Toys are an important part of babies’ lives. They keep youngsters occupied and help develop coordination. Babies will undoubtedly drop the toys or handle them with dirty hands. And, they’ll inevitably put them in their mouths (whether they are meant to be chewed or not).
It’s absolutely essential to learn how to clean baby toys. You want to limit your children’s contact with germs. However, you also don’t want to use harsh cleaning chemicals.
This article will discuss the best way to clean baby toys. You’ll learn how to keep your kids’ toys germ-free with safe toy cleaners.
Why Cleaning Baby Toys Is Important
It’s impossible to keep babies from dropping toys or putting them in their mouths. This means that over time, the toys collect germs, bacteria, and allergens. These unwanted things are on the floor, your baby’s hands, and even in the air.
When you clean up toys, you are basically trying to protect against three different dangers.
- Bacteria and viruses can latch onto toys. They can cause colds, the flu, infections, and upset stomachs. These can be dangerous to babies with developing immune systems.
- Skin irritation is already common in babies. Dirt or allergens on toys can make the rash problem worse.
- Allergies happen when babies are exposed to pet dander, dust, or pollen. These microscopic things can cling to toys, especially if they are dropped or used outside. Babies might sneeze, cough, wheeze, or have cold-like symptoms.
A multi-step cleaning routine can protect against these health issues.
- Daily wipe-downs with baby wipes
- Weekly cleanings with soap or in the dishwasher
- Optional monthly deep cleaning with safe disinfectants
This routine can help you avoid too much build-up on the toys and lower the risk of illness.
Different Types of Baby Toys and How to Clean Them
The exact steps for how to clean baby toys can vary depending on the materials. The method for cleaning plastic outdoor toys is different from cleaning stuffed animals.
Plastic & Rubber Toys
Rubber and plastic toys have solid surfaces. This makes them relatively easy to clean. Most are also dishwasher safe, so you can do daily wipe-downs with baby wipes and put the toys in the dishwasher once or twice per week.
Wipe toys with a 90% water and 10% vinegar solution for a deeper disinfecting clean every month.
Be careful not to fully submerge squeeze toys like rubber duckies in water. If water gets inside, molds can form. If you notice mold on any plastic and rubber toys, it’s best to throw them away.
Plush/Stuffed Toys
Plush and stuffed toys, such as stuffed animal toys, are more challenging to clean. The surface can attract dust and soak up liquids. A vacuum cleaner can remove dust and dander.
Wash toys with soap regularly (weekly or every two weeks). Use a washing machine on a gentle cycle if possible. For non-machine-safe toys, use soap and water. It’s best to avoid high heat, which can melt plastic parts and glue. Instead, air-dry the toys, if possible.
You can also spot-clean toys with soap and water or a 1/10 vinegar solution.
Wooden Toys
The steps for how to clean wooden toys are slightly different from those for plastic ones. A damp cloth can remove dust, drool, or dirt. You can add a little bit of dish soap for sticker messes or visible dirt.
You can wash wooden toys with soap and water or the 10% vinegar solution. However, you shouldn’t soak the toys in water. This raises the risk of mold, and the toys could become waterlogged. You can pat the toys with a towel before leaving them to air dry. Putting the toys in the sun can help them dry faster. But don’t leave them there for too long. Excess sunlight can cause the wood to fade.
Wood toys also have a unique danger: splinters. When you wash, inspect the toys for splinters. You can rub them with food-grade oils. Coconut oil or beeswax works well.
Electronic Toys
Learning how to clean baby toys might seem straightforward. However, electronic toys give you unique challenges. Water and circuits don’t mix, so you’ll need to take extra care during cleaning.
Manufacturers often have cleaning instructions. If they are available, follow them.
In general, microfiber cloths can remove residue, dust, and dirt. You can add a little bit of water to the cloth for sticky spots. And, use baby-safe disinfecting wipes (such as those that use vinegar). In some cases, isopropyl alcohol can work as a disinfectant. Just make sure you use the weaker (70% ) version. It can take up to one minute for the alcohol to work. If you are concerned about residue, you can wipe with a damp cloth after one minute has passed.
The key to cleaning electronic toys is to use a cloth. Put the water, soap, or cleaning agent on the cloth instead of putting it directly on the toy. This will help keep the circuits safe.
Safe Cleaning Methods for Baby Toys
You might wonder what to use to clean baby toys. Yes, you want to clean up toys to be sure they don’t carry bacteria. But some cleaners can be as dangerous as a serious virus. Avoid anything that could be potentially toxic. Remember, your baby is going to put the toys in their mouth.
Always use baby-safe wipes and detergents for cleaning. 10% vinegar with water is effective, but you can go up to 50% vinegar for extra disinfection. Vinegar needs to be in contact with a surface for longer than alcohol does. It is best not to rinse after wiping with vinegar.
Baby-safe detergents in a dishwasher can be effective for plastic and wooden toys for a monthly deep cleaning. Also consider this option after your baby has been ill to kill any virus or infection.
Tips for Regular Toy Maintenance
A deep cleaning, once a month, is important. But keeping toys safe and clean is a daily process. Here are the most essential toy maintenance steps:
- Wipe down your baby’s favorite toys daily.
- Use a safe cleaning solution, dishwasher, or washing machine at least once per week.
- Only keep a few toys out at a time. This makes it easier to keep up with cleaning.
- Clean toys before you put them away. And, wipe down new toys before adding them to the rotation.
- It’s best to let the toys dry thoroughly. If possible, sun-dry them for several hours. This is especially true for things like farm toys with many moving parts.
Many toymakers have care instructions on labels or boxes. Be sure to read these after buying a new toy.
Safety Precautions While Cleaning Baby Toys
It’s important to know how to clean baby toys and what to use to clean them with. However, disinfecting toys isn’t the ultimate goal. The priority is keeping your baby safe. Here’s how to do that:
- When you wipe the toys, check for slivers, chips, or other damage.
- The first step for learning how to clean baby bath toys is to check for mold. Always look for signs of mold in toys that get submerged in water.
- Avoid any potentially toxic cleaning agents like bleach.
- Keep electronic toys dry to avoid short circuits or other problems.
Finally, try to keep your toys clean. Store them in covered containers to protect them from dust and other allergens.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to keep toys clean can be simple. Develop a routine for cleaning. It doesn’t have to be stressful. It will only take a few minutes every day to keep the toys clean and your baby safe. With baby-safe cleaning products, you’ll keep your baby safe and healthy.