Let’s face it baby toys have it hard. From food and drool to dirt and who knows what else, they’re constantly exposed to germs and grime. This is why baby toys should be cleaned regularly but with so many types of baby toys, it can be difficult to know how to clean them correctly.
To help parents we’ve teamed up with cleaning expert Elizabeth Wickes, founder of The Lifestyle Organiser, to reveal the best ways to clean baby toys, how often they should be cleaned and the three cleaning products you should never use on baby toys.
Three common cleaning products you should never use on baby toys
Before you get your cleaning products from the cupboard, it’s essential to make sure that the products you’re using are safe for your baby. Elizabeth Wickes warns against the following commonly used cleaning products, which can be harmful to babies:
1. Bleach - While bleach is often used around the house to disinfect it should never be used on baby toys as it can be harsh, irritating and leave behind harmful fumes.
2. Ammonia - Ammonia is another toxic substance that can be dangerous for babies.
3. Strong disinfectants - Many strong disinfectants leave chemical residues that could come into contact with your baby’s hands and mouth.
What cleaning products should you use instead?
Elizabeth recommends using these safer alternatives that won’t harm your baby:
1. Washing up liquid - For everyday cleaning of plastic and wooden toys, a mild washing up liquid mixed with warm water is an effective and gentle solution.
2. White vinegar - This natural disinfectant is perfect for safely sanitising toys without harmful chemicals. It’s a great option for wooden toys, as it cleans thoroughly without damaging the material.
3. Baby safe disinfecting wipes - For quick cleans when you’re on the go, these wipes are designed to be gentle on your baby’s skin.
4. Plant based cleaners – Look for non toxic, fragrance free plant based cleaners.
How often should you clean baby toys?
When it comes to cleaning baby toys, there are no set rules. However, Elizabeth recommends the following guidelines to keep your baby’s toys safe and clean:
- Toys that your baby mouths regularly, such as plastic or wooden teethers, should be cleaned daily to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.
- If your baby has been unwell and has been playing with toys, these should be cleaned immediately to reduce the risk of infection.
- Visible dirt or grime is another sign that a toy needs cleaning right away. If you notice stains give the toy a good clean as soon as possible.
- Plastic toys, bath toys and washable plush toys should be washed weekly especially those used daily.
- Toys that are used less frequently or are being rotated should be washed monthly as they can still gather dust and germs.
How to clean different types of baby toys
Different toy materials require different cleaning methods. Here’s how to clean your baby’s toys to keep them in top condition.
How to clean wooden baby toys
Wooden baby toys have surged in popularity in recent years but they require careful cleaning to avoid damage.
Elizabeth Wickes tells us “Wooden toys have natural antibacterial properties, but they’re not immune to germs, especially when little hands and mouths are involved. Unlike plastic, wood is porous, so it requires a gentle cleaning approach.”
Here are Elizabeth’s top tips for cleaning wooden toys:
1. Ditch the harsh chemicals – try this white vinegar hack instead
Mix equal parts of 300ml warm water and 300ml distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Wipe the toys down with a cloth. If you don’t have vinegar, a few squirts of washing up liquid mixed with warm water will do the trick.
2. Never soak or dunk wooden toys
Water can cause wooden toys to warp, crack, and fade. Instead of soaking them, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
3. Air dry but avoid direct sunlight
Let wooden toys dry naturally. Although it can be tempting to try and speed up the drying process, never leave them in direct sunlight as this can cause fading.
How to clean plastic baby toys
Plastic toys are generally easier to clean but there are a few things to keep in mind. Hollow plastic bath toys with holes can get water trapped inside which can lead to mould growth.
Here’s how Elizabeth recommends cleaning plastic toys properly:
1. Put them in the dishwasher
Many plastic toys are dishwasher safe, just place them on the top rack for an easy clean. Always check the care instructions before doing this.
2. Make a baking soda paste
If a toy isn’t dishwasher safe, mix baking soda with water to create a gentle scrubbing paste. Wipe it over the toy, then rinse thoroughly. If the toy has crevices that are difficult to get to, use a toothbrush.
3. Use warm soapy water
Soak plastic toys in warm water and washing up liquid to disinfect them. Rinse well before letting your baby play with them again.
4. Disinfect naturally with boiling water
For plastic toys that are water safe, submerge them in boiling water for a deep clean. Allow them to cool and air dry completely.
5. Check and clean bath toys carefully
If bath toys have holes, squeeze out any trapped water after each use and allow them to air dry.
How to clean soft baby toys
Soft toys are cuddly companions, but they can collect dust, dirt and allergens, especially if they’re taken out of the house on adventures.
Here are Elizabeth’s top tips for keeping them fresh and clean:
1. Machine wash in a pillowcase
Many soft toys can be washed in the washing machine, just check the care label first. Place the toys into a pillowcase for protection and wash on a delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent. Air dry or tumble dry if tumble dryer safe.
2. Hand wash with washing up liquid
If the soft toy can’t be machine washed you can soak them in warm water with a few drops of washing up liquid. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge then rinse well and squeeze out any excess water. Air dry or use a hairdryer on low to fluff it up.
If you’re looking for baby toys see our baby toy collection which includes our award-winning Animal Adventures collection featuring the Animal Adventures Baby Play Mat with Gym, Animal Adventures Pram Spiral and Animal Adventures Tummy Time Roller.
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