09/10/2025
As a pet parent, you may be eyeing a few of your dog’s (or cat’s) toys and supplies and wondering how exactly to clean and sanitize your pet’s bowls, leashes, beds, and other gear.
🥎 Cleaning Dog Toys!
Hard and plastic toys:
When disinfecting hard or plastic toys, first check to see if they are dishwasher safe. If so, you can throw them into your washer, and if not, hand wash them using gentle dish soap. After these items are washed, you’ll want to follow the steps below to ensure they are properly sanitized:
1.) Submerge the toy(s) in unscented household bleach solution made up of 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.
2.) Let them sit in the solution for one minute and thoroughly rinse.
3.) Let the items air-dry.
Plush and fabric toys:
Most plush or fabric toys can be cleaned with pet-safe detergent in a washer and dryer.
Rope toys:
There are many benefits of rope toys, which can keep your dog stimulated and even help with dental hygiene. However, these items easily collect bacteria. If your rope toy does not include plastic or metal pieces (100% rope), try the sanitization method below:
1.) Soak the rope in warm or hot water for five minutes.
2.) Wring out excess water.
3.) Microwave for about one minute (only if the toy includes no plastic or metal parts!)
4.) Let the rope air dry.
🛏 Cleaning Dog Beds!
Like with our own bedding, the upkeep of our pet’s sleeping space is critical. Fortunately, most dog beds can be cleaned with pet-safe detergent in a washer and dryer cycle.
Beds with washable covers:
Instructions for washing beds with a removable cover may vary, but it’s typically safe to toss the cover into the washer after removing pet hair and stains as best you can. You will want to hand wash and air-dry the bed insert, before putting the two completely dry pieces back together.
Beds without removable covers:
Pet beds without a removable cover may require gentler washing. If you are hand washing a dog bed, follow these steps:
1.) Remove as much pet hair as you can (for example, try vacuuming the bed or shaking it outside).
2.) Soak the bed in warm water and pet-safe detergent for 10-15 minutes.
3.) If necessary, scrub the bed with a toothbrush and baking soda to remove caked-on stains.
4.) Rinse well, ensuring all soap, baking soda, and filth is removed.
5.) Air-dry the bed until it is completely dry inside and out.
Oversized beds:
Bigger dogs come with bigger beds! For these oversized items, the same steps apply, though you may choose to soak and hand wash larger beds in the bathtub using pet-friendly detergent and warm water.
🐾 Cleaning Dog Leashes and Collars!
Your dog’s leash accumulates a ton of dirt, germs, and who-knows-what else. Leashes and collars, in fact, are one of the vectors that helps canine flu pass from one dog to another. So, even if your dog’s leash looks like it’s clean, it’s important to wash this much-used accessory on a regular basis.
Fabric, cotton, and rayon leashes and collars:
Many leashes made from fabric can be cleaned in a washing machine. If your leash is washer-friendly, follow the steps below:
1.) Place the leash inside a mesh delicates bag to protect your washer from scratches. If you’re also throwing in a fabric collar, remove any tags.
2.) Wash with pet-safe detergent at the recommended temperature.
3.) Hang the leash to air dry.
You can also choose to hand-wash these leashes by letting them soak in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes before air drying.
Acrylic and plastic leashes and collars:
Gently hand-wash your pet’s acrylic leash using dish soap or pet-safe detergent. Rinse thoroughly and hang to air dry.
Leather leashes and collars:
Leather leashes are particularly delicate and often require careful hand-washing. You won’t want to soak these items, but you can gently wipe away dirt and gunk using your leash’s recommended care instructions.
🦴 Cleaning Pet Bowls!
Safe and frequent cleaning of your pet’s food and water dish is essential. The lingering germs that reside in a pet’s unwashed dish can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microbes that can make your pet and your family sick. It is advised that you clean your pet’s bowls once a day by running them through the dishwasher (if dishwasher safe) or by hand washing them with hot water and dish soap.
Stainless steel and metal bowls:
Most stainless steel and metal bowls are dishwasher safe, but you’ll want to clean out the residue of any wet food or kibble before placing a bowl into the machine.
Ceramic:
Some ceramic is dishwasher friendly, but if it’s hand painted or very fragile, you will want to opt for manual cleaning. Make sure to scrape out food first, and then gently scrub the bowl with dish soap and hot water until clean.
Plastic:
If you’re planning to put a plastic bowl in the dishwasher, check the product’s care instructions first. If the bowl is dishwasher-friendly, place the dish on the top rack so it doesn’t overheat. If you’re unsure about a plastic bowl’s specific care requirements, opt to hand wash.
You may also choose to hand wash your pet’s dish if you aren’t running the dishwasher every day.
🏠 Cleaning Areas of the Home!
In addition to cleaning your dog’s gear, it’s important to disinfect the areas of your home that your pet regularly comes into contact. Ensure that you regularly clean carpets and floors with a vacuum to cut down on pet hair, dander, and airborne germs. As you deep clean your space, run an air purifier to help manage any sensitivities to pet dander and pet hair, and pay specific attention to the following areas:
Carpets and floors
Couches and furniture that your pet sits or sleeps on
Blankets
Entryways or mud rooms where your dog comes in from outside
Bathrooms (keeping your toilet clean and the lid closed to lower your pet’s exposure to germs that might make them sick)
⏰ A General Cleaning Timeline!
Toys: Clean weekly or monthly, depending on usage. Toys used frequently should be cleaned once a week.
Bedding: Clean weekly or monthly, depending on usage.
Leashes: Clean weekly or monthly, depending on usage.
Bowls: Clean your pet’s food and water dish daily.
Spring is the perfect season to clean and refresh your home. Incorporating regular cleaning practices into your daily and weekly routines will help keep you and your beloved pet safe, healthy, and happy throughout every season. 🐶🐱
