How To Clean and Care For Your ZippyPaws Dog Toys

ZippyPaws dog toys are more than just entertainment – they’re essential for your pup’s physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being. But with all that chewing, tugging, and tossing, toys can get dirty and wear out quickly. Fortunately, with a little tender loving care and routine maintenance, you can extend the life of your pet’s favorite playthings while keeping them safe and clean.

If you refer to our FAQ page under Product Questions, you’ll find basic guidance for cleaning ZippyPaws toys and accessories that reads as follows:

Q: Are your toys machine washable?

A: We suggest machine-washing our plush toys on the gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry low and remove toys promptly from the dryer or hang toys to air dry. Our ZippyTuff and ZippyTuff+ toys, Happy Bowls, and SmartyPaws Puzzlers are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

This is indeed the best practice for cleaning most ZippyPaws toys, but there’s a bit more to extending the life of your pup’s favorite toys. Let’s take a look at what you can do to keep those toys in play.

“We suggest machine-washing our plush toys on the gentle cycle with mild detergent. Tumble dry low and remove toys promptly from the dryer, or hang toys to air dry. Our ZippyTuff and ZippyTuff+ toys, Happy Bowls, and SmartyPaws Puzzlers are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.“

How to Clean and Care For Your Toys

Clean Toys Regularly

Plush Toys:

Hand or machine wash plush toys in cold on lukewarm water with a mild detergent. If machine-washing, toss plush toys into a pillowcase, tie it off with a knot, and wash on the gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat setting and promptly remove from dryer, or gently squeeze out excess water and allow to air dry.

Non-Plush Toys:

Handwash Method – Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a pet-safe detergent or equal parts warm water and white vinegar for a natural disinfectant. Soak the toys and use a brush to scrub away dirt and saliva. Rinse toys thoroughly to remove all soap or vinegar residue. Allow the toys to air dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.

Dishwasher Method – For dishwasher-safe toys, place on the top rack of the dishwasher. Use detergent, or a small amount of white vinegar for cleaning and sanitizing.

Tips for Safe Cleaning

• Use Pet-Safe Detergents: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or other harmful ingredients found in some household cleaners. Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap and Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner are both great options.
• Rinse Well: Always rinse toys thoroughly to remove any cleaning product residue.
• Ensure Complete Drying: Proper drying in a well-ventilated area is crucial to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Designate Indoor vs. Outdoor Toys

Separating your dog’s indoor and outdoor toys is a simple way to extend their lifespan, keep playtime cleaner, and prevent messes in the house. Outdoor toys can take the brunt of dirt and rough play, while indoor toys stay fresh and safe for cozy play sessions inside.

Tips to make it easy:

• Use separate storage: Set up two baskets or bins—one inside and one near the door. This makes it effortless to grab the right toy for the right setting.
• Color-code your toys: When buying new toys, assign a color to each category (e.g., red for outside, blue for inside). That way, everyone in the household can follow the system at a glance.
• Rotate regularly: Keep playtime exciting by swapping out toys weekly. Rotating prevents boredom and makes “old” toys feel new again, keeping your dog engaged and mentally stimulated.

Inspect and Replace When Needed

Perform a quick weekly “toy audit” to spot rips, cracks, fraying, odors, or missing parts. Wash toys when needed and toss anything with sharp edges, broken pieces, bad smells, or that’s become too small. This simple habit prevents choking hazards, dental damage, and bacteria buildup – keeping playtime fun and safe.

You should always replace a toy if:

• A piece is missing: Anything loose – like a squeaker, button, or chunk of rubber – can become a choking hazard.
• It has sharp edges: Splintered plastic or hardened rubber can cut your dog’s mouth or cause internal injuries if swallowed.
• The size isn’t safe anymore: As your dog grows – or as the toy shrinks from chewing – it may become small enough to be swallowed whole.
• It smells bad: If a toy still has an unpleasant odor after cleaning, it’s likely harboring bacteria, mold, or mildew. Swap it out to protect your pup’s health.

Dog Toy Care Checklist

To help you stay on top of things, use this convenient dog toy care checklist to keep track of your weekly, biweekly, and monthly tasks – and more!

By rotating, cleaning, and properly storing your dog’s toys, you’ll keep them safer, more sanitary, and more stimulating for your pup. Your dog will thank you with more joyful tail wags – and fewer destroyed toys. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at zippy@zippypaws.com and we will be happy to assist you!