After chew time, remove the bully stick, separate the holder's removable parts, wash away residue, rinse thoroughly and let everything dry completely before reassembly. The final step is an inspection: a clean holder should also be intact and work normally. Washing cannot repair a damaged gripping mechanism.
This guide focuses on the cleanup between sessions. For loading and securing your next chew, use our bully stick holder setup guide alongside the instructions supplied with your model.
Start with the chew out and the parts separated
Put the holder on a clear surface, away from your dog. Remove the remaining chew and loose scraps before washing. Keep removable components out of your dog's reach throughout cleanup.
For Chewise holders, the current holder care instructions say to fully unscrew and separate the parts. Separate only the parts intended to come apart during normal use; do not pry out fixed gripping components or dismantle the mechanism with household tools. If a part will not release normally, stop and ask for help rather than forcing it.
Have dish soap, warm water, a small soft-bristled brush and a clean drying area ready. A brush small enough to reach the opening is more useful here than simply wiping the outside.
Brush the places a quick rinse misses
Check the inside opening, exposed gripping surfaces, edges where parts meet and any accessible screw threads. Look at each separated part from more than one angle: the outside can look clean while a small piece of softened chew remains tucked behind an edge.
Wash the parts with soap and warm water, using the brush to lift visible material without scraping or bending the components. Rinse thoroughly so loosened scraps and soap are washed away. Inspect the openings again before moving the parts to the drying area.
The CDC's pet-supply cleaning guidance recommends following manufacturer instructions and describes washing with soap and water, rinsing and drying. Cleaning removes dirt and germs; it is not the same as disinfecting. If your pet is sick or someone at home is especially vulnerable to infection, ask your veterinarian about an appropriate routine and check which methods the holder manufacturer permits.
Can a bully stick holder go in the dishwasher?
That depends on the exact holder. Chewise's current holder guidance permits hand washing or dishwasher cleaning, and the Standard Yellow holder is listed as dishwasher-safe. Do not extend that instruction to every brand or accessory.
Remove leftover chew first and follow the directions supplied with your model for disassembly, placement and cycle restrictions. “Dishwasher-safe” is not permission to boil the holder or use every high-heat sanitizing setting. If the instructions do not specify a setting you want to use, choose the approved hand-washing method while you check.
After the cycle, look inside the opening and around the joining surfaces. A finished dishwasher cycle does not replace checking for trapped residue or damage.
Dry before reassembling or putting it away
Let the separated parts dry completely, including recessed areas and joining surfaces. A dry outer surface does not establish that the inside is dry. Do not rush to screw the pieces together or put a damp holder into its storage bag.
There is no useful universal drying time: the parts, airflow and room conditions vary. Check the actual surfaces instead of relying on a timer. Clean the brush and drying area as part of the routine so the next wash does not start with yesterday's debris.
After handling the chew and used holder, wash your hands. The FDA's pet-food and treat handling guidance recommends soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling pet food or treats.
The clean-and-check decision before the next session
- Residue remains: clean it again. If you cannot reach or remove the trapped material using the permitted method, keep the holder out of use and contact the manufacturer.
- A part is cracked, distorted, loose or has a newly damaged sharp edge: stop using the holder. Do not glue, file or bend it back into service.
- The mechanism no longer closes or grips normally: do not offer that setup to your dog, even if every part looks clean.
- The holder is clean, fully dry and intact: reassemble according to the instructions, then check the fit and hold of the individual chew before supervised use.
Two common cleanup questions
Is rinsing with water enough?
A quick rinse may remove loose scraps but can miss material in the opening and threads. Make washing with soap, brushing where needed and thorough rinsing your after-chew routine, subject to your model's care instructions.
What if it still smells after washing?
Recheck for trapped chew material rather than masking the smell with fragrance. If an unexplained odor persists after proper cleaning and complete drying, stop using the holder and ask the manufacturer for guidance. Do not improvise with stronger chemicals or an unapproved cleaning mixture.
A holder is not a chew toy, and cleanliness does not make any chew setup risk-free. Stay with your dog and end the session if the holder is being bitten, the chew loosens or parts become damaged. When choosing a holder, look for care instructions you can realistically follow after each use—not just an appealing size or color.
Cover: original editorial illustration of cleaning supplies, not a product photograph. Product image: Chewise.
