3 Ways to Clean iFetch Tennis Balls

Are your iFetch tennis balls slimy and gross? We can help you get them clean!

Dogs naturally discover and carry their toys with their mouths. This means slobbery and crusty toys, especially iFetch tennis balls. Gross! In fact, all dog toys can get pretty slimy and stinky, and it’s a good idea to regularly take a look and clean them as needed. When you inspect dog toys, look for stains, smells, and rips. Anything beyond repair needs to be thrown away. Tennis balls can often be salvaged by giving them a good washing. Cleaning them will not only make them last longer, but will keep bacteria and other funk from growing.

We recommend cleaning your iFetch tennis balls to keep your iFetch running smoothly. Today, we’re giving you some tips to clean your iFetch tennis balls. Whether you use a washing machine or a bucket, your dog will silently thank you for keeping his favorite toys (his iFetch tennis balls) clean and fresh!

How do I clean iFetch tennis balls?

Wash them in a bucket of soapy water

Fill a bucket (or the kitchen sink) with warm water, and add either dishwashing soap or laundry detergent. Be sure to use a mild detergent or soap, and a little goes a long way! Measure out how much detergent you would use to wash a small load of laundry or dish soap to wash a sink full of dishes.

Let them soak for about 30 minutes, or longer if they are extra crusty. Scrub the tennis balls with a rag or sponge to get the extra dirty spots clean. Rinse with warm water, then rub with a towel to dry. Drying them in the dryer works as well, but make sure it’s on a low setting as the high heat may do damage to the rubber.

Wash them in a washing machine

The washing machine works really well for tennis balls. Be sure to use a detergent that is pet-friendly, and use about as much as you would for a small load of laundry. Choose the low spin cycle to get some of the water out and finish drying in the dryer on a low setting if needed.

TIP: Did you know that tennis balls can add fluff and softness to comforters, blankets, and other thick clothing when dried together? The next time your comforter or winter coat needs a little extra fluff, throw an iFetch tennis ball in the dryer with it!

Is there an all-natural way to get my dog toys clean?

Some chemicals can be harmful to our pets. If you are dedicated to a completely chemical-free house, there are other options to get your iFetch tennis balls clean. According to The Honest Kitchen, a combination of water and white vinegar will do the trick. Make a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, and soak toys for about 30 minutes. This method applies to hard and soft toys as well as tennis balls. Scrub any dirt and grime off with a sponge or rag, then sit in the sun to dry, rub with a dry towel, or dry on low heat in the dryer.

Don’t throw your iFetch tennis balls in the garbage, wash them! Give them a good cleaning when they get dirty, slimy, or crusty to extend the life of the tennis balls and your iFetch!

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Tail-Wagging Products!

iFetch has received international attention and won numerous awards, including “Best New Product” and “Best in Show” at Superzoo 2013. And while we’re honored (and humbled) by all the attention and accolades, our greatest joy is seeing the pictures and videos of little dogs around the world playing with the iFetch.

The Hamill Family,
Creators of iFetch