Updated August 2026
Dog toys have a fairly hard life.
They get chewed, dribbled on, dragged around the garden, filled with food, left under furniture and occasionally introduced to something particularly unpleasant on a walk.
Soft toys can start to smell. Food can become trapped inside KONGs and puzzle toys. Lick mats can develop residue around their grooves. Snuffle mats collect crumbs, saliva and general dog debris.
So, how often should you clean dog toys?
There is no single timetable that suits every toy or every dog. Food toys should generally be cleaned after use, while other toys should be checked regularly and washed when they are dirty, smelly or contaminated.
More importantly, cleaning is a good opportunity to inspect the toy. If it is splitting, fraying, losing pieces or becoming small enough to swallow, washing it does not make it safe again.
Sometimes the correct cleaning method is the bin.
Key Takeaways
- Regularly clean dog toys to maintain hygiene, especially food-related toys after use or if they smell.
- Inspect toys for damage and safety concerns before cleaning. If they’re too damaged, it’s safer to replace them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, whether it’s hand washing, machine washing, or dishwashing—they vary by toy type.
- Use a simple routine: clean after food use, let toys dry fully, and check for any wear and tear regularly.
- Consider cleaning needs based on how often each toy is used, as usage dictates cleaning frequency.
Table of contents
- Why dog toys need cleaning
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
- How to clean soft dog toys
- How to clean KONGs and rubber food toys
- How to clean lick mats
- How to clean snuffle mats
- How to clean puzzle toys and treat dispensers
- What about rope toys?
- How should you clean balls?
- Should dog toys go in the dishwasher?
- Can dog toys go in the washing machine?
- Do I need to disinfect dog toys?
- How often should I wash dog toys?
- When should I replace a dog toy rather than clean it?
- A simple dog-toy cleaning routine
- Toy rotation can make cleaning easier.
- Extra care for puppies, senior dogs and determined chewers
- What I notice when house sitting
- Frequently asked questions
- How often should dog toys be washed?
- Can I put dog toys in the washing machine?
- Can I put dog toys in the dishwasher?
- How do I clean the inside of a KONG?
- Should I wash a new dog toy before using it?
- Why does my dog’s toy still smell after washing?
- When should I throw away a dog toy?
- Does my dog need lots of toys?
- Clean, check, dry and reuse
Why dog toys need cleaning
I use enrichment toys regularly when caring for dogs, particularly food toys, lick mats and simple activities that encourage sniffing and problem-solving.
Anything involving food obviously needs sensible hygiene.
But ordinary play toys get dirty too.
Saliva, food, mud, hair and grime can build up on toys. A favourite soft toy may also travel between the dog’s bed, the garden, and the dog’s mouth several times a day.
You do not need to become obsessive about sterilising everything your dog touches. Dogs are dogs.
A sensible routine is enough.
I think of toy care as having three parts:
- Clean it appropriately.
- Dry it thoroughly.
- Check that it is still safe.
That third step is easy to overlook.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Before putting any toy in a washing machine or dishwasher, check its label, packaging or manufacturer’s care instructions.
Two toys that look similar may be made from different materials.
A product may be:
- machine washable
- hand wash only
- dishwasher safe
- top-rack dishwasher safe
- unsuitable for high temperatures
Do not assume that because one rubber toy survives the dishwasher, every rubber or plastic dog toy will.
If you no longer have the packaging, look for cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.
How to clean soft dog toys
Many fabric and plush dog toys can be washed, but check the care label first.
Before washing, inspect the toy carefully.
Look for:
- loose stitching
- exposed stuffing
- damaged squeakers
- torn fabric
- loose plastic parts
- fraying rope or trim
- pieces your dog could pull off and swallow
If the toy is already coming apart, washing it will not restore its structural integrity.
For machine-washable toys, follow the manufacturer’s temperature and washing instructions. Avoid adding heavily fragranced products to make a dog toy smell pleasant to us.
After washing, allow the toy to dry completely before returning it.
A toy that is still damp inside is not ready for the toy basket.
What about a beloved old teddy?
Some dogs have a soft toy they carry everywhere.
