When it comes to our beloved canine companions, ensuring their toys stay clean and safe is a top priority. While playtime is essential for a happy and healthy pup, it's equally important to maintain their toys to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of dog toy hygiene, addressing the burning question:

 Are dog toys washable?

Understanding Dog Toy Care Tags: Many dog toys come with either tags or headers that provide valuable information on how to clean and maintain them. These tags often feature icons that convey specific care instructions. Let's delve into what these icons mean:

1. Machine Washable Icon: This icon typically looks like a washing machine. If you spot this symbol on your dog's toy, rejoice! It means you can toss the toy into the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.
2. No Washing Machine Icon: If you see a crossed-out washing machine, it's a clear sign that the toy is not suitable for machine washing. In such cases, stick to hand washing to preserve the integrity of the toy.  A small toothbrush can aid cleaning difficult grooves or shapes.
3. Hand Wash Only Icon: This icon, resembling a hand in a bowl, signifies that the dog toy should be hand washed. While it might require a bit more effort, hand washing is often the safest option, ensuring that delicate toys don't lose their shape or get damaged in the wash.

The Safest Bet: Hand Washing: For dog toys without a care tag or with unclear instructions, hand or spot washing is the safest bet. Use a mild detergent with no harmful chemicals to ensure your furry friend's safety. 

Let's explore some safe cleaning options:

These soap nuts from green virgin products are eco-friendly, safe and effective (they are not actually nuts but Himalayan berries) organic, chemical and dye free can be added to your washing machine in small heavy duty drawstring bags.

Any laundry cleaners from the Seventh Generation  a natural alternative detergent free from chemicals, dyes or fragrances.  Always squeeze toys thoroughly after rinsing  to remove any absorbed water, line-drying is a good option or if the weather permits place on a towel and air-dry.  

When machine washing dog toys a mesh laundry bag can be an employed to secure potential stuffing loss and possible loose parts. 

For a hassle-free cleaning experience, consider PetLondon's machine washable rope toy options.

Now, let's spotlight two fantastic unique products from PetLondon that are not only beloved by dogs but are also easy to machine wash on a gentle cycle.  Bear in mind a frayed rope toy could unravel in a washing machine, so perhaps consider trimming any fraying sections and hand wash.  

 Big Ben Dog Toy:

 Link: Big Ben Dog Toy

This delightful toy is an endless source of entertainment for your pup.  Plush fabric toys with an internal squeaker are best hand washed or spot cleaned.  

iBone:

Link: iBone

The iBone is a must-have for tech-savvy dogs, and the good news is that it's easily hand washed ! Keep it looking and smelling fresh for all those doggy meet and greet dates!

In the quest to maintain a clean and hygienic play environment for our four-legged friends, a two-stage process of cleaning using bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar can work wonders on your dog's toys. Begin by generously sprinkling the toys with bicarbonate of soda, allowing its gentle abrasive properties to break down dirt and odors. After a brief period, immerse the toys in a solution of white vinegar, harnessing its natural disinfecting abilities to ensure a thorough clean. Let the toys soak for a few hours before giving them a good rinse to remove any remaining residue. This dynamic duo of household items not only revitalizes your pup's favorite playthings but also guarantees a safe and effective cleaning process, leaving you with peace of mind and your furry friend with squeaky-clean toys.