Cleaning cat toys requires some consideration to understand the treatments various types of cat toys call for and how frequently they should be cleaned. Besides, keeping your cat toys and accessories clean can also help you avoid tossing them away often. It can save you money and lessen your influence on the environment.
You can use various methods, such as detergents, dishwashers, anti-bacterial, vacuuming, etc., to clean cat toys. Also, knowing the frequency of cleaning the toys can help retain their newness.
So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your cat’s toys and accessories to maintain them for them.
How to Clean Your Cat’s Toys?
When cleaning cat toys, you must consider the material they are made of to decide which method to use.
Cleaning Fabric Cat Toys
Fabric cat toys require special care when cleaning. You must ensure not to overdo the cleaning as it can damage the toys, losing their plushness and color. You can wash them in various ways, like putting them in the washing machine, hand washing, or dry cleaning. It will depend on the instructions given on the toy.
To remove germs, you can wash them at 40 degrees to 60 degrees if the toys are intact. However, if they are slightly damaged, use some detergent and scrub them off with a sponge or toothbrush. Once done, rinse them properly and dry them by placing them in front of the radiator or an airing cupboard.
Cleaning Your Cat’s Plastic Toys
If you have a dishwasher, wash your cat’s plastic toys. Hot water can sanitize them well, but be careful not to dry them at high temperatures since they might melt or deform. Alternatively, you can use a straightforward anti-bacterial spray applied to a cloth to clean your cat’s favorite toys.
To ensure no chemical traces are left on the toys, thoroughly wash them. However, before giving the toy to your pet again, properly dry it off with a towel or keep them on a drying rack until all the water has evaporated.
How to Clean Scratching Posts?
While cleaning the scratching posts, you should be very careful. Short, forceful strokes with a stiff brush should remove the ingrained dirt and pet dander from it. Also, consider vacuuming the post using one of the long attachments to clean it thoroughly.
To remove all the germs and minute dust particles, use a moist washcloth, a lint roller, a fabric, or a softener. Then, try vacuuming it again to get rid of any dust, dirt, and hair that came out after you were done. As a last step, spray some cat-friendly cleaner on it, like the Babyganics Multisurface Cleaner, let it sit for a while, and then wipe it off with a moist towel.
How to Clean Catnip Toys?
Catnip toys are different from all other cat toys and accessories. Cats often chew and suck on these toys that make them high. So, you should use something other than regular cleaning methods for these objects.
Instead of using detergents, soaps, and anti-bacterial, you can soak them in water and hand wash them. Then, wring these toys and hanging them to dry without using the dryer. Ensure to remove the refill if the catnip toy has one and wash them with normal water.
What is the Right Time to Throw Away Used Cat Toys?
Cat toys may wear out quickly if your furball uses them too often. When you see the signs of wear on the toys that are beyond repairable, it’s time to throw them away. Fabric toys tend to rip at the seams, and all the stuffing comes out.
Scratched plastic toys are better in the trashcan as they may have too many bacteria. It’s better to throw these toys as loose fibers and bacteria may cause unnecessary health problems in your cat.
How Often Should You Clean Cat Supplies?
Here’s a quick look at how often you should clean all your cat accessories, toys, and scratching posts.
| Cat Supplies | Frequency of Cleaning |
| Cat Toys | Once every week. |
| Cat Scratching Post | Deep clean every few weeks. |
| Cat Accessories | As and when required. Possibly once a week or every other week. |
Conclusion
Keeping your cat’s toys and accessories can promote good health and prolong the toy’s usable life. You can easily maintain cat toys and accessories using natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda and following a regular cleaning schedule.
