Toy Care 101: Cleaning, Rotating and Knowing When to Toss It

Even the toughest toy has a lifespan. A little care keeps favorites around longer, and a quick weekly check keeps playtime safe.

The weekly toy check

Once a week, give the toy bin a quick look. It's time to toss a toy when you see:

• Split seams, or stuffing poking out
• An exposed or loose squeaker
• Missing eyes, ears, limbs or other pieces
• Rope that's badly frayed or unraveling (loose threads can be swallowed)
• Rubber or TPR that's cracked, chunked, or small enough to swallow

No toy is indestructible. Supervise play with any new toy until you know how your dog treats it, especially power chewers.

How to clean toys

• Plush toys: wash on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag with mild, unscented detergent, then air-dry completely. Always follow the care tag if there is one.
• Rope toys: soak in warm water with a little mild dish soap, rinse well, and let dry fully. Damp rope can grow mildew.
• Rubber and TPR toys: scrub with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.

A good rule: wash toys every couple of weeks, and right away if they've been outside, in the mud, or shared with a sick pet.

Rotate to keep toys exciting

Dogs get bored of the same toys. Keep three or four out, put the rest away, and swap them every week. A toy that's been "gone" for a week feels brand new again.

Size matters

Choose toys too big to fit entirely in your dog's mouth. A toy that's too small is a choking risk, especially for big dogs.

Ready to restock? Shop WAFA dog toys →