How to Clean Baby Toys: A Simple Guide to Safe Toy Cleaning
Article Contents
Article Contents
Your little one isn’t going to just play with her toys—she’s going to nibble and gnaw on them, and maybe try to stick them up her nose. So you want to keep those playthings as germ-free as possible (without driving yourself nuts). We got the dirt for you!
How Do You Clean Stuffed and Fabric Toys
They may look all cute and innocent, but stuffed toys can harbor germs and dust mites (even babies can have allergic reactions). "The more often you can wash them, the better," says Kelly A. Reynolds, PhD, professor of Environmental Health Sciences at The University of Arizona in Tucson.It’s especially key to clean playthings after your baby’s been sick or another tot has been slobbering all over them. For machine-washable toys, use hot water. "However, the majority of germs will be killed in the dryer regardless of wash conditions," notes Reynolds, "so dry the item completely using the highest temperature."
Cleaning Non-Machine Washable Stuffed and Fabric Toys
Surface clean the toy with a sanitizing spray that has ‘disinfectant’ or ‘sanitizing’ on the label and says it’s EPA certified. Also check the label to see if the product needs to be rinsed before children come into contact with it. Then let the toy completely air-dry.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Baby Toys
Before your child gets his hands on a new plastic toy, wash it in the top rack of your dishwasher using hot water or the sanitizer cycle. Or clean it well with disinfecting wipes, sanitizer sprays, or diluted bleach (check the instructions on the bottle for specific diluting instructions). "Bleach is much cheaper than other cleansers, kills a broader spectrum of germs, and works quickly," Reynolds says.
How Do You Clean Bath Toys
Dump water out of bath toys after each use and dry them to avoid mold. As often as is realistic for you, submerge them in a sink with diluted bleach. If you can see or smell mildew or mold after disinfecting, toss the toy.
How To Clean and Disinfect Board Books
Swipe baby’s reading material with disinfecting wipes (not the same as baby wipes). Goodbye, germs!
Baby toys should be cleaned regularly, especially after your baby has been sick or if other children have played with them.
Machine-washable stuffed toys can be cleaned with hot water and dried on a high heat setting. Always follow the care instructions on the toy label.
Plastic baby toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher if safe to do so, or wiped down with a child-safe disinfecting product according to the label instructions. After playtime, gentle
Huggies® Baby Wipes
can help clean sticky hands and faces.
Empty bath toys after each use and allow them to dry completely. Regular cleaning helps prevent mold and mildew from developing inside the toy
Yes. Baby toys can collect germs, saliva, dust, and bacteria through regular use, which is why routine cleaning is recommended. It's also a good idea to clean your baby's hands and face after playtime using gentle wipes designed for sensitive skin