I would rather preserve a safe favourite than throw toys away simply because they look a bit scruffy.
But sentimental value does not override safety.
If stuffing is escaping, seams repeatedly open, or a squeaker can be reached, it may be time to retire it.
That can be frustrating when it is apparently the only toy your dog has loved since 2019 and the expensive replacement you bought is treated with complete indifference.
Dogs have their own product-review system.
How to clean KONGs and rubber food toys
Stuffable rubber toys are useful because one toy can provide many different enrichment activities.
They also need to be cleaned properly.
Food can remain around the opening and inside the cavity, particularly after wet or sticky fillings.
After use:
- Remove any food your dog has left.
- Rinse the toy before residue dries hard.
- Wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pay attention to the inside and any openings.
- Rinse thoroughly where required.
- Let it dry completely before storing or refilling it.
Do not keep adding new food on top of old residue.
While you are cleaning it, inspect the rubber for cracks, splits, deep tooth damage, weakened areas or missing pieces.
My Dog Enrichment Safety: When a Brain Game Becomes Frustrating guide explains why I recommend inspecting food toys before each use.
If you use food toys regularly, my Dog Enrichment Ideas That Actually Help Calm and Tire Your Dog guide also explains how to introduce them gradually rather than immediately giving a dog a tightly packed frozen challenge.
How to clean lick mats
Lick mats look simple, but all those grooves and textured areas can trap food.
Remove the mat once your dog has finished rather than leaving it down as a chew toy.
Then:
- remove remaining food
- rinse it promptly
- wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- pay attention to grooves, corners and textured areas
- rinse thoroughly where appropriate
- Allow it to dry completely.
Inspect the mat while you clean it.
If your dog has bitten into it, torn an edge, or removed pieces, replace it rather than continue using a damaged mat.
This is especially important for dogs who stop licking and start chewing the mat itself.
A lick mat is an enrichment tool. It is not intended to become an edible side dish.
How to clean snuffle mats
Snuffle mats can collect more than the pieces of food you deliberately put into them.
Crumbs can become trapped deep within the fabric along with hair and saliva.
Shake out loose food after use and check through the folds.
If the manufacturer says the mat is machine washable, follow its washing and drying instructions. If it requires hand washing, use the recommended method instead.
Make sure it dries thoroughly before storing it.
Also check for strips of fabric that have become loose or damaged.
Some dogs search carefully through a snuffle mat.
Others decide the quickest solution is to dismantle the entire thing.
If your dog pulls out and swallows fabric, a snuffle mat may not be an appropriate enrichment choice for them.
There are plenty of alternatives.
My Ditch the Bowl at Mealtimes guide includes simple food-search activities that do not require a snuffle mat.
How to clean puzzle toys and treat dispensers
Puzzle toys vary enormously, so manufacturer instructions matter here.
Before washing one, check whether it contains:
- removable compartments
- hollow sections
- moving parts
- fabric
- wood
- electronics
- areas where water could become trapped
Remove leftover food after use.
If pieces come apart for cleaning, make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling the toy.
Pay particular attention to corners and channels where wet food can collect.
And remember that complexity is not automatically better.
A difficult puzzle that takes ages to clean is not necessarily providing your dog with better enrichment than a simple reusable food toy.
I prefer equipment that suits the individual dog and is practical enough for regular use.
What about rope toys?
Rope toys need particularly careful inspection.
Once a rope starts to fray heavily, strands can be pulled free.
Cleaning does not repair that damage.
Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions if the toy is designed to be washable, but inspect it before returning it to your dog.
If long strands are coming loose, retire it.
The same principle applies to tug toys.
A well-used tug toy does not have to look brand new, but handles, stitching and play surfaces still need to be secure.
How should you clean balls?
Balls collect saliva, dirt, grass and mud very quickly.
How you wash one depends on what it is made from.
A solid rubber ball may have completely different care instructions from a tennis-style ball, a fabric ball, or a ball containing a squeaker.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to dry properly.
More importantly, check its condition and size.
Replace balls that are:
- split
- badly damaged
- breaking apart
- significantly misshapen
- losing their covering
- small enough to present a swallowing or choking risk
Toy size matters as much as cleanliness.
