Baby toy cleaners: Baby Safe Toy Cleaner : Target

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A Parent’s Guide: How to Clean Baby Toys

Baby toys endure a lot, especially when they become your child’s prized possession. Over time, that new, pristine doll slowly morphs into something that resembles a horror movie villain. While your impulse might be to throw it out, you know your baby values that grungy thing more than anything else.

It leaves you with only one option: cleaning these toys. Our guide tackles why you should clean them regularly and how to clean different materials. 

Why is cleaning toys important?

Think about all the germs your baby carries and how they interact with their toys. Toys get coated with spit-up, snot and other less pleasant substances. If you don’t clean these toys regularly, they can harbor germs, bacteria and viruses that make your baby sick.

According to WebMD, babies are two to three times more likely to get the flu than adults. Dr. Neil Schachter of Mount Sinai explains in the article, «Their airways are narrow, so every germ gets stuck, and they have not yet developed immunity to many viruses. » 

Furthermore, when children share toys with others during playtime, there’s a higher risk of transmitting germs. Therefore, keeping toys clean is essential to reducing your child’s likelihood of getting sick. 

Read more: Does Your Baby Need Toys? What Developmental Experts Say

How often should I clean my child’s toys?

There are several factors you should consider. One, how often does your child play with that specific toy? They’ll likely have their favorites, and these are the ones that never leave their side. 

You should also factor in the interaction your child has with the toy. The ones they put in their mouth require more regular cleanings. Here is a guideline for when you should clean each toy based on its material:

Plush toys:You can throw some plush toys into your washing machine, though you’ll want to inspect the cleaning guidelines first. If you can, and your child sleeps with the toy, wash it every week to every other week, depending on use and condition.

Plastic toys:These toys are easier to clean. You can use wipes to clean and sanitize these toys weekly. 

Electronic toys:You have to be more careful with electronic toys, as you can clean and sanitize the screens only. Do this weekly or more often, especially if your child has been sick recently. 

Chew/teething toys:Any toy your baby puts in their mouth should receive a cleaning daily.

How to clean plush toys

A washing machine is one of the five things you will need.

Getty Images

Start by checking the cleaning instructions that came with the toy. Some plush ones you can toss in the washer, while others are spot-clean only. 

Materials needed:

  • Pillowcase (if the toy can go into the washing machine)
  • A vacuum cleaner with an attachment
  • Warm water
  • Dish soap
  • Clean cloths (two)

Steps for machine washing

Step 1: Group machine-washable toys in a pillowcase. Doing this prevents them from getting damaged during the cycle. Good Housekeeping recommends selecting the warm, gentle and slow spin on your washing machine. 

Step 2: Once they’re washed, you can dry the toys by putting the pillowcase in the dryer on a low-tumble setting. 

Step 3: Alternatively, you can dry each one using a hair dryer on a low setting. For fluffy toys, add more heat to fluff them. 

Steps for hand-washing

Step 1: Create a sudsy solution by mixing an approved cleaning solution with warm water (your toy should have instructions indicating which cleansers are OK).

Step 2:Dip a clean cloth into the cleanser and wring it.

Step 3:Clean the entire toy, paying close attention to cracks and crevices.

Step 4: Next, take a clean cloth and run it under the water.

Step 5: Use the damp cloth to rinse the toy.

Step 6: Let the toy air-dry.

Step 7:Use the vacuum attachment on a low setting to remove dust and other accumulated particles. 

How to clean plastic toys

Use Clorox or Lysol to clean your baby’s plastic toys.

Getty Images

Some plastic toys are dishwasher-safe. These go in the top rack. Meanwhile, other plastic toys require a simple hand-wash, but you’ll need a few supplies.

Materials needed:

  • Cleaning wipes (such as Lysol or Clorox wipes), or
  • ½ cup chlorine bleach if you don’t plan to use wipes
  • Warm water
  • Mesh bag (for smaller dishwasher-approved toys)

Steps for dishwasher-approved toys

Step 1: Place smaller toys in a mesh bag on the top rack of your dishwasher. Larger toys can rest on the rack. 

