How to Clean Toys: Disinfection Tips for Different Types of Toys

Children's toys can be a harbor for a surprising amount of bacteria, potentially harming their health. A study found that stuffed toys, dolls, and building blocks can accumulate up to 75,000 bacteria per square centimeter, surpassing safety standards! These microscopic guests can lead to respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, and skin rashes, especially in young children with developing immune systems.

To protect your child's well-being, a regular toy cleaning routine is crucial. Our team at EuroMaids understands the importance of a clean and healthy environment for your little ones. We've compiled a comprehensive toy cleaning guide to keep your child's toys germ-free and your home a healthy haven for your family.

1. How to Clean Plastic Toys

Plastic toys are among the most common and durable types of toys. They can be easily cleaned with gentle dish soap and water.

Here's the easiest way to do it:

1. Gather the toys you want to clean and sort them by size and type.
2. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a few drops of gentle dish soap.
3. Submerge the toys in the soapy water and agitate them gently to remove dirt and grime.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas and stubborn stains.
5. Rinse the toys thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue is removed.
6. Allow the toys to air dry completely on a clean towel or rack.

Safety Tip: It's crucial to let the toys air dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack; this not only preserves their quality but also prevents any mold growth — a common issue with toys that aren't properly dried.

2. How to Clean Plush Toys

Plush toys accumulate the biggest amount of dust, dirt, and bacteria.

That's why they require even more attention and a more regular washing:

1. Check the toy's label for specific cleaning instructions.
2. If the toy is machine-washable, follow the instructions on the label. Use a mild detergent and a cold water cycle.
3. Gently agitate the toy to remove dirt and grime.
4. Rinse the toy thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out excess moisture.
5. Place the toy in a clean pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and tumble dry on low heat.

3. How to Disinfect Toys that Can't Be Washed

If you're dealing with delicate kids toys that cannot be washed in a washing machine, there's still a way to effectively sanitize a plush toy without too much trouble:

1. Choose a Disinfectant: Opt for a non-toxic, child-safe disinfectant. You can use a solution of diluted bleach (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or a vinegar and water mixture.
2. Wipe the Toy: Use a soft cloth dampened with your chosen disinfectant. Gently wipe the toy's surface, ensuring you cover all areas.
3. Air Dry: Allow the toy to air dry completely. This step is crucial to ensure the disinfectant does its job and the toy is safe to handle again.
4. Natural Sunlight: If possible, let the toy dry in natural sunlight. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties and can help eliminate remaining germs.

4. How to Clean Bath Toys

Bath toys, naturally water-friendly, offer an advantage in their cleaning routine. However, their frequent exposure to moisture also makes them prone to mold accumulation, especially if they’re not dried correctly.

To keep these playful bath companions clean and safe:

1. Routinely rinse them with fresh water after every bath session to wash away residual soap and dirt.
2. Implement a weekly deep-clean by immersing the toys in a mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water for about five minutes. This helps to disinfect and prevent mold growth.
3. Post-cleaning, ensure a thorough rinse with clean water.
4. Most crucially, allow the toys to air dry entirely, preferably in a well-ventilated area or under direct sunlight, to prevent any moisture build-up.

Pro Tip: To make your toy cleaning routine even easier consider bath toys with solid surfaces and without holes, as these are less likely to harbor mold.

5. How to Clean Electronic Toys

Electronic toys, with their intricate components, demand careful handling during cleaning to maintain their functionality.

To ensure a safe and effective clean:

1. Start by powering off the toy and disconnecting it from any electrical sources.
2. Carefully remove any parts that can be detached, such as batteries or snap-off covers, to protect them from moisture.
3. Gently wipe the toy's surface with disinfecting wipes, being cautious around any openings, buttons, or sensitive areas where moisture could seep in.
4. After cleaning, it's important to let the toy dry thoroughly in the open air. Only reassemble and use it once completely dry to avoid any risk of electrical faults or damage.

6. How to Disinfect Second-Hand Toys

Passing down toys from one generation to the next is a beautiful tradition and adds sentimental value to playtime. However, these treasured second-hand toys often carry germs due to their age and previous use.

To ensure they’re safe and hygienic for your child, it's essential to give them a thorough clean:

1. Check if the toy is plastic, plush, wooden, or electronic, as each material requires a different cleaning approach.
2. Start with wiping down the toy with a gentle cleaner suitable for its material. For plush toys, a fabric-friendly cleaner is ideal.
3. Use a child-safe disinfectant, especially for toys that are likely to end up in your child’s mouth. For non-electronic toys, a mild bleach solution or a vinegar and water mixture can work well.
4. Ensure the toy is completely dry before handing it to your child. For plush toys, a gentle tumble in the dryer can fluff them up and remove any remaining dust particles.

7. How to Clean Wooden Toys

Wooden toys, known for their longevity and classic appeal, can be maintained easily with the right care:

1. Regularly dusting the toys with a soft cloth helps to keep them clean and free of debris.
2. For more persistent dirt or stains, gently wipe the surface with a cloth dampened in a mild, natural cleaning solution.
3. It's important to steer clear of harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood's natural texture and color.
4. After cleaning, let the toys dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area to preserve their integrity and prevent any warping.

8. How to Clean Outdoor Toys

Outdoor toys, regularly braving the elements, inevitably gather more dirt and grime.

To keep them in pristine condition, here’s what you should do:

1. Begin by washing them with warm, soapy water, which is effective for general cleaning.
2. Tackle tough stains and ground-in dirt with a stiff-bristled brush, or for a more natural approach, use a solution of one part vinegar to ten parts water. This mixture is especially good for removing grime without harming the toys.
3. After scrubbing, rinse the toys thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning residue.
4. Ensure the toys are completely air-dried before storage to prevent any mildew or mold growth.
5. Store them in a clean, dry area to maintain their condition and readiness for the next playtime.

How Often Should I Clean Toys?

Plastic bath toys are the easiest to maintain, unlike stuffed animals and other fabric toys which are bacteria magnets. We recommend washing toys every week provided that they are used daily. For many plush toys, washing them with a mild detergent in a washing machine would be enough. To disinfect plastic toys, a gentle wipe with a sanitizing wipe is best. To sanitize toys with some electric parts, a sanitizing wipe is also an ideal option.

Pro Tip: It's crucial to disinfect toys after your child has been sick, to eliminate any lingering germs. Even if toys don't appear visibly dirty, regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of any harmful bacteria. You can also make toy cleaning a fun process and involve your children in the routine.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of toys is essential to protect your child's health and prevent the spread of illness. At EuroMaids, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your family.

Our regular house cleaning services can take the burden off your shoulders, ensuring not only clean toys but also a thoroughly sanitized home environment. Trust us to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your child's play area, giving you peace of mind and more time to cherish with your family.