How to Sanitize Baby Toys?

Thinking how to sanitize baby toys the right way?

Worried that your kiddo's toys are getting too dirty?

Need a natural disinfectant to sanitize your little one's toys?

Today I thought we could talk about sanitizing kid's toys. Kid's toys are just like your kid, they need to be cared for properly or they could make your little one sick. I will tell you how to clean and sanitize baby toys safely, quickly and effectively.

Why clean kid's toys?

Kids and toys share a special bond. They are very much attached to their toys and often carry those around with them. Most of the kids put them in their mouths and sometimes share it with their siblings or with other children. So cleaning and sanitizing toys is very important to put diseases at bay and keep kids healthy.

You can also read All about choosing the right toy for your child - The toy story.

How to sanitize baby toys the right way?

Before getting into cleaning process, let's categorize toys as per the materials they are made of.

Types of Toys

Bath toys
Plush toys or stuffed toys
Plastic toys
Rubber toys
Silicone toys
Wooden toys
Dolls with hair
Toys with batteries
Ride-on toys

#1. Plush Toys

Plush toys can be either washed by hand or in the washing machine. If washing them by hand, simply wash with a mild shampoo or baby shampoo. Air dry or sun dry it.

While using the washing machine, put all toys together in a cloth cover (you can also use a pillow cover) and wash in delicate mode. Air dry or sun dry it. Sun drying is always the best.

#2. Bath Toys

One should be very careful with bath toys. Bath toys make bath time fun but they also attract a lot of germs and mould due to the moisture. So you should try to clean them daily, dry it and store them in wire baskets or hanging type wire bags.

It can be sanitized by putting them in the DIY solution overnight which I have mentioned below.

#3. Wooden Toys

Though wooden toys are eco-friendly, the major problem arises whilst cleaning them. Wooden toys should not be dipped in water like other toys as wood swells and shrinks with moisture. When wood is moist, wood rotting fungi grows in it.

So clean this type of toys with a damp cloth and quickly wipe with a dry cloth or use alcohol wipes to clean.

You can also read my review of Dettol multi-use wipes.

#4. Plastic, Rubber and Silicone Toys

To clean these toys, simply add natural disinfectant in warm water or add baby shampoo in water, dip them for 15 to 20 min. Use your old tooth brush or a cloth to clean them. Wash in running water and air dry it.

#5. Dolls with hair

I am sure mommies with baby girls at home will be occupied more with Barbies and Ponies. So for dolls with hair, shampoo using baby shampoo, rinse well with cool water and lay them flat to dry. Don't forget to comb the wet hair slowly before letting them completely dry.

#6. Toys with batteries

For these types of toys remove the battery before cleaning and make sure you don't put these types of toys in water. Dip a cloth in disinfectant and wipe the exterior of the toy. Also make sure that you throw away batteries when you find it leaking.

#7. Ride-On Toys

Dip a cloth in natural disinfectant and wipe the interior and exterior of the toy. You can also read about balance bike for toddlers.

What is the best way to disinfect toys?

We parents opt for chemical free products when it comes to our kids. Using natural products is always the best way to clean and disinfect toys.

So here I am sharing with you an effective DIY natural disinfectant to clean your baby toys. This homemade toy cleaner is easy to make and non-toxic.

DIY natural disinfectant for sanitizing kid's toys: Ingredients

Warm water - 15 cups
White vinegar - half cup
Rose water - ¼ cup (it's completely optional. Rosewater takes away some of the unpleasant smell of vinegar)

Instructions

Mix the above ingredients together.
Soak toys for 15 to 30 minutes in the prepared natural disinfectant. Bath toys can be soaked in this solution overnight. After soaking time wash under running water. Wipe with cloth and air dry it.

Instant Cleaning/ Disinfectant:

Learn the recipe for an easy to make natural and chemical free floor cleaning solution.

How to make a stain remover for toys?

In a spray bottle fill your DIY natural disinfectant, simply spray this solution to the toy you want to clean. After a min or two wipe with dry cloth.

Ingredients: Instructions

Kids have a way of getting some really stubborn stains on their toys. So here is an easy stain remover that you can make at home.

Make a paste of baking soda and any oil.
With the help of cotton or earbuds apply to the stains in a circular motion.
Rinse in water or wipe it using a wet cloth.

Hope I provided you with few simple tips to clean your kid's toys.

Do you clean your kids toys? What method do you use to sanitize toys? How often do you clean them?

If you have any other tips to clean your kid's toys do share it with us.