How To Clean Baby Toys Safely and Effectively

As any parent knows, baby toys play a big role in your little one's development and entertainment. However, they also spend a significant amount of time in places where germs thrive—on the floor, in the mouth, and sometimes even under the couch. This makes regular cleaning of baby toys crucial to keep your child safe from harmful bacteria and infections. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to clean and sanitize your baby’s toys, ensuring they stay safe, hygienic, and ready for playtime.

Why Cleaning Baby Toys is Essential

Germs and Bacteria on Toys

Babies love to put things in their mouths—everything from pacifiers to toys—and that includes whatever is on the floor. Toys that are regularly handled, dropped, or even chewed on can harbor germs, bacteria, and other pathogens. The combination of young immune systems and the exploration habits of babies makes it easy for infections to spread through seemingly harmless objects.

The Risk of Illness

Unclean toys can lead to a range of illnesses, from colds and stomach bugs to more serious infections. With babies spending time on the floor and constantly putting toys in their mouths, cleaning toys regularly helps ensure they aren’t unintentionally ingesting germs or bacteria. By keeping toys sanitized, parents can significantly reduce these risks.

Hygiene Considerations for Play Areas

It’s also important to maintain a clean environment where babies play. This includes ensuring that play mats, storage areas, and surrounding spaces are regularly cleaned. Keeping all areas where babies interact with toys free of germs is a key part of keeping your baby healthy.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Baby Toys

Cleaning Tools

To keep your baby’s toys clean, you’ll need a few essential items:

• Soft sponges or cloths : For gentle scrubbing without damaging toys.
• Mild dish soap : A gentle, baby-safe dish soap like Dawn Free & Clear is perfect for cleaning toys without harsh chemicals.
• Disinfecting wipes or sprays : Baby-safe disinfectants are crucial for sanitizing plastic, rubber, and other materials that can harbor germs.
• Water : Always use clean, warm water for washing and rinsing toys.

Safe Cleaning Products

When cleaning toys, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. These can be toxic if ingested by babies. Look for baby-safe, non-toxic products like Lysol® Laundry Sanitizer or baby-specific disinfectants to ensure your cleaning solutions are both effective and safe.

Warning: The combination of certain cleaning agents and disinfectants, particularly chlorine bleach and ammonia, can produce hazardous or potentially lethal fumes.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Avoid using bleach on toys that babies put in their mouths, especially since it can leave toxic residues. Opt for natural cleaners or baby-specific disinfectants to maintain a safe play environment.

How to Clean Different Types of Baby Toys

Cleaning Plastic Toys

Plastic toys are among the most common and easiest to clean:

• Dishwasher-safe toys : If the toy is dishwasher-safe, place it on the top rack and run it through a cycle using mild detergent.
• Hand-washable toys : For toys that aren’t dishwasher-safe, clean them in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
• Deep cleaning : For hard-to-reach spots, use a small brush to scrub crevices. If needed, soak the toys overnight in soapy water to loosen any dirt or bacteria.

Cleaning Wooden Toys

Wooden toys require extra care because wood is porous and can absorb liquids, leading to potential damage:

• Avoid soaking : Never soak wooden toys in water as it may cause warping or splintering.
• Hand wash : Use a soft sponge and a gentle dish soap solution, and wipe the toy down with a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess water.
• Vinegar solution : For extra sanitation, wipe down the wooden toys with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse the toy with water afterward and dry it thoroughly.

Cleaning Soft Toys and Plush Items

Stuffed animals and blankets can easily accumulate dirt and bacteria:

• Machine wash : If the plush toy is machine washable, place it in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
• Hand wash : For toys that can’t be machine washed, soak them in warm water with a few drops of baby-safe dish soap, gently wring out the excess water, and air dry. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up drying and fluff the toy back to its original shape.
• Garment steamer : A garment steamer can help eliminate dust mites and allergens from plush toys, adding another layer of cleanliness.

Cleaning Baby Bath Toys

Bath toys can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew due to the moisture they retain:

• Prevent mold : After each bath, ensure the toys are air-dried in a mesh bag to prevent mold growth inside.
• Sanitizing bath toys : Soak bath toys in a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Alternatively, you can use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water), soaking the toys for 10 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly.
• Moldy squirty toys : Squeeze the cleaning solution inside squirty bath toys to ensure it breaks down any mold. Rinse them well and let them air dry completely.

Cleaning Electronic Toys

Electronic toys (for example, a walking dog toy) with batteries require careful handling to avoid damage:

• Remove batteries : Always remove batteries or unplug the toy before cleaning.
• Wipe with a damp cloth : Use a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water to clean the surface of the toy. Follow up with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
• Disinfecting : For disinfection, lightly wipe the toy with a cloth soaked in a mixture of rubbing alcohol (1 part alcohol to 3 parts water). Ensure no liquid seeps into the electronic components.

How Often Should You Clean Baby Toys?

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Ideally, baby toys should be cleaned at least once a week to ensure they stay free of germs. This is especially important for toys that are frequently put in the mouth or dropped on the floor. However, the frequency can vary based on usage. Toys that get daily attention should be washed every day or two to prevent the build-up of germs. On the other hand, toys like stuffed animals, which might only get occasional cuddles, can be cleaned weekly or as needed.

When to Clean More Frequently

If someone in your household is sick, you may want to clean toys more frequently to avoid spreading germs. Additionally, any toys that have been outside or handled by multiple children should be cleaned after each use.

Cleaning Play Areas

Toys aren’t the only thing that needs cleaning—play areas should also be regularly sanitized. Use a vinegar and water spray to wipe down play mats, storage bins, and other surfaces your baby frequently interacts with.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Clean Baby Toys

• Dry toys properly : After washing, make sure to thoroughly air-dry your baby toys to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. For added effectiveness, consider placing toys under the sun for natural disinfection. Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays can help kill germs and sanitize the toys. Alternatively, using a UV sterilizer can also be an effective way to ensure your baby's toys are hygienic and safe for playtime.
• Store toys properly : Keep toys in a clean, dry storage area to avoid contamination.
• Inspect toys regularly : Check toys for wear and tear that might require more intensive cleaning or replacement.

Conclusion

Keeping your baby’s toys clean doesn’t have to be a chore. By incorporating a regular cleaning routine and using safe, effective products, you can ensure that your child’s toys remain hygienic and safe for play. After all, a clean toy is a happy toy—and a happy, healthy baby!