Parents should educate their children on proper toy care and cleaning methods. This will help protect their health during playtime and save parents money on toy purchases in the long run.
1 When to Clean Children’s Toys
Regularly clean your child’s toys
The frequency of toy cleaning depends on how often your child plays with them. It’s recommended to clean different types of toys on a rotational basis. Here’s a suggested cleaning frequency for various toys:
- Hard plastic toys and bath toys should be cleaned weekly if played with daily.
- Fabric toys that your child sleeps with should be washed either weekly or bi-weekly.
- Electronic toys should be wiped down weekly.
- Teething toys and other mouthable toys should be cleaned immediately after use and when visibly dirty.
2 Using Bleach to Sanitize Toys
Prioritize natural cleaning solutions for toys
Since children’s skin is sensitive, it’s best to use natural cleaning solutions when sanitizing their toys. Some natural methods include soaking toys in boiled water or using vinegar or baking soda solutions.
3 Categorize Toys by Material for Efficient Cleaning
Children’s toys come in various shapes and are made from different materials. It’s essential to understand the best cleaning methods for each type.
Bath Toys and Hard Plastic Toys
Sanitize bath toys
To disinfect bath toys and hard plastic toys, soak them in a solution of water and mild soap or water and vinegar for some time before rinsing them thoroughly. Soak the toys for 10-15 minutes and ensure to rinse them multiple times.
You can easily clean hard plastic toys by placing them on the top rack of your dishwasher or rinsing them under a strong flow of water. However, some toys may be water-sensitive or fragile. For those, use a damp cloth to wipe them down, followed by a dry cloth, and then air-dry them in the sun.
Electronic Toys with Batteries
Toys with batteries
Cleaning electronic toys can be tricky. Improper cleaning may leave behind dirt and bacteria, or water may damage the electronics. First, remove all batteries from the toy. Mix a solution of water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe down the toy. Finally, dry the toy with a clean cloth and air it out in the sun.
Stuffed Animals
Clean stuffed animals by hand or machine
Stuffed animals that your child sleeps with can harbor dust and bacteria in their fabric and stuffing. To clean them, pour boiling water over the stuffed animal to kill any bacteria. Then, add baby-safe detergent and soak the toy for 10-15 minutes. Use a brush to scrub the toy, or you can machine-wash it. Rinse the stuffed animal thoroughly and air-dry it in the sun.
Wooden Toys
Clean wooden toys gently
Avoid soaking wooden toys in water for extended periods, as it can cause the wood to deteriorate. Instead, wipe them down with a vinegar solution and air-dry them in the sun. Be careful not to leave them in direct sunlight for too long, as it can cause the wood to crack. Also, avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning, as it may damage the paint.
4 Optimal Time for Toy Cleaning
Optimal time for toy cleaning
When disinfecting your child’s toys with cleaning solutions, soak hard plastic, and stuffed toys for around 10-15 minutes, while wooden toys should be soaked for 2-5 minutes. It’s essential to follow these timings to ensure effective disinfection without damaging the toys.
These simple cleaning methods are highly effective in maintaining your child’s toys. Remember to clean them regularly to create a safe and healthy play environment for your little ones!
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