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Disinfecting Toys for Safer and Healthier Play

At Basic Fun!, we understand the importance of keeping your child’s play environment clean and safe. Children’s toys can easily become a breeding ground for germs, especially when they are shared among friends or taken on outdoor adventures. Regularly disinfecting toys not only helps maintain their condition but also ensures a healthier play experience for your little ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to disinfect all types of children’s toys. 
Violet Harmony Bear on bed with young girl smiling.

Why Disinfecting Toys is Important

Toys are a vital part of childhood, offering both fun and educational value. However, they can also harbor bacteria, viruses, and allergens. Regular cleaning and disinfecting: 

  • Reduces the risk of infections and illnesses. 
  • Maintains the longevity and appearance of the toys. 
  • Ensures a safer environment for play, especially for younger children who are more prone to putting toys in their mouths. 

General Tips for Disinfecting Toys

  • Frequency: Clean and disinfect toys regularly, especially after playdates, if a child has been sick, or if the toys have been exposed to dirt. 
  • Safe Products: Use child-safe cleaning and disinfecting products. Avoid harsh chemicals that may leave residues harmful to children. 
  • Drying: Ensure toys are thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew. 
  • Storage: Keep toys in clean, dry storage areas to minimize exposure to dust and germs. 
Young boy playing with Lincoln Logs Treehouse.
Young girl playing with MLP Mystery Figures on display.

How to Disinfect Different Types of Toys

Plastic Toys

Cleaning Steps

  • Surface Cleaning: Use warm soapy water and a cloth or sponge to scrub the toys. Rinse with clean water. 
  • Disinfecting: Wipe the toys with a disinfecting wipe or a cloth soaked in a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 quart of water. Let them air dry. 

Dishwasher-Safe Plastic Toys: 

  • Place the toys on the top rack of the dishwasher. 
  • Use a normal wash cycle with a heated dry setting. 

Electronic Toys

Cleaning Steps

  • Surface Cleaning: Turn off and remove batteries if possible. Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to wipe the surface. 
  • Disinfecting: Use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth dampened with a disinfectant solution. Avoid getting moisture into the electronic components. Allow the toy to air dry completely before reassembling and turning it back on
Curlimals Thumbnail, three young kids holding Curlimals of different colors.
A yellow Funshine Bear plush toy from the Care Bears collection is placed on a bed with a young boy laying down. The plush toy features a smiling sun on its belly and has a cheerful expression.

Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys

Cleaning Steps: 

  • Machine Washing: Check the care label first. Place the toy in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. 
  • Hand Washing: Use warm soapy water, gently scrub, and rinse thoroughly. 
  • Disinfecting: Add a small amount of disinfectant (safe for fabrics) to the wash cycle or spray the toy lightly with a fabric-safe disinfectant spray. 

Drying: 

  • Air dry the toys completely or use a dryer on a low heat setting with dryer balls to help fluff the toys. 

Wooden Toys

Cleaning Steps: 

  • Surface Cleaning: Wipe with a cloth dampened with soapy water. 
  • Disinfecting: Wipe the toys with a cloth soaked in a vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) or use a child-safe disinfecting spray. Avoid soaking the wood as excessive moisture can damage it. Let air dry. 
Young boy playing with Lincoln Logs Treehouse.
MLP Applejack Unicorn and Pegasus being played with by young girl.

Bath Toys

Cleaning Steps: 

  • Surface Cleaning: Wash with warm soapy water and a sponge. 
  • Disinfecting: Soak the toys in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water. Alternatively, you can soak the toys in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water) for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. 

Preventing Mold: 

  • Ensure toys are completely dry after each use. 
  • Store bath toys in a well-ventilated area. 

Fabric Toys

Cleaning Steps: 

  • Surface Cleaning: Spot clean with warm soapy water and a cloth. 
  • Disinfecting: Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray or machine wash if the toy’s care label permits. Follow the same machine-washing steps as for stuffed animals
39245 Cutetitos Lifestyle Unicornitos 3
Tonka Hook N' Ladder Fire Truck being played with by young boy.

Metal Toys

Cleaning Steps: 

  • Surface Cleaning: Wash with warm soapy water and a cloth. 
  • Disinfecting: Wipe with a cloth dampened with a disinfectant solution. Ensure thorough drying to prevent rust. 
Maintaining a clean and safe play environment is crucial for your child’s health and well-being. By regularly disinfecting their toys, you can significantly reduce the risk of illness and create a safer space for them to explore and have fun. Following these guidelines, you can ensure that your child’s toys remain clean, safe, and ready for endless hours of play. Happy disinfecting and happy playing! 
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