Can You Wash Barkbox Toys? Read This First!

Barkbox is a convenient way to get new dog toys delivered straight to your door regularly. If you have a dog who destroys his toys regularly or just needs variety, this is a budget-friendly, convenient way to constantly renew your toy supply. As a health-conscious pet owner, you’ll want to keep your dog’s toys clean and sanitized regularly to avoid the build-up of dirt and bacteria.

can you wash barkbox toys
Can You Wash Barkbox Toys?

So, can you wash Barkbox toys? The answer is yes! You can clean your Barkbox toys in two different ways:

  1. Run them through the washing machine
  2. Soak your Barkbox toys in a bucket, sink, or bathtub.
FREE Dog Bed Offer
BarkBox - The Monthly Dog Toy and Treat Box

BarkBox is a dog subscription box service that sends a box full of toys, treats, training information, and accessories to your home every month. The boxes get packed with your dog’s age in mind, so you can rest assured all toys and treats are age-appropriate.

Pros:
  • Age appropriate
  • Cancel anytime
  • 6 MILLION Dogs have loved Barkbox!
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How do you clean your Barkbox Toys

1. Run them through the washing machine.

All of Barkbox’s soft, plush toys can be put in the washing machine. This will get rid of any dirt and grime built up on your dog’s toys and remove any dust mites or bugs that may have taken up residence on the toys.

Barkbox advises sprinkling plush toys with baking soda before putting them into the washing machine, skipping regular laundry detergent, and adding one to two tablespoons of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Once the washing machine cycle is completed, wring out any excess water from the toys and leave the toy to air dry before giving it back to your dog.

2. Soak your Barkbox toys in a bucket, sink, or bathtub.

If you don’t have easy access to a washing machine or dishwasher (which can substitute for cleaning toys using the washing machine directions above), soaking Barkbox toys can be just as effective for cleaning.

Use a solution that is equal parts white vinegar and water inside a bucket, sink, or even the bathtub.  Sprinkle some baking soda directly onto your dog’s toys and let them soak in the solution.

After soaking, simply wring out any excess water and let the toy air dry.

Barkbox provides clear instructions on how to clean their plush toys. There’s a slightly different protocol for cleaning their Super Chewer toys.

What about Super Chewer Toys? How do I clean them?

If you subscribe to Barkbox’s Super Chewer line of toys, you will be happy to know there are also two different cleaning methods for these toys. It’s important to note that while Barkbox toys can be cleaned in either a washing machine or a dishwasher.

1. Put them in the dishwasher

Any dog toy made out of plastic or rubber is best cleaned in the dishwasher. Run a regular cleaning cycle, and add on the sanitization feature for extra deep cleaning. Once the cycle is done, the toys are cleaned. No scrubbing is needed!

2. Soak them in a bucket, sink, or bathtub.

Not everyone has a dishwasher. While it’s the easiest method to clean your Super Chewer toys, it’s just as effective to soak your dog’s toys in a vinegar and water solution.

Fill your receptacle of choice with a 1:1 vinegar-to-water solution. Sprinkle baking soda on the toys and let them soak.

Dry the toys off with a clean towel or let them air dry before returning them to your dog.

How often should I clean my Barkbox toys

Pet toys are considered one of the top ten germiest items in your home. Dog’s mouths are filled with bacteria, so it stands to reason that their toys are covered in it too.

Opinions vary as to how often you should wash your dog’s toys. It depends on how often your dog plays with them and how picky you are about their cleanliness.

Visibly soiled toys should be washed. For dog toys that are chewed on daily, washing them once a week is a good rule of thumb. For less used toys, you can wash them once a month.

How durable are Barkbox toys

No two dogs are alike. Toys that last a long time for one dog may only last a day for another. For this reason, Barkbox offers three different durability levels in their subscription boxes, so you can find the longest-lasting toys for your dog. There is even a more durable line of plush toys for strong chewers, called the More Durable Classic plan.

For dogs who are just too rough to handle plush toys, Barkbox offers their Super Chewer boxes. All the toys in the Super Chewer line are made from rubber or plastic. They’re less messy than the plush toys for dogs who like to rip their toys apart.

can you wash barkbox toys
Is It Okay To Wash Barkbox Toys?

Final thoughts

Dog toys should be cleaned regularly to avoid the build-up of dirt, grime, and bacteria. Barkbox toys are easily cleaned. There are a variety of choices for how to clean your Barkbox toys, including the dishwasher, washing machine, or simply soaking them in vinegar and water.

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.