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Stuffed and rope dog toys can easily become a breeding ground for germs, which is why, as previously mentioned, they should be cleaned every two to four weeks. When it comes to how you wash them, you have a couple of options. Read on for step-by-step guides to washing stuffed and rope dog toys in the washing machine (Carzoli’s preferred method) and by hand.

In the washing machine

The washing machine wins points for convenience and is a safe option for most fabric dog toys, including stuffed toys and ropes. That said, the experts at appliance company Maytag recommend you avoid this method for squeaky toys unless the squeaker can be removed, as the squeaker could get damaged. With that in mind, here’s how you clean dog toys in the washing machine.

1. Gather the filthy fabric dog toys and dump them in the washing machine.

2. Add a pet-safe detergent. You can also use either a ½ cup of vinegar or baking soda. Per Carzoli, it’s best to use one of these two fragrance-free household staples if you don’t have a detergent that’s specially formulated for pets, since the fragrances and chemicals found in regular laundry detergent are not healthy for dogs.

3. Run your washing machine on a normal cycle with the water at the highest possible temperature setting and add an extra rinse for good measure.

4. Let the washing machine work its magic and toss the toys in the dryer on the air cycle with little to no heat or simply line dry when the cycle is complete.

By hand

If you don’t have easy access to a washing machine or are dealing with stuffed squeak toys that don’t have a removable squeaker, hand washing is your best bet. Here’s how to do it.

1. Fill a wash basin with water. For regular plush toys, the hotter the water, the better; for squeak toys, cold water is required if you want to preserve their primary function, since hot water can melt the rubber bit responsible for the squeak.

2. Add pet-safe detergent to the water according to the instructions on the label; alternatively, you can add enough distilled white vinegar to make a solution of 5 percent vinegar to 95 percent water.

3. Submerge the toys in the water and let soak for 30 minutes. (Note: Prolonged soaking is liable to damage squeak toys.)

4. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of the toy.

5. Rinse the toys by holding them under cold running water and squeezing gently to wring out any lingering detergent.

6. Roll the toys in a clean dry towel to remove any excess water and leave them to air dry.