Step 2: Select the regular cycle with heated dry on your dishwasher.

Step 3: Allow the toys to air-dry before giving them back to your child.  

Steps for hand-cleaning

Step 1:Rinse the toy thoroughly to remove any particles. 

Step 2: Wipe the entire surface of the toy with a cleaning wipe. You can mix a solution of 1 gallon of warm water with half a cup of chlorine bleach instead. When sanitizing, pay attention to the cleaning instructions from the toy manufacturer, as they indicate how long to sanitize the toy. 

Step 3:If you use a bleach-water solution, let the toy sanitize for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse each plastic toy thoroughly with warm water to remove all cleaning solution.

Step 5: Let the toy air-dry.

Step 6: Inspect the toy for remnants of cleaning solution, and if you find any, repeat steps 4 and 5. 

How to clean electronic toys

Sanitize the toy with disinfectant spray or wipes. 

Getty Images

Electronic toys are often the most delicate because you can only clean the surface, and they may have screens, which require special care. Here are the materials you need and steps to make this kind of toy look as good as new.

Materials needed:

  • Warm water
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • 4 teaspoons of chlorine bleach (if you don’t have wipes) or dish soap if approved by the manufacturer
  • Clean cloths (three)

Steps for electronic toys

Step 1:Power off the toy before you begin cleaning.

Step 2:Next, remove the batteries and reattach the cover. 

Step 3: Take a clean cloth and dip it in warm, sudsy water. 

Step 4: Wring out the cloth well and scrub every inch of the toy (except the screen if it has one, see above), paying careful attention to the areas most used and being careful not to get water in the cracks of the covered battery section. 

Step 5: Dampen another clean cloth to rinse the toy.

Step 6: Sanitize the toy with sanitizing or alcohol wipes. If you do not have either on hand, you can create a sanitizing solution by mixing 4 teaspoons of chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. 

Step 7: Run another clean cloth under warm water, wring it and then rinse the toy. 

Step 8:Let it air-dry. 

Tips for cleaning toys

Here are some things to consider when learning how to clean toys.

Read the instructions

Each toy comes with cleaning instructions. If you accidentally threw them away, you can find them online. Paying close attention to these instructions helps you learn the most effective way to keep the toy clean, the materials you can use to clean it and how often you should do it. 

Be careful with toys containing metal parts

Some plush toys come with noisemakers or battery packs. Don’t put these kinds of toys in the dishwasher. Instead, spot-clean them using cleaning wipes. 

Prevent mold growth

Some toys have holes in them, and if they’re submerged in water regularly, they could become susceptible to mold growth. Squeeze, shake and tip the toy upside down to remove as much water as possible, and allow them to air-dry between each use. This helps prevent mold growth from happening. If you do notice mold growing, toss the toy immediately.

Rinse toys thoroughly

If you’re cleaning a toy your child likes to put in their mouth, consider giving it an extra rinse after sanitizing it to remove any remaining cleaning solution particles, preventing your child from ingesting them.

Store toys in a clean space

Unless you plan to give your child the toy immediately after cleaning it, store it in a dry, clean space. That way, it’s ready to go and you don’t have to give it another cleaning before use. 

Tips & Tricks for Cleaning & Disinfecting Baby & Kids Toys Naturally

Tips & Tricks for Cleaning & Disinfecting Baby & Kids Toys Naturally

Written by Grove Collaborative

Last Updated: May 5, 2022

You can’t escape germs entirely, but you can make sure your baby’s toys are as clean as possible. The best part is it’s way easier than you think! Learn how to clean baby toys naturally with our quick and easy guide.

Fact: Baby toys get dirty and germ-infested way too easily. And because babies love to put anything and everything into their mouths, it’s important to keep their toys super clean and to disinfect ‘em regularly — