It's not difficult to assume they are not needed to be clean thank you! I mean dogs catch balls at the park, when the balls touch the pavement/grass. It was only when I had dental abscess back then I had a lightbulb that maybe the puppy could get infection or something from the toys.If it's any consolation...I don't currently have a dog, but I grew up with them. I can never, ever recall cleaning any of their toys, save for a stuffed animal that my stepdad's Labrador carried with him EVERYWHERE. He got thrown in the washing machine periodically!