Should I clean my dog's plush toys and if so how (see details)

I recommend opening them up, removing the stuffing, and washing. Dogs are notorious for eating stuffing, and requiring surgery, but if you must, re-stuff with new stuffing, and sew it up again. Or just throw them all in the wash with a perfume and dye free detergent. Rinse well, and let dry.

If you feel they are very grotty and need a wash, put them in the washing machine on a gentle wash. I doubt she will care if they end up a bit misshapen and as long as they aren’t falling to pieces (stuffing issues as suggested by @snowberry) that should be all they need.

If the grottiness doesn’t really bother you though, I don’t think having dirty toys will do her any harm. Dogs eat some pretty icky stuff left to their own devices.

I have had some success cleaning toys in the dishwasher. It doesn’t agitate them, and the outer surface gets clean. Dry thoroughly in the sun.

I always put them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. It’s always worked for me without teraring up the toy. You’re right though, it isn’t about the dog wanting it clean, it’s about me having to pick it up or look at it looking all nasty dirty.

@YARNLADY – that’s a good idea, I never thought of that!

I just chuck them in the washing machine. Sometimes the squeakies sound a little bit bubbly for a while but they generally have come around after a few squeaks.

I wash my dogs plush, squeaky duck in the machine on gentle – then tumble dry low. Comes out great.

I wash it about every two months.