Proper Pet Toy Maintenance

If your pet has a favorite toy, which most do, then you know how matted, mangled and disfigured it can become over time. In fact, pet toys in general become worn and dirty over time. These items can serve as sources of germs and bacteria that are harmful to both you and your pet. When you want to keep your pet happy but you also need to maintain a clean and safe home environment, it can make things a bit tricky. Thankfully, there are some options for maintaining those items that your companion holds so dear and saving them from the trash, at least for a little while longer.

Should You Clean It?

Before diving into how to clean, it is beneficial to consider which items should be cleaned and those that should be discarded. It is important to take the time to examine each toy and determine if it is still safe for play. If not, then cleaning options are irrelevant and it should go straight in the trash. Certain indicators that a toy is not safe include:

• exposed stuffing
• loose parts (buttons, ornaments, etc.)
• exposed batteries or wiring

Granted, in some cases a needle and thread can secure these items, and the toy may be salvaged. However, it should be done as soon as possible to avoid any accidents.

There are some toys that you should know not to wash off hand. For instance, certain items, such as rawhide and other natural products, cannot be washed. However, you can feel free to rinse away debris and hair particles. With any chew toy it is best to avoid using harsh chemicals, as this could lead to your pet getting sick.

It can be helpful to develop a cleaning schedule where you regularly inspect, throw away or clean your pet’s toys. By including it in your normal routine you can make sure that you are keeping your companion safe while sanitizing the play items. It may also be beneficial to use this time to rotate toys in and out, which can help extend the life-span of the toys as well.

Plush Toys

Plush toys are a popular option because they are made durable yet they are still quite affordable. Also, many plush toys are quite simple to clean. They were designed to endure wear and tear, and are usually made of a cloth type of material, so they can be thrown into the washing machine. You may consider using specific washing materials made for pet use, or regular detergent should be fine. However, if you regularly use softener, you may want to forgo it in the wash with these materials, considering that softener is meant to last on the clothing and your friend will most likely carry the toy in its mouth. Most of the toys can be dried in the dryer as well, but if it is an older toy and you are concerned about it lasting through the process, you may set it out to air dry.

Stuffed Animals

Similar to plush toys, stuffed animals can usually be cleaned through the washer and dryer. However, you may want to consider hand washing certain types of stuffed animal toys. For instance, if a toy has a large amount of stuffing and is older, it could fall apart in the washer or dryer machine, or the stuffing may hold water, becoming a breeding ground for various germs and bacteria. In such instances, it may be better to hand wash or spot clean the toys. Some stuffed animals do come with washing instructions. If they do, be mindful of this and follow the instructions to ensure the safety and longevity of the toy.

Rope Toys

Rope toys can quickly become dirty, possibly even more so than plush toys and stuffed animals. Therefore, they should be given a bit more attention in the cleaning process. It is a well-known and proven fact that high levels of heat help to kill bacteria and serve as a disinfection process. A less known fact is that there are certain options that provide the heating process effectively for cleaning pet toys. Two of the most common ways that you can achieve this is through the microwave or the dishwasher. When using the microwave you should wet the toy first, then place it in the microwave for a one minute cycle. This has been said to provide enough heat to kill off any harmful germs. The toy will be hot, so be sure to remove it with care. To utilize the dishwasher, place the toys in the machine and allow it to run on the thermal cycle. The water cycle will run automatically, so there is no need to wet the toy beforehand. This option can be beneficial if you have several toys to clean, or would rather set it and forget it for a while.

Not all toys require a stringent or specific cleaning method. Some toys, such as plastic or rubber balls and chew toys can easily be rinsed off and wiped down. On the other hand, certain options, such as hand-made toys, may need a bit more care. By considering the type of materials and the effectiveness of the available cleaning methods, you can better select which one would be most beneficial. If you are not sure about a specific cleaning method, try your first choice and examine the toy afterwards to determine the effectiveness. If you notice that a toy still smells dirty or smells like mildew after cleaning it a few times and various ways, it may be best to throw it away.

These are just a few of the most common cleaning methods available. There are also homeopathic methods that you may research and employ. Whatever path you may choose, it is critical for your health and the health of your pet that you perform proper maintenance of their toys. Thankfully there are a few possible choices to consider for effective cleaning methods, and certain options are best suited for specific types of toys. By keeping this in mind and performing regular maintenance, you can be sure to keep your pet happy and healthy, while also maintaining a clean home.