathers and fabric mice only when needed. PetsRadar also suggests about once a week for plastic toys. For dogs, Outward Hound passes on a suggestion of about every two weeks, and more often for the toys your dog uses most. Our view: wash stuffed food toys after each use, because leftover food spoils.

When to throw a toy away

Cleaning only helps a toy that is still in one piece. The sources agree on these signs:

• It is broken, cracked, or has loose or missing parts, such as a squeaker your dog has torn out (Outward Hound, Whole Dog Journal).
• Stuffing, threads or fibers are coming out, which can be a choking hazard (PetsRadar, The Vet Desk).
• It cannot be cleaned properly. Whole Dog Journal says toys made from bone or wood cannot be sanitized or effectively cleaned and should be discarded.
• A plastic cat toy is badly scratched or cracking, or a feather toy is losing its feathers (The Vet Desk).

If your pet swallows part of a toy, or gags, vomits or seems unwell after chewing one, call your vet. Our dog and cat toys buying guide covers how to choose toys that suit your pet’s size and chewing style.

Toys after an illness

Some germs survive ordinary washing. Whole Dog Journal says parvo can survive on surfaces for months and soap and water are not enough to remove it, and Outward Hound cites Ohio State University’s veterinary college as recommending that toys exposed to parvo be thrown away. If your pet has had a contagious illness, ask your vet what to keep, what to throw out and how to disinfect, rather than guessing.

Washing the bed too? See how to wash a dog bed.

FAQ

Can I put dog toys in the dishwasher?

Some, yes. KONG says all its rubber toys are top-rack dishwasher safe if you skip the drying cycle. Check each toy’s label: Outward Hound warns that thin latex toys will likely melt.

Can I put plush dog toys in the washing machine?

Usually, if the toy has no holes. Remove any squeaker you can, use a gentle cycle and a mild, unscented detergent, and dry the toy completely.

How do I get peanut butter out of a KONG?

KONG suggests soaking it in warm water and dish soap to loosen dried food, then scrubbing the inside with a KONG brush or old toothbrush. A chopstick helps push out stuck pieces.

How do I clean a catnip toy?

Remove the catnip from refillable toys before washing, then dry the toy fully and refill. Spot clean toys with catnip sewn inside, using a damp cloth or clean water without detergent.

Is it safe to use bleach on pet toys?

Ask your vet first. Bleach is hard to rinse out of soft or porous toys, and Whole Dog Journal says those are better thrown away if they need it. For everyday cleaning, mild soap and water is enough for most toys.

How often should I wash my cat’s toys?

The Vet Desk suggests weekly for sturdy plastic toys used daily, and only as needed for delicate fabric, feather and catnip toys.