How to Clean Rubber Treat Dispensers Properly
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Clean treat dispensers stay hygienic. Proper washing keeps the toys fresh and ready to hold our freeze-dried treats or peanut butter. Five minutes of cleaning extends your toy's life by years.
The warm water and brush method
Most rubber treat dispensers are flexible enough to clean by hand. Fill a bowl with warm water and a little dish soap. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the inside and outside. Pay attention to the treat hole and any crevices where debris hides. Rinse thoroughly under running water until no soap remains. Shake out excess water and set on a towel to air dry.
For peanut butter buildup
If peanut butter has dried inside, soak the toy in warm water for 10 minutes first to soften it. Then scrub with a brush. For stubborn spots, use a bottle brush or pipe cleaner to reach deep into the treat hole. Some people use a small amount of white vinegar in the water to cut through oil and residue.
Dishwasher method
Many rubber treat dispensers can go on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Check your specific toy first. The Sugar Skull Rubber Treat Dispenser, Football Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser, Corn on the Cob Rubber Treat Dispenser, Can Toy, and Honey Pot eCup Treat Dispenser are generally dishwasher sound on the top rack. Use the warm water cycle, not hot, and skip heated dry. Air dry to care for the rubber.
Drying matters
Never use a towel to scrub a rubber toy dry, as this can cause small tears. Instead, shake out water and let the toy air dry on a clean surface. For toys with deep holes, stand them upright so water can drain from the opening. Allow at least an hour for complete drying before refilling.
Preventing buildup
The easier approach is preventing heavy buildup in the first place. After your dog finishes a toy, rinse it immediately under warm water. You don't need soap every time, just water to remove loose kibble and treat residue. Save the full wash for weekly or biweekly cleaning.
In the Toys aisle
The Sugar Skull Rubber Treat Dispenser ($16.99) holds 6 fluid ounces and is easy to rinse. The Football Rubber Chew Toy and Treat Dispenser ($15.99) has an open shape that's accessible to cleaning tools. The Corn on the Cob ($13.99 medium, $15.99 large) has texture that benefits from a soft brush. The Can Toy ($10.99 to $21.99) is tall and narrow, so a bottle brush helps reach the bottom. The Honey Pot eCup Treat Dispenser ($16.99 large, $24.99 XL) is an open-top design that's simple to clean.
How it ships
SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift. Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
Can I use bleach to clean a rubber toy?
No. Bleach can degrade rubber and leave residue toxic to your dog. Warm soapy water and a brush are sufficient to remove all bacteria. If you're concerned about sanitizing, white vinegar is a gentler alternative that also cuts through grease.
How often should I clean a treat dispenser?
After every use, do a quick rinse. Once a week or every few uses, do a full wash with soap and a brush. If you're rotating toys, clean them as part of the rotation so they're fresh when they come back out.
Is it okay to leave a wet toy in the toy bin?
No. Water trapped inside or against rubber can cause mold. Always air dry fully before storing. If you're in a humid climate, store toys in a container with a desiccant or in a well-ventilated space.
What if my toy is cracked or torn?
A small tear on the surface is usually fine as long as the toy is still structurally sound. A large split or pieces missing mean it's time to retire the toy, as it could become a choking hazard or splinter. Most rubber toys last 2 to 3 years with regular use and cleaning.
Find your next toy by exploring our freeze-dried treats and pairing it with the ideal enrichment at our explore page.
