Baby toys can end up in unsavory places, such as the floor, under the couch, or in the toilet. More concerning is where those toys end up (you guessed it: the baby’s mouth).

While there’s no need to start sanitizing everything in sight – most household bugs aren’t dangerous in the first place – you might want to keep some supplies on hand to clean your child’s favorite toys.

On the other hand, cleaning your baby’s toys can be more difficult than cleaning your baby’s clothing or bedding, partly because many were not designed for endless dishwasher or washing machine cycles.

You probably don’t want to add cleaning your baby’s toys to your already-lengthy to-do list. However, once you’ve mastered it, it shouldn’t take too much time or effort. And getting rid of those pesky germs will be well worth the effort!

Give the toys your child enjoys playing with daily a simple once-week cleaning. Even if you don’t clean your toys regularly, remember to give them a thorough cleaning after a playdate or when your children are sick.

How to clean baby’s toys? Follow these steps for a step-by-step guide to cleaning your child’s toys.

Why Should You Clean Your Baby’s Toys?

Why and how to clean baby’s toys? For a child, their toy is the first friend they make in their life. The bright colors and unique sounds they produce will have your child carrying them around wherever they go. Children constantly try to chew on or put their favorite toys in their mouths. This is one of the immediate reasons why it is critical to keep toys clean. They have direct access to your baby’s health.

These toys may contain germs that can make your baby sick. This is especially true if another family member has recently become ill and handled the toy. Or perhaps you had a playdate where other babies used the toys and left germs behind.

Why and how to clean baby’s toys? Cleaning baby toys regularly is essential to prevent bacteria from taking hold. This is especially true of soft toys such as teddies and spongy toys.

How frequently should I clean my baby’s toys?

Toys should be cleaned whenever you notice them becoming dirty. Even if they appear in good condition, you should clean them at least once a week and disinfect them once a month.

If your baby or others have been sick, other children have been playing with them, or the furry baby has licked them, disinfect them immediately.

This will kill germs and bacteria than regular soap and water will not. This reduces the possibility of reinfection in your baby or other family members.

You can disinfect baby toys with the bleach solution. However, remember to first clean baby toys with soap and water to remove dirt and dust before wiping with the disinfectant.

How to clean baby’s toys? Check the requirements

How to clean baby’s toys? What are the requirements? Check them to know more and ease your cleaning process!

Laundry detergent: You don’t need to buy a baby-specific brand, but if your child has sensitive skin, a mild, hypoallergenic option may be preferable.

Laundry mesh bag: Washing a stuffed animal toy? A mesh bag can help prevent tiny buttons or plastic eyes from disappearing in the washer and dryer.

Dish soap: Mild dish soap can be used to clean many wooden or plastic toys. 

Disinfecting wipes: Disinfecting wipes are used to kill bacteria and viruses. 

How to clean baby’s toys?

How to clean baby’s toys? When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting toys, each one will present a unique set of challenges. Let’s bear a look at some of these.

How to clean a baby’s teddies and soft toys

How to clean baby’s toys? Fabric toys can become filthy quickly and end up harboring harmful germs. Check the toy’s label to see which method is best for cleaning it.

Some will sort through the laundry, while others will not. If your child spits up on a teddy, clean it immediately with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution.

If they are machine-washable, use a gentle laundry detergent that is safe for babies. A cup of vinegar could be added to deal with bacteria.

Toys that cannot be washed should be lightly hand washed in mild soap and air dried in the sun. After hand washing, these toys can be placed in a low-heat dryer cycle.

Many stuffed animals and plush toys can be machine washed (though you can check the tag for specific instructions). How to clean baby’s toys? Here’s how to clean your baby’s favorite teddy bear.

Step 1: Place the toy inside a garment bag.

Stuffed animals may have plastic eyes, noses, and buttons that can become lost in the wash, so place them in a garment bag before putting them in the washing machine. If you don’t have a garment bag, a pillowcase will suffice.

Step 2: Wash in cold water on delicate.

To reduce wear and tear on the toys, wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water. Plush toys, unlike baby clothing, are not meant to be washed multiple times. Hot water is also harsher on materials than cold water.

Step 3: Dry the toy with a hairdryer or in the dryer on low heat.

Place the toy in the garment bag or pillowcase and place it in the dryer on low (with or without another laundry). Alternatively, use a hair dryer to dry the toy. While it is possible to air-dry the stuffed animal, it is more difficult to do so when the weather is warm.

How to clean a baby’s bathtime toys

Bathtime is enjoyable for babies, but they inevitably pee in the tub, and you hope that’s the end. Then there’s the dust and grime you must wash off their tiny bodies. All that is around in those plastic ducks and other toys your baby uses while bathing.

You get the idea. This is an ideal breeding ground for pathogenic microbes and mold. Every time these toys are used, they must be washed and dried.

