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Have you had a question about how to clean and sanitize your KONG toy for your dog? KONG dog toys are trendy due to their durable rubber, unique shape, and open interior. Unfortunately, it is their treat-dispensing interior that can cause them to be in chaos.

So, can you put Kong in the dishwasher? Should they be hand washed? Just hose them down.

To begin, KONG now manufactures a diverse range of rubber, rope, and plush toys. This article will review the best methods for cleaning and sanitizing KONG’s classic rubber toys. While many of these items can be cleaned in the dishwasher, there are a few things to remember.

So, let’s see how to wash these tough chew toys best!

Can you put Kong in the dishwasher?

Of course, Yes! Most of KONG’s toys can be easily put in the dishwasher. Because KONG dog toys & peanut butter are such a good match, you’ll want to wash them occasionally to keep your dog healthy from bacteria. Even if your dog extensively tongue-cleans their KONG toy, sanitizing it periodically is still recommended.
You can put Kong in the dishwasher, but only on the top shelf. Kongs on the bottom rack seems prone to melting or losing shape. Nonetheless, the heat and antibacterial dishwasher detergent will kill any bacteria grown on the rubber. It will clean any clear dried saliva and food.

While this may be the simplest way to clean this toy, remember that the rubber may break and wear down faster than usual. If your dog frequently tries to tear apart the toy, you should probably only use the dishwasher once or twice a week (and not just lick out food).

If your dog’s KONG is visibly worn after dozens of dishwasher runs, it’s time to replace it. Furthermore, if in doubt, always refer to the instructions included with the product.
Indeed, the manufacturer made it dishwasher safe. Place that one on your dishwasher’s upper shelf, and you’re completed!

What is the best way of putting kong toys in the dishwasher?

I usually wash a KONG on the top shelf of the dishwasher if it is particularly filthy and brushing or finger cleanup is insufficient. Rubber KONG toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher’s top rack. The heat will also kill any remaining bacteria and sanitize the toy. I’ve done this a hundred times with little difficulty.
● Remember that high heat can cause KONG toys’ natural rubber to wear out quicker than anticipated.
● Older and worn-down KONG toys could become “sticky ” despite being fully clean and dry.
● It should be safe to use, but based on the dog’s chewing behaviors, it may be time to replace it with a newer KONG.
Dog owners could perhaps thoroughly check toys for crack formation, disruptions, and missing pieces regularly. When the rubber is dry, it is possible to check KONG rubber toys by flexing them. Loose parts bigger than regular food kibble can indeed be harmful if swallowed. Make sure that damaged or worn toys are removed or replaced.

Why Should You Clean Your KONG Toys?

KONG dog toys help stimulate the mind, relieve boredom and anxiety, and prevent destructive behavior. These long-lasting cone-shaped toys are also known to occupy even the most ferocious chewers for weeks, months, or even years. However, the toy’s bottom opening could make cleaning difficult.

These toys are a haven for bacteria, mold, and even insects when they are filled up with peanut butter, wet dog food, cottage cheese, honey, yogurt, or any other super sticky substance. As a result, it’s essential to keep an eye on the condition of your dog’s toy and track it for any grime or unwanted substances.

Other Excellent Method for Cleaning KONG Toys

➔ Hand-washing

For whatever reason, your snowman KONG toy may become far too dirty, requiring the use of a cleaner besides the dishwasher.
● The best method is to wash your snowman KONG toy in a bowl of warm, soapy water for around an hour.
● To have all the food and dirt stuck inside, you’ll need a bottle brush for thorough cleaning. The problem of this task is proportional to the filthiness of the toy. After washing it, you could either hang dry it or hang it to dry on a dish rack.
● When the snowman KONG toy becomes dirty, spray this with a rising hose to remove the dirt quickly.

Are Baby-Safe Dog Toys Available?

You can use some of the tools you have for your baby to help your dog. Check out this cleaning brush bundle for power cleaning your snowman Kong dog toy. These toothbrushes help clean the toy’s inside and outside because it has apertures on both sides that may be difficult to reach with a regular dishwashing sponge.

How Do You Hand Wash a KONG Toy for a Dog?

Hand washing is another quick and effective way to de-slime a KONG toy.
● Apply a dab of all-natural dish soap to a sponge, cloth, brush, or even your hands and rub it in warm water.
● Soaking toys in warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes should break up the gunk and make it easier to wash away if they have food dried or stuck inside.
● Consider spraying the toy with a high-powered hose during the warmer months. While this method will not kill bacteria, it will remove any food particles that may attract ants or other insects. By spraying it down after each use, you’ll reduce the number of times you have to hand wash or put it in the dishwasher.

Conclusion

Dishwashing KONG toys in a dishwasher are the most convenient method of cleaning them, but it is also the most dangerous.

It is important to remember that the hole at the end of a Kong is difficult to clean, so use a chopstick to poke out any stuffed KONG treats that may have become lodged inside. Alternatively, extra stuffed KONGs can be frozen and used even though the dishwasher is rolling.

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