Keeping kids’ toys clean is essential for a healthy home, but it’s a constant battle. Toys are magnets for germs, especially when little ones are teething or getting over a cold. The goal is to keep them hygienic without exposing your children to harsh chemical residues. At Fabro Cleaning, we prioritize “safe-to-touch” cleaning methods that get the job done without compromising your family’s safety.
Quick Answer: Best Way to Clean Kids’ Toys
For most hard plastic toys, a simple scrub with warm, soapy water (mild dish soap) is the gold standard. If you need to disinfect after an illness, use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water)—but you must rinse thoroughly and let them air dry completely. For soft toys, a laundry cycle in a mesh bag is usually sufficient.
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting
- Cleaning: Removes dirt and debris via physical agitation (scrubbing/wiping). This removes the vast majority of germs.
- Sanitizing: Reduces the number of germs to a “safe” level.
- Disinfecting: Kills almost all bacteria and viruses on a surface.
- Fabro Tip: You rarely need to “disinfect” toys. Regular “cleaning” with soap and water is sufficient for 95% of situations.
How to Clean Different Toy Types
Plastic Toys
- Soap and Water: A bucket of warm, soapy water is all you need. Use a soft brush for crevices.
- Dishwasher: Many hard, non-electronic plastic toys are dishwasher safe. Use the “top rack” only and skip the heat-dry cycle, which can warp thin plastic.
- Disinfecting: If someone has been sick, use that diluted bleach solution, let it sit for 2 minutes, then rinse well.
Stuffed Animals
- The “Tag” Check: Always check the care label first.
- Washing Machine: If machine-washable, place the toy in a mesh laundry bag to protect it. Use a gentle cycle with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent.
- Drying: Air dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, use the “air fluff” or lowest heat setting. Heat can melt the synthetic “fur” of many plush toys.
Bath Toys
Bath toys are notorious for mold because they trap water inside.
- Prevention: Use a hot glue gun to seal the hole at the bottom of the toy so water can’t get inside.
- Deep Clean: If they have mold inside, soak them in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water, then squeeze them out until no more black specks appear. If you can’t get the mold out, it is safer to discard them.
Electronic Toys
- Never Submerge: Electronic toys can never be dipped in water.
- Wipe-Down: Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a mixture of water and a tiny bit of dish soap. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue.
Products to Avoid
- Harsh Bleach Sprays: Avoid using heavy-duty, spray-and-leave disinfectants. They often leave a residue that children will ingest when they inevitably put the toy in their mouth.
- Essential Oils: While natural, some oils are toxic to pets and young children. Stick to simple, unscented soaps.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid anything with “grit” or strong solvents that could break down the finish of the plastic.
When to Clean?
- Routine: Every 2–4 weeks, or whenever you notice they look grimy.
- Post-Illness: Immediately disinfect toys that the child has played with while sick.
- New Items: Always clean new-to-you toys (like hand-me-downs or thrift store finds) before giving them to your child.
FAQ
What is the safest way to clean kids’ toys?
Warm, soapy water and a soft scrub brush. It is effective, non-toxic, and rinses away completely, leaving no harmful chemical residue.
Can you disinfect toys with vinegar?
Vinegar is a good cleaner, but it is not an EPA-registered disinfectant. It will remove dirt and some bacteria, but for real disinfection after an illness, use a diluted bleach solution (rinsed thoroughly) or a child-safe disinfectant wipe.
How often should children’s toys be cleaned?
Toys that are frequently mouthed should be cleaned weekly. General play toys can be deep-cleaned monthly.
Can stuffed animals go in the washing machine?
Most can, provided you use a mesh bag and a gentle cycle. Always check the label—some delicate plush toys or those with “bean bag” stuffing are hand-wash only.
How do you clean toys after a child is sick?
Use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water). Wipe or soak, let it sit for 2 minutes, rinse thoroughly with fresh water, and air dry completely.
Need your home maintained to the highest safety standard? At Fabro Cleaning, we know that a clean home is a healthy home. We use non-toxic, family-safe cleaning methods in every room we touch. Click here to get your free estimate from Fabro Cleaning and let us help you keep your home safe and sparkling!