Should dog toys go in the dishwasher?
Only if the manufacturer says that particular toy is dishwasher safe.
Do not use the dishwasher as a universal dog-toy cleaning system.
Materials, adhesives, squeakers and internal components differ between products.
If the manufacturer provides dishwasher instructions, follow them, including any guidance about rack position or temperature.
If it does not, use the cleaning method it recommends instead.
Can dog toys go in the washing machine?
Again, only when the manufacturer says they can.
Many fabric toys and some snuffle mats are machine washable. Others are not.
Check the label first.
It is also worth putting machine-washable toys through a quick safety inspection before washing them. A washing machine can clean a torn toy, but it cannot make that toy safe again.
Do I need to disinfect dog toys?
For routine cleaning, I would follow the toy manufacturer’s instructions rather than routinely reaching for strong disinfectants.
The aim is to remove dirt, saliva and food residue safely without leaving unsuitable cleaning products on something that will go straight back into your dog’s mouth.
There are situations where hygiene needs more thought.
If your dog has an infectious illness, a veterinary condition or a weakened immune system, ask your vet what cleaning routine is appropriate.
The same applies if toys have been contaminated with something potentially harmful.
Do not improvise with household chemicals simply because something is described as antibacterial.
How often should I wash dog toys?
It depends on how the toy is used.
A useful rule of thumb is:
| Toy | When I would clean or check it |
|---|---|
| KONG or food-stuffable toy | Clean after food use and inspect before reuse |
| Lick mat | Clean after each food use |
| Puzzle feeder | Remove food and clean after use as appropriate |
| Snuffle mat | Shake/check after use and wash regularly according to instructions |
| Soft toy | Check regularly and wash when dirty or smelly |
| Tug toy | Inspect frequently and clean according to manufacturer instructions |
| Ball | Check frequently and clean when dirty |
| Outdoor toy | Clean when muddy or contaminated and inspect for damage |
This is not a rigid schedule.
A toy used once a week by a gentle dog will have different cleaning needs from one used several times a day.
When should I replace a dog toy rather than clean it?
This is probably the most important part of the guide.
Cleaning removes dirt. It does not repair damage.
Consider retiring a toy if you find:
- missing pieces
- significant cracks or splits
- exposed stuffing
- accessible squeakers
- loose components
- long frayed strands
- badly weakened rubber
- sharp or rough damaged edges
- pieces repeatedly being bitten off
- damage that makes the toy small enough to swallow
How your dog uses the toy matters too.
One dog may carry the same soft toy gently for years.
Another can turn it into a forensic reconstruction exercise in four minutes.
There is no meaningful promise that a toy is completely indestructible.
Supervise new toys until you understand how your dog interacts with them.
Cleaning does not make a structurally damaged toy safe. Read How to Choose Safe Dog Toys and When to Replace Them before choosing a replacement.
If you need new enrichment equipment, my Dog Enrichment Toys and Tools I Recommend guide covers the smaller selection of KONGs, lick mats, snuffle mats, puzzles and tug toys I consider genuinely useful.
It is also worth reading my guide on how to choose a safe toy and when to replace them
A simple dog-toy cleaning routine
You do not need a complicated system.
I would keep it simple.
After food enrichment
Remove leftovers and clean the food toy or lick mat according to its instructions.
Once toys are dry
Put them away somewhere clean and dry.
Regularly
Empty the toy basket and inspect everything.
Look at seams, squeakers, rubber, rope, fabric and anything that can detach.
When something smells
Find the culprit.
Wash it if it is safe to wash.
When something is damaged
Decide whether it can still be safely used.
Do not keep an unsafe toy simply because it was expensive.
And if you discover something at the bottom of the toy basket that you cannot identify without protective equipment, I am comfortable recommending retirement.
Toy rotation can make cleaning easier.
You do not need every toy available every day.
Keeping a smaller selection out and rotating suitable toys can make it easier to notice which toys need washing and which are becoming damaged.
It can also save money.
Rather than continually buying something new, you may find that a familiar toy becomes interesting again after spending some time in the cupboard.
That fits my general approach to enrichment.
Your dog does not need a house full of gadgets.
They need safe opportunities to sniff, search, chew, lick, play, rest and interact in ways they actually enjoy.
For more ideas, see Dog Enrichment Ideas That Actually Help Calm and Tire Your Dog.
Extra care for puppies, senior dogs and determined chewers
Some dogs need closer toy checks than others.
Puppies
Puppies explore with their mouths, and their chewing habits can change quickly.
A toy that was appropriate a few weeks ago may no longer suit a growing puppy.
Check size, condition and suitability regularly.
Senior dogs
Older dogs may have dental problems, reduced strength, arthritis or other physical changes.
Choose toys that are comfortable to use and do not assume that a favourite hard toy remains appropriate forever.
My Senior Dog Exercise and Enrichment guide has gentler ideas for older dogs.
Speak to your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s teeth, mouth, mobility or ability to use a particular toy comfortably.
Dogs who destroy toys
If your dog deliberately pulls toys apart, cleaning is only part of the issue.
Supervise closely and choose activities based on what that individual dog actually does, rather than relying on marketing claims such as “tough” or “indestructible”.
Sometimes the safest enrichment is not a conventional toy at all.
Searching for food, sniffing, short reward-based training and interactive play with you can all provide enrichment.
What I notice when house sitting
Toy cleaning becomes particularly noticeable when I am house sitting.
At home, it is easy not to notice a favourite toy gradually becoming rather unpleasant because you see it every day.
Pick it up to move it from a dog’s bed, however, and occasionally you discover that Teddy has developed his own ecosystem.
Food toys are different. If I prepare a KONG or another enrichment activity while caring for a dog, I want it clean before food goes into it and cleaned after use.
That is part of properly maintaining the dog’s normal routine rather than treating enrichment as disposable.
It is also why I prefer practical enrichment equipment that can be checked, cleaned and reused.
If you are going away and your dog is happier staying in their own surroundings, you can read about my house-sitting service in Finchley and the surrounding areas.
Frequently asked questions
How often should dog toys be washed?
There is no single schedule for every toy. Clean food toys after use and inspect other toys regularly. Wash them when they are dirty, smelly, or contaminated, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I put dog toys in the washing machine?
Only if the care instructions say they are machine washable. Check the toy for damage before washing and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
Can I put dog toys in the dishwasher?
Only if the manufacturer specifically says the product is dishwasher safe. Follow its instructions rather than assuming all rubber or plastic toys can go in a dishwasher.
How do I clean the inside of a KONG?
Remove leftover food promptly and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, paying particular attention to the internal cavity and openings. Allow it to dry fully before refilling.
Should I wash a new dog toy before using it?
Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Food-contact enrichment equipment should be prepared as directed before first use.
Why does my dog’s toy still smell after washing?
The material may not have dried fully, or dirt and saliva may remain inside areas that are difficult to clean. If a toy cannot be cleaned and dried properly, or the material has deteriorated, replacing it may be more sensible.
When should I throw away a dog toy?
Replace a toy when damage makes it unsafe. Warning signs include missing pieces, significant splits, loose components, accessible stuffing or squeakers, long frayed strands and weakened material that your dog can remove or swallow.
Does my dog need lots of toys?
No.
A smaller collection of suitable toys, rotated and maintained properly, can be more useful than continually buying new ones.
Watch what your dog actually enjoys.
Clean, check, dry and reuse
Cleaning dog toys is not complicated.
Remove food promptly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Let toys dry properly. Most importantly, use cleaning time to inspect them.
Some toys can last a long time when they are well looked after.
Others have done their job and need to be replaced.
Your dog is unlikely to care whether their toy basket contains the latest products.
They are much more interested in whether the things in it are enjoyable to sniff, lick, chase, carry, tug or play with.
For more practical ideas without buying piles of equipment, start with my Dog Enrichment Ideas guide.
This guide provides general dog-care information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your dog has swallowed part of a toy, is choking, vomiting, appears in pain or unwell, or you are concerned about their teeth, mouth, or health, contact your vet promptly.