After each bath, cleanse them and hang them to dry in a net pouch or an airy basket that permits the water to drain. You could also disinfect them by dipping them in a bleach solution containing 1.5 teaspoons per gallon of water.

Another fast way to cleanse them is to soak them overnight in a homemade cleaning solution and then air dry.

How to clean a baby’s plastic toys

How do you clean baby toys made of plastic? All babies enjoy playing with plastic toys. They are obtainable in different forms and measures, ranging from a simple rattle to battery-powered toys with lights and sounds.

Some simple plastic toys are dishwasher safe, which is an excellent cleaning method. Otherwise, clean them daily with hot water and dish detergent.

Remove the batteries from toys with a battery compartment before wiping them down. Clean the battery compartment with an old, dry toothbrush.

Plastic toys are also simple to clean. If they contain electronic components, you should avoid getting them wet. Here are some guidelines.

Step 1: Soak a washcloth in dish soap.

Extract the dirt from the surface of the plastic toy with mild dish soap, being cautious not to get any wetness on any electronic parts. Toys made entirely of plastic (including pacifiers), and bath toys can most likely be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Step 2: Allow the toys to air dry.

Allow the toys to dry before reintroducing them to your baby.

How to clean a baby’s rubber and silicone toys

How do you clean baby toys made of rubber or silicone? These toys are soft, squishy, light, and flexible for the baby to play with. They are easily handled, but they also pick up a lot of germs.

Because heat changes the texture of these materials, you cannot boil them. You should swab them with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water, then rinse and air-dried.

You can also cleanse silicone toys by washing them in warm soapy water with baby shampoo, soft detergent, or disinfectant. After about 30 minutes, rinse them in the pristine water and hang them to dry on a dish rack.

You can also clean rubber toys with soapy water. These should be washed by hand if possible to preserve their texture. You can also use a sponge to remove any embedded dirt from the surface. You can clean them much more effectively with a toothbrush and a little vinegar.

How to clean a baby’s wooden toys

Some train sets, building blocks, rocking horses, and other toys are made from natural wood. Some wood has small grooves where dust and germs can accumulate.

Cleaning wooden toys require some caution. You don’t like to get the wood wet because it will warp as it dries. Because wood is porous, moisture can become trapped and a mold source.

Use the 50/50 vinegar solution on a damp cloth. Remove any dirt from the grooves with a soft brush.

You must wash these toys with more care than others. Use a slightly dampened cloth soaked in a solution of water and vinegar. This is required for proper cleaning of wooden toys. It is critical not to completely wet the wood because this can destroy the structure of the toy or cause it to take an abnormally long time to dry completely.

How to clean baby dolls

How do you clean baby toys like dolls? These can be difficult to clean unless you have a washing machine. Numerous materials may require various types of cleaning.

You can clean plastic bodies with detergent and warm water as described above. You can wash hair with baby shampoo – your child will think washing their doll’s hair is fun.

Fabric can also be washed in warm water with baby shampoo and dried completely.

You must clean each component of the doll in a specific manner. A simple washing liquid will suffice for the body part that is mostly made of plastic. 

If the pieces are made of fabric, a little water and shampoo may do the trick if allowed to dry. Such dolls’ hair requires special care because it is easily ruined and tangled. Handle it as you would your hair, and gently wash it with baby shampoo.

How to clean baby’s ride-on vehicles

Your child will take this toy around the house, attracting every type of microbe imaginable.

Cleaning Instructions: You only need water, a disinfectant solution, and a clean cloth to clean it. Wipe it all over the toy and allow it to dry naturally.

Also Read Coparenting – The Best Root is Cooperation

When Should You Clean Your Baby’s Toys?

The frequency with which you clean baby toys is determined by their material and whether or not they are chewed.

• Toys Made of Hard Plastic: weekly or if visibly soiled after each use
• Batteries in Hard Plastic Toys: monthly or if visibly soiled after each use
• Bath Toys: following each use
• Wooden Toys: once a month or more frequently if visibly soiled
• Fabric Toys: once a week or more frequently if visibly soiled

If your child has been sick or other children have used the toys, clean them before the next time they are used.

How to clean a baby’s toys? Disinfecting vs. Cleaning

Cleaning and disinfecting are not synonymous. Cleaning is the physical reduction of germs and dirt, typically with soap and water. Disinfecting is the process of killing germs with chemicals such as bleach.

Both are necessary, but it is not necessary to disinfect as frequently as you clean. You can remove the majority of common household germs with mild soap. It’s gentler on the toys and the environment than harsher disinfectants like bleach.

Toys that have been out of the house shared on a playdate or used when someone in the household has been sick should not be disinfected.

How to clean a baby’s toys? What Should You Clean and Disinfect Baby Toys With?

Soap Any soap, including solid bar soap, liquid hand soap, or dish detergent, will remove the majority of germs and dirt from various toys.

• Vinegar

If you want to avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, vinegar is naturally antimicrobial and non-toxic. This makes it a perfect choice for naturally disinfecting baby toys. It will not kill as many germs as chemicals such as bleach.

• Bleach

Most childcare providers prefer chlorine bleach because it is one of the world’s cheapest and most effective disinfectants. Use a 0.1 percent solution to clean toys. A tablespoon per gallon of water is typically adequate.

• Peroxide of Hydrogen

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant and dust mite killer that is slightly gentler in the environment than bleach. A 3 percent concentration is recommended for cleaning baby toys. Use it alone or in combination with water.

• Wipes with Lysol

Disinfecting wipes, such as Lysol wipes, kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Manufacturers’ websites frequently describe how to clean baby toys with them. Most recommend leaving the solution on for 5 minutes before rinsing with water.

• Dishwasher or washing machine

Give it a try if the toy’s label says it’s machine washable or dishwasher safe. It is frequently the simplest method.

Put your child’s small toys in the dishwasher on the top rack and run a normal cycle. It’s best not to combine them with dishes containing chili or pasta sauce, just in case.

• Steaming

Using a clothes steamer to kill germs on fabric toys is effective. This method will not remove visible dirt from the toy but will keep dust mites and germs at bay.

• Alcohol for Rubbing

In an emergency, swabbing alcohol can be used to disinfect baby toys. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is toxic if it gets into your baby’s mouth, so thoroughly rinse the toy with plain water before giving it back to your baby.

Is it secure to employ bleach to clean the baby’s toys?

How to clean your baby’s toys? Using bleach, you can easily rid your toy of all germs. Bleach is generally safe to use on a wide range of materials, but it is best to first test it on a small toy area in a diluted concentration.

Toys are made from a variety of materials. As a result, choosing the best way to clean toys that applies to all is out of the question. You can keep your baby’s favorite toys safe for them by cleaning and disinfecting them regularly.

How to clean a baby’s toys? Some tips to keep in mind

• Before cleaning interactive toys, remove the batteries.
• When using bleach, wear gloves.
• When disinfecting children’s toys, always dilute the bleach.
• You should wash soft toys with a gentle laundry detergent.
• You can use baking soda to refresh soft toys that cannot be machine washed.
• To clean wooden toys, use natural cleaners and the sun.

Final Words

Cleaning toys may fall under the radar when you have a young family because there is so much else to do. However, you must understand how to clean toys and how frequently you should do so.

Your baby will be exposed to germs, which is fine because it helps them develop immunity. However, cleaning toys is sometimes necessary, especially after an illness.

Parents must keep their babies happy and healthy. To keep germs at bay, this frequently entails a lot of washing and cleaning. While sanitizing the items your child comes into contact with daily is critical, remember to give yourself a break. 

Watching a young child while trying to complete every chore is rewarding and exhausting. Use this advice when cleaning out your child’s toy box, but give yourself a break if those items don’t get a thorough cleaning this month or next, as you and your child are doing fantastic.

Frequently asked questions on how to clean baby’s toys

• Can vinegar be used to disinfect baby toys?

Don’t get us wrong: vinegar is an excellent multi-purpose cleaner, owing to its acidic properties, and we recommend it for almost everything. However, it has limited disinfectant effectiveness, making it unsuitable for cleaning baby toys because it may leave behind a slew of unwanted ickiness.

• How do you clean baby toys that have batteries in them?

Toys with battery packs, unlike other toys, cannot be submerged in water. A natural disinfecting wipe is the simplest way to clean a battery-operated toy. You can also create a cleansing solution with water and small dish soap and scrub the toy clean with a washcloth dipped in it.

• How do you clean wooden baby toys?

Wood is antibacterial by essence, but it is also porous. That is, while it repels bacteria on its own, it may still absorb dirt and grime. If the toy is extremely dirty, use a microfiber cloth and a couple of drops of natural dish soap in warm water to clean it. Natural disinfecting wipes are another great way to clean toys, and they’re simple to use.

• Are baby disinfectant wipes safe?

Natural disinfectant wipes are an excellent choice for baby toys because they contain no harsh chemicals or ingredients. Look for disinfectant wipes made with plant-based and environmentally friendly ingredients, as these will be gentler on your child’s favorite toys.

• When to clean the baby’s toys? 

Give the toys your child enjoys playing with daily a simple once-week cleaning. Even if you don’t clean your toys regularly, remember to give them a thorough cleansing after a playdate or when your children are sick.

• What all do I need to clean the baby’s toy? 

You’ll need Mild dishwashing liquid, Warm water, Brush with a soft bristle, a gentle cloth, Cotton swabs, Baking powder, Brush your teeth, A big bowl or bucket, and at times whitening agent.