How to Clean Baby Toys Depending on the Type

It’s inevitable that at some point your little one will put a toy in their mouth. This means that you need to clean the toys on a regular basis. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it may seem.

In this article, we’ll provide valuable tips on how to clean baby toys according to their various types, as well as how often you should do it.

Why Is It Important to Clean and Disinfect Baby Toys?

Every parent knows that toddlers frequently put objects in their mouths – and they don’t seem to mind whether these items have been rolling around on the floor. And while many of the germs these toys gather are harmless, there are others that can cause diseases, such as colds, flu, and norovirus.

That’s why cleaning and disinfecting baby toys on a regular basis is necessary to ensure that germs don’t get a chance to spread. Soft toys, such as teddy bears and spongy toys, are particularly susceptible to contamination.

The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting

Before we go into more detail, it’s critical to differentiate between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning physically removes germs by using soap (or perhaps detergent) and water to wash away the dirt from surfaces. Disinfecting, on the other hand, destroys most germs on objects like baby toys and it also limits the spread of germs.

Remember that, in most cases, the best way to clean baby toys is to start by washing the baby toys with soap (to remove any visible dirt and grime) and then using a disinfectant.

How to Clean Baby Toys

As a parent, it’s important to learn what’s the best way to disinfect and clean baby toys. The following list gives some simple tips and instructions on how to clean each type of toy, so you can limit the spread of germs and keep your child safe and happy.

1. Dolls

Dolls can be difficult to wash unless you can launder them. They are often made of different materials that can harbor germs and bacteria, each with distinct cleaning requirements. Before you start cleaning, you will need to remove any clothing and wash it in hot water. To clean the body of the doll baby toys, you can use mild soap and warm water. Baby shampoo may be used to wash the doll’s hair; this may seem like a fun activity to your toddler, too.

Many people clean dolls by putting them in the washer and dryer. However, without proper treatment, certain dolls may be damaged after numerous washings. If you prefer washing the dolls in your machine, make sure to place them in a pillowcase to ensure that they survive the process.

2. Silicone and Rubber Toys

Many parents struggle to find the best way to disinfect silicone and rubber baby toys. Soft and squishy, these toys are light and flexible for the baby to play with, but they also pick up a lot of germs. The materials these toys are made of shouldn’t be boiled because they will lose their texture if heated. They should be cleaned with a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water, allowed to sit for a few minutes, then rinsed and air-dried.

You may also wipe them with a clean washcloth and warm water, adding some baby shampoo or detergent to the mixture. Then, rinse them in clear water and put them on the dish rack to dry for about 30 minutes.

3. Bath Toys

It’s important to clean your kid’s bath toys on a regular basis. They are usually made of a rubbery material that is prone to mold. Because babies frequently tend to put these toys in their mouths while playing, you want to make sure they’re clean and free of germs.

To clean bath toys, soak them in a few inches of hot water and dish soap for at least an hour in your tub. The best way to clean baby bath toys is to scrub the toy with a dish brush, rinse them with boiling water, and air dry them afterward. If you’re confident they’re dishwasher safe, you may also consider putting them in the washing machine or dishwasher.

You could also disinfect them using a bleach solution, which is made up of 1.5 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water.

4. Plastic Toys

Plastic toys are generally every child’s favorite toys. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they’re some of the most common types of toy gifts moms with toddlers receive. Some plastic toys that don’t contain batteries may be cleaned in your dishwasher. Cleaning your toys this way is easy and requires only a little detergent and warm water.

To be on the safe side when looking for a way to clean baby toys, always check to see whether the toy includes any batteries or fragile components that might be damaged. If they do, you can use hot water and some dish soap or a solution made of one part vinegar and one part water to wipe the toys on a daily basis.

5. Wooden Toys

Cleaning wood toys needs special attention. You don’t want the wood to get too wet because it may shrink or crack as it dries. Wood is also permeable, allowing moisture to accumulate, developing mold.

Because it’s a porous material, don’t put wood in water or wash it in the dishwasher. The safest way to clean wooden baby toys is by using a microfiber cloth and a mild cleanser to spot-clean the item. This can be done with a 10:1 mixture of water and vinegar, a diluted combination of water and a few drops of mild dish soap, or any other type of natural all-purpose cleaner. When you’re finished, allow the wooden toys to dry naturally.

6. Teddies and Soft Toys

Fabric toys become filthy quickly and can accumulate harmful germs. Check the label on the toy to see how it should be cleaned. Some can be washed with the laundry, while others cannot.

If they’re machine-washable, use a milder detergent for babies as the best way to clean used plush baby toys. To help combat germs, you could add a cup of vinegar. For the toys that can’t be laundered, lightly hand wash in mild soap and then air dry in the sun. Alternatively, after hand washing, you can run these toys through a low-heat dryer cycle, as the heat aids in the reduction of germs. Disinfect soft toys on a regular basis to keep them germ-free.

7. Electronic Toys

You can clean your baby’s toys – even your baby monitor – by using a solution of equal portions of vinegar and water or a solution of water plus one tablespoon of baking soda. Wipe the surface with a damp towel in order to clean the toy. To disinfect electronic baby toys, remove the batteries, spray thoroughly with a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant and wait about 10 minutes. Wipe off any remaining liquid and wait at least an hour before putting the batteries back in. You can use a cotton swab to get into tight spaces.

Make sure to always remove the batteries from any toys with a battery compartment before cleaning them. You can also clean the battery compartment of an electrical toy using an old, dry toothbrush.

How Often to Clean Baby Toys?

The amount of time your child plays with their toys will determine how often they need to be cleaned. The following are average guidelines that apply when your kid is healthy. If they’ve been sick recently, have allergies, or if other children have handled their toys, you should clean and sanitize them more frequently.

• Hard toys and bath items are the most simple to maintain and should be cleaned and disinfected once a week if they are used daily.
• Electronic toys are only safe for surface cleaning and should have their surfaces cleaned once a week or even every day if your child is sick. You can use disinfectant wipes to clean electronic baby toys.
• Plush toys are usually machine washable and dryer-safe, so they’re easy to clean once a week (especially if your child likes to keep them close at night and puts them on their crib mattress), every other week, or as needed. Plush toys should also be freshened and spot cleaned when necessary.
• The most frequent attention should be paid to baby toys that are most likely to be chewed and thrown on the ground. These should be cleaned every one to two days if possible. The rest of the toys can be cleaned once a week.

Key Takeaways

Wrap Up

Whatever toys you choose to add to your baby’s nursery, coming up with a cleaning method that works for you is the greatest way to keep your child amused and healthy while they play. Cleaning baby toys is probably one of the most important parts of keeping your child safe and healthy. We hope this article showed you how to make the whole toy maintenance process much easier.