Cleaning toys is an essential part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment, especially if you have young children who frequently play with them. It is a fact that toys can harbor dirt and germs if not taken care of, however, there are numerous ways to keep your kids toys germ-free/infection-free. The good news is most of these hacks are Do-It-Yourself (DIY), time-saving and cost-effective, you do not need to break a bank to achieve this. Here are our top 10 recommended hacks on cleaning toys:
1. Sorting toys: Before cleaning, sort the toys into different categories based on their material. This will help you choose the most appropriate cleaning method for each group. Check for manufacturers’ instructions on the toys’ packaging or care labels in case of plush toys for quick sorting guidance.
2. Hot soapy water: Most plastic and rubber toys can be easily cleaned with hot soapy water. Fill a basin or sink with warm water and mild dish soap, then submerge the toys and scrub them gently with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry to avoid mold formation. Bath toys due to their nature of frequent interaction with water, can be easily cleaned this way, you can also use an old and disinfected to scrub small crevices and hard to reach areas on toys. To remove scuff marks from plastic toys, rub them gently with a pencil eraser.
3. Disinfecting solution: For toys that require a more thorough disinfection, you can create a simple cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar or water and hydrogen peroxide. Spray or wipe the solution onto the toys, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and then rinse well. This is especially useful for toys that children put in their mouths’ including teethers, rattles and shakers. Special attention goes to the wooden toys, do not soak them in water, but disinfect by wiping them in a cloth soaked in vinegar and water and air-dry.
4. Machine washable toys: Some soft toys, such as stuffed animals, may be machine washable. Check the care instructions on the label and wash them in a gentle cycle using a mild detergent. It’s a good idea to place them inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash. You can also spray a fabric freshener on the plush toys to eliminate the bad odors.
5. Cleaning small toys: Small toys, like LEGO bricks or action figures, can be cleaned by placing them in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. Secure the bag or pillowcase tightly and wash them on a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Alternatively, you can also hand wash them in a basin of warm soapy water. Disinfect small board game pieces by wiping them with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. For plastic blocks, you can soak them in a bleach solution preferably color-friendly bleach solutions to maintain the blocks original colors.
6. Sanitizing baby toys: Baby toys, especially those that come into contact with their mouths, should be sanitized regularly. Use a baby bottle sterilizing solution or boil them in a pot of water for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific sterilization methods.
7. Steam cleaning: Steam cleaning is an effective method for sanitizing and refreshing a wide variety of toys. Use a handheld steam cleaner or a steam mop with a small attachment to steam the surfaces of the toys. Be cautious with delicate or electronic toys, as steam may damage them. Use a small brush/toothbrush to clean the wheels of toy cars and vehicles right after steam then air-dry.
8. Dishwasher safe toys: Some toys, particularly those made of hard plastic, may be labeled as dishwasher safe. Place them on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the toy can withstand dishwasher cleaning.
9. Wiping with disinfecting wipes: Disinfecting wipes are convenient for quickly cleaning and sanitizing toys, especially when you’re short on time or on transit. Simply wipe the surface of the toys thoroughly, paying attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. After wiping, pay attention to stubborn stains and remove as follows: for stick residue, remove by rubbing them with a cloth soaked in vinegar, for chewing gum, slime and play dough-freeze the toys for 20-30 minutes and scrap off the gum, for crayon marks on plastic toys-rub them gently sing a paste of baking soda and water.
10. Sunlight and fresh air: For outdoor toys or toys made of fabric, sun-drying them can help eliminate odors and naturally kill some germs. Place them in a sunny spot outdoors, ensuring they are protected from moisture, and let them air dry. Specifically, for the doll houses and play houses, you can vacuum them or use a small brush to remove dust then open the windows and doors for fresh air circulation while placed outside.
Remember to remove any batteries or electronic components before cleaning and to check the manufacturer’s instructions for any specific cleaning recommendations. Regularly cleaning toys will not only keep them germ-free but also extend their lifespan and ensure they remain safe for children to play with.
These are just a few of our toys cleaning hacks, we do hope they were helpful to you and your little ones. Kindly feel free to share some more with us in the comment section. Till next time, ADIOS 😊
