Alright, gather ’round, young explorers and seasoned adventurers! Strap on your imaginary helmets and prepare for a fantastical journey through the bonkers world of toy cleaning! Clutch those beloved teddy bears tight because we’re about to embark on an odyssey of zany, whimsical, and downright kooky tips to keep those cherished playmates sparkling and fresh.
Now, let’s be real here: your child’s toys are like their trusted comrades, glued to them 24/7. These valiant companions get played with, tossed around, cuddled, chewed on, and subjected to who-knows-what-else in the whimsical wonderland of childhood adventures. Before you know it, that once pristine teddy bear looks like it’s fought in a pint-sized war. And we’re not just talking visible dirt and grime here; these toys can harbor germs, allergens, and—brace yourselves—mold!
How often should I clean toys?
How frequently should you dive into this heroic mission of toy sanitization? It all depends on how much love and affection (read: playtime) these toys get. Here are some general guidelines for when your little adventurer is in tip-top shape. When the sniffles and sneezes strike, it’s time to ramp up the cleaning escapades.
- Hard plastic and bath toys are the easiest to maintain. These sturdy soldiers should be cleaned and sanitized weekly if they’re played with daily.
- Plush toys, those cuddly comrades, often enjoy a luxurious spa day in the washing machine and dryer. Aim to launder them once a week if they share bedtime snuggles, every other week, or as needed. For non-washable plushies, a good freshening and spot cleaning will do the trick.
- Electronic toys, the high-tech wonders, are best suited for surface cleaning. Give them a sanitizing wipe down weekly and always when your child is under the weather.
- Baby toys that spend more time in mouths and on the floor need the most frequent attention. Clean these every one to two days, while others can be done weekly.
Can I disinfect toys with vinegar?
Ah, vinegar, the household superhero! It’s fantastic for cutting grease and banishing limescale, but when it comes to sanitizing toys, it’s not quite up to superhero standards. While it can zap some germs, it doesn’t pack enough punch to meet EPA standards for sanitizing and disinfecting. Stick to washing toys in hot, sudsy water for a good clean.
For those seeking a more natural, plant-based alternative to chemical disinfectants, products like Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, which use thymol (a component of thyme oil) to kill germs, are a good option. Just remember, they work more slowly than traditional disinfecting wipes and need to stay visibly wet for 10 minutes to be effective.
How to clean bath toys and plastic toys
Solid plastic toys, like rubber rings, animal figures, and building blocks, are dishwasher-friendly champions. Here’s the lowdown on getting them squeaky clean:
- Nestle large toys securely between the tines in the top rack and place small toy pieces into a mesh bag to prevent them from flying around like rogue ninjas.
- Select the normal or sanitizing cycle and heated dry. Be sure to thoroughly air or towel dry any toys that emerge from the dishwasher still damp.
To disinfect or sanitize colorfast plastic baby and children’s toys, use:
- Clorox or Lysol wipes.
- A cloth dampened with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
- A solution of ½ cup chlorine bleach and one gallon of water.
Related: Clorox vs. Lysol: The Showdown of the COVID-19 Clean-a-Thon!
Keep the toy’s surface wet for at least 10 seconds to sanitize with a wipe, or for five minutes with the bleach solution, and let it air dry. Always make a fresh bleach solution each time. After air drying, give the toys a thorough rinse in warm water and let them air dry again to remove any lingering cleaning solution.
A special note on bath toys with holes: they can be a mold magnet! If water gets trapped inside, mold parties. It’s safest to avoid using hollow toys with holes in the bathtub, but if you do, shake or squeeze out as much water as possible and allow them to air dry thoroughly after each use. If you spot mold inside a toy or mold emerges when you shake or squeeze it, toss that toy out pronto!
How to clean plush toys in the washer
For those colorfast, plain stuffed animals and fabric books, a trip to the washing machine is a treat. Here’s how to pamper these plush pals:
1. Pop plush toys into a pillowcase to protect them and knot the top.
2. Select the gentle cycle, warm water, and a slow spin.
3. Dry the toy (in the pillowcase) in your dryer on a low-heat setting. Or, if your dryer has a rack, take the toy out of the pillowcase and set it on the rack to dry without tumbling.
4. For a gentler approach, use a hair dryer on low heat and speed settings. When the teddy reaches the just-damp stage, switch to medium to fluff up the fur.
Remember, never wash plush toys with built-in battery packs, noise makers, or other metal parts, as the water might short-circuit the fun. Ensure all decorations and buttons are securely attached, and repair any rips and holes before washing.
Read more: How to wash stuffed animals
How to clean plush toys that can’t be washed
For those delicate stuffed toys that need a more tender touch, hand washing is the way to go. Check the colorfastness of all fabrics and trims with a drop of water before tossing the toy into the washer. If the color bleeds, opt for spot cleaning instead. Here’s the lowdown:
1. Dip a cloth in a warm sudsy solution and gently clean the entire toy.
2. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water and wrung out well.
3. Allow the toy to air dry or use a hair dryer to speed up the process and fluff the fur.
To banish bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens from plush toys without washing, slowly go over them with a garment steamer, then vacuum thoroughly with the upholstery attachment.
How to clean electronic toys
Electronic toys, much like your TV’s remote control, are surface-cleaning specialists. Here’s the scoop:
1. Turn off and disconnect the toy or remove any batteries (but replace the battery compartment cover) before cleaning.
2. Wipe the toy with a clean cloth dipped in warm soapy water and well wrung out to remove dirt and grime.
3. Pay extra attention to sticky spots, buttons, and crevices, being careful not to let any liquid seep into the electrical components.
4. Rinse with a clean damp, well-wrung cloth, and air dry.
5. Ensure the surface remains wet for five minutes (or the time required on the wipe’s label) and let it air dry. If the toy is likely to end up in your child’s mouth, rinse it well with a damp clean cloth and let it air dry again.
Related: It’s important that cleaning should be safe for children, – Cleaning 101: How to Clean Baby Toys Naturally
And there you have it, folks! A whimsical, wacky guide to keeping those beloved toys clean and germ-free. Remember, in the grand adventure of parenthood, a little bit of cleaning goes a long way in keeping those magical childhood moments safe and sound. Happy cleaning!
