How to Wash BULLYMAKE Dog Toys

If your dog is the kind that shreds tennis balls in seconds, rips plush toys to pieces before you’ve blinked, and chews with the determination of a demolition crew, then you’re our kind of people. You know the struggle of finding tough dog toys that can hold up. And even more, the best dog toys that are safe and clean for your power chewer.

At BULLYMAKE, we make indestructible toys for dogs who don’t mess around. And while these toys are designed to stand up to serious chewing, they also get seriously dirty. So, let’s talk about how to clean them. Starting with the number one question we get:

Are BULLYMAKE Toys Dishwasher Safe?

Yes. Most BULLYMAKE rubber and nylon chew toys for dogs are dishwasher safe, top rack only. This includes our ultra-durable chew toys made for the strongest jaws in the game. The dishwasher’s high heat and pressure can help remove slobber, bacteria, and grime that builds up over time.

But a quick note: while rubber and nylon are safe for dishwashers, don’t toss in plush or rope toys. We'll cover how to clean those later.

Still, if you’re relying only on your dishwasher to get your dog toys clean, you might be missing a few steps in the hygiene game. Let’s break it down.

Are Dog Toys Dirty?

Short answer? Filthy.

Dog toys pick up more than just slobber. They’re dropped on the ground, buried in the yard, dragged across the floor, and sometimes even snuck into the bathroom (we’ve seen it all). Over time, dog toys can harbor:

Bacteria like E. coli and salmonella

Viruses like parvovirus

Allergens, dust, and mites

Mold and mildew, especially on damp or outdoor toys

And let's be real, some of them just smell awful.

Not only is that gross, it can actually affect your dog’s health. Dirty dog toys can contribute to infections, trigger allergies, and spread disease to other dogs (or even humans).

Importance of Cleaning Dog Toys

Just like you wouldn’t eat off a dirty plate, your dog shouldn’t be chewing on a bacteria bomb. Regularly cleaning dog toys is essential for:

Preventing illness: Especially if your dog shares toys with others at the park or daycare.

Minimizing allergies: For dogs sensitive to dust or mites, dirty toys can trigger sneezing, licking, and even skin issues.

Controlling odor: We’ve all sniffed that one gnarly toy and instantly regretted it.

Extending the life of the toy: Clean toys last longer and perform better.

What Is the Safest Way to Clean Dog Toys?

Safe cleaning depends on the type of toy. Here’s a breakdown of the safest methods for each kind:

1. Rubber and Nylon Toys (Like BULLYMAKE Chew Toys)

Dishwasher: Top rack only, no detergent needed if you’re concerned about chemicals. Just use hot water.

Hand Wash: Soak in hot water with a dash of dog-safe dish soap, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Disinfecting Option: A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water makes an excellent natural disinfectant.

2. Plush Toys

Washing Machine: Use cold or warm water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent. No bleach or harsh chemicals.

Drying: Toss in the dryer on low or air dry completely before giving it back to your dog.

3. Rope Toys

These are bacteria magnets.

Soak in water, then microwave wet for about 1 minute (kills most germs).

Let them dry fully, don’t give them back while damp.

Is It OK to Put Dog Toys in the Washing Machine?

Yes, for plush and rope toys, the washing machine is your best friend. Use the delicate cycle and a pet-safe detergent. Avoid anything with added fragrances or harsh chemicals, which can irritate your dog’s skin or digestive system.

Pro tip: Put small toys in a mesh laundry bag to keep them from getting tangled or damaged.

How to Clean Dog Toys That Have Been Peed On?

You love your dog, but sometimes… accidents happen. If a toy has been peed on, don’t just rinse it and hope for the best.

Rubber/Nylon Toys: Soak in a vinegar-water solution (50/50) for 30 minutes, then scrub with hot water and dish soap.

Plush Toys: Wash on hot with pet-safe detergent, and if the smell lingers—toss it.

Rope Toys: Microwave after a vinegar soak, or just replace them. Rope is hard to fully disinfect after a urine incident.

Should You Wash Your Dog's Soft Toys?

Absolutely. Soft toys are germ traps and should be washed weekly if your dog plays with them regularly. Dogs often carry plush toys around in their mouths, sleep with them, or even suck on them, so keeping them clean is a hygiene must.

If a toy is ripped open, missing stuffing, or has exposed squeakers, it’s time to toss it. Safety always comes first.

How to Wash Dog Toys: Quick Reference

Toy Type	Wash Method	Frequency
Rubber/Nylon	Dishwasher or hand wash	Weekly or as needed
Plush	Washing machine	Weekly
Rope	Soak + microwave	Weekly

Cleaning Dog Toys with Vinegar

Vinegar is a pet-safe cleaning MVP. It kills bacteria and deodorizes without toxic residue.

Recipe:

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

Soak toys for 15–30 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.

Bonus: vinegar neutralizes that funky “dog toy stink” better than most commercial cleaners.

Cleaning Dog Toys with Baking Soda

Baking soda helps deodorize and scrub off grime, especially on rubber toys.

How to use:

Mix a paste of baking soda and water.

Scrub the toy with a toothbrush.

Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Don’t use baking soda on plush toys. It can leave behind a residue that’s hard to rinse out.

Is It Safe to Wash Dog Toys with Detergent?

Yes, as long as it’s pet-safe. Look for unscented, hypoallergenic detergents with no dyes, bleach, or fabric softeners. Regular household detergents can leave chemical residues that dogs may ingest while chewing.

If you’re unsure, stick to vinegar, baking soda, or just plain hot water.

How to Clean Dog Toys with Squeakers

Squeakers can be tricky. If they’re inside a plush toy, wash as usual and make sure the squeaker still works after drying. If the squeaker is exposed or damaged—remove the toy from rotation. It’s a choking risk.

BULLYMAKE’s squeaky toys are made with safety in mind, but even so, always supervise squeaker play and inspect toys regularly.

How to Clean Rubber Dog Toys

Rubber dog toys like our ultra-durable chews are some of the easiest to clean:

Dishwasher (top rack, no soap needed)

Hot water and dish soap

Vinegar soak for disinfecting

Scrub with a bottle brush or old toothbrush for deep grooves

Just make sure they’re fully dry before handing them back to your dog to prevent mold.

When to Replace Dog Toys

Even the toughest toys eventually wear down. Here’s when to retire them:

Cracks, deep gouges, or sharp edges: These can hurt your dog’s mouth.

Missing parts or stuffing: Big choking hazard.

Squeakers popping out: Time to toss.

Lingering odor: If a toy still stinks after washing, it's time for a fresh one.

BULLYMAKE subscribers get new tough toys delivered monthly, which makes regular toy rotation easy and automatic. That’s the power of a dog toy subscription built for real chewers.

Final Thoughts: Tough Toys Deserve Tough Love

At the end of the day, clean toys are safe toys. And for dogs that chew like beasts, safety is everything. Whether you’re running a one-dog wrecking crew or a whole house of hardcore chewers, BULLYMAKE toys give you peace of mind.

We build them to last. But it’s your job to keep them clean.

Subscribe to the BULLYMAKE box today and get tough dog toys delivered every month. Built for power chewers. Safe for play. Easy to clean. Everything your dog deserves!