Your dog loves playing with the Kong toy you bought, but it's starting to get gross. You want to clean it but aren't sure if it can be cleaned in the dishwasher. We've found the answer to this question and different options for ways to clean your Kong dog toy.

Kong toys are top-shelf dishwasher safe, according to the manufacturer. You can wash the Kong alongside your dishes on the top rack with the same dishwasher soap you would normally use.

A dishwasher is a great way to clean out your dog's Kong. It will come out clean on the inside and outside. It is the easiest way to wash the toy, but there are other options if you can't wait for a full dishwasher cycle to complete or if you don't have access to a dishwasher. You might wonder about your dog's other toys and how to clean or disinfect them. Keep reading to learn more!

German Shepherd dog chewing dirty chew Dog Kong toy, Are Dog Kongs Dishwasher Safe?

Are Dog Kongs Dishwasher Safe?

According to the Kong company's official website, Kongs are dishwasher safe. They can be washed on the top rack alongside your dishes, using gentle dish detergent. This toy proves a mentally stimulating challenge for your dog and equally as hard for you to clean it. The opening is too small to fit your hand inside to scrub. If a Kong has been underneath a couch collecting hair and particles for a long time, then you may need to use an alternate cleaning method before you put it in the dishwasher.

border collie puppy stares at his Kong on the couch

Simply run the Kong under hot water to remove the slobber and loose hair or dirt from the outside. You can also soak the Kong in hot water to loosen any sediment on the inside. The best method is to use a bottle brush to scrub the inside after leaving it to soak in hot water for up to an hour. If you want to always have a Kong available for your dog, consider getting one or two extra Kongs that can be used while the other Kong is being cleaned.

Kong Classic Dog Toy

Click here to buy Kong Classic Dog Toy from Amazon.

How Often Should A Kong Be Washed?

If you are using sticky food, like peanut butter, you should wash your Kong after every use. This will make it easier to wash when you do and prevent food buildup within Kong. You don't want to attract bugs or mice by having sticky food lying around. When stuffing the Kong with dog biscuits and other dry food, you should wash it once per week.

Are Dog Kongs Indestructible?

No dog toy is indestructible, and that includes Kong toys. The rubber is designed to withstand the most destructive chewing habits of puppies and dogs. They are very durable and long-lasting, but not indestructible. Dogs have sharp teeth that they needed to survive in the wild. Kong toys are made to satisfy a dog's natural chewing instinct that domesticated dog breeds still retain.

Kong makes different kinds of Kongs for puppies, average chewers, and senior dogs. The puppy toy is designed to be soft enough for teething but durable enough to withstand frequent sharp bites.

Kong Puppy Toy

Click here to buy a Kong Puppy Toy at Amazon.

What Is The Difference Between Kong Colors?

Kong sells black, red, blue, purple, and pink toys made for different kinds of dogs. The blue and pink Kongs are for puppies that chew frequently but are also teething. They are soft enough for a puppy but durable enough to handle the wear. The black Kong is made for the strongest chewers and is manufactured with the most durable kind of rubber. The red Kong is made for the average adult dog with an average chew strength.

Senior Kong Toy For Older Dogs

Click here to buy a Senior Kong Toy from Amazon.

The purple Kong is designed for senior dogs, so it is more comfortable and gentle for an aging dog to chew. There is also a small animal, red Kong, that is designed for other pets like birds, rats, and ferrets.

Can Dog Toys Go In The Dishwasher?

Hard dog toys can go in the dishwasher. You may also throw in any collars or leashes. Put all of the dog's toys on the top rack of the dishwasher. Vinegar is a better option than dishwasher detergent because of the chemicals in conventional soap. Kong says that regular detergent is fine, however. If you also include leashes and softer materials, there is more likelihood of the material absorbing the chemicals that can be dangerous for your dog.

Soft and plush toys should be put in the washing machine. You should also avoid regular detergent. Detergent is safe to wash clothes for people because we do not chew on our clothing. You may put a small amount of baking soda on each toy and add two or three caps of white vinegar. After the wash cycle is complete, you may air dry the toys or put them through the dryer. Do not put any dryer sheets in with the toys.

Heinz Distilled White Vinegar

Click here to buy Heinz Distilled White Vinegar from Amazon.

How Do You Disinfect Dog Toys?

A mixture of water and vinegar can be used to disinfect dog toys. This works for soft and hard toys. You can run hard toys through the dishwasher with this solution and soft toys through the washing machine. Otherwise, you can soak the toys in a water and vinegar solution followed by a thorough rinse and dry before returning them to your dog.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog Toys?

Dog toys carry a lot of bacteria, and it is a good idea to wash them regularly. This can protect you and your pet from bacteria, mold, and allergens. A good rule of thumb is to wash your dog's toys every two weeks. You can do this by any of the methods we have discussed in the article. Make sure to throw away any pet toys with rips because the inside of the toy is not safe for your dog to consume. No pet toy is indestructible, so it will need to be replaced in time.

In Closing

Dog chasing dog kong in park grass, Are Dog Kongs Dishwasher Safe?

Kongs are dishwasher safe according to the manufacturers' guidelines. You may put it on the top shelf and wash it alongside your other dishes. It is safe to use the same dishwasher detergent for Kong toys. You may wish to use a vinegar mixture for safety reasons if you are washing other dog toys and accessories. Other hard toys can be washed in a dishwasher, while soft and plush toys should be cleaned in a washing machine or by hand.

For other helpful dishwasher tips, check out:

Are Sieves Dishwasher Safe? Here’s how to clean your sieve

Are Plastic Food Containers Dishwasher Safe?

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