They get dragged through the yard. Drooled on during naps. Chewed, carried, and occasionally buried. Your pet’s stuffed toys work hard — and they get dirty.
But can you just throw them in the washing machine? Not always. Here’s how to clean them without destroying them.
Before You Wash
Check the toy for damage. Loose seams, exposed stuffing, or a detached squeaker? Wash it by hand — or toss it and buy a new one. A damaged toy can fall apart in the machine, and loose stuffing is a choking hazard.
Remove any inserts. Some toys have removable catnip pouches or squeakers. Take them out before washing.
Machine Washing (If the Toy Can Handle It)
Not all toys are machine-safe. Look for care instructions first. If there aren’t any, here’s a safe approach:
Use a mesh laundry bag. It protects the toy from getting stretched or caught on other items.
Cold water, gentle cycle. Hot water can shrink fabric or melt glue. High-speed spin cycles can burst seams.
Mild detergent only. No bleach, no fabric softener — they leave residue that pets can ingest.
Air dry. Tumble drying is risky. High heat can warp the toy, melt internal components, or shrink the fabric. Hang it up or lay it flat in a shaded spot.
Hand Washing (The Safer Choice)
If you’re not sure about machine washing, hand washing is almost always safe.
Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the toy and gently squeeze — don’t scrub or twist. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Press out excess water with a towel. Never wring or twist. Then air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
How Often Should You Wash Them?
It depends on how much your pet plays with them.
A toy that gets carried on every walk? Wash every 2-3 weeks.
A toy that sits in the basket and gets occasional attention? Once a month is fine.
If it starts to smell, look dingy, or feel greasy — it’s time.
What About Catnip Toys?
Catnip loses its potency over time. Washing speeds that up.
If your cat’s favorite toy has lost its magic, you can either replace the catnip (if the toy has a refillable pouch) or buy a new one. Some toys are designed with a hidden pocket for fresh catnip — those are worth keeping.
When to Say Goodbye
No toy lasts forever. Retire it when:
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Seams are coming undone
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Stuffing is visible or leaking out
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The squeaker is broken or exposed
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It smells bad even after washing
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Your pet has lost all interest
A worn-out toy isn’t safe anymore. Toss it and get a fresh one.
One Last Thing
A clean toy is a safer toy. But a toy that gets washed too aggressively won’t last long either.
When in doubt, hand wash and air dry. It takes a few extra minutes, but your pet’s favorite stuffed friend will thank you — in their own slobbery, squeaky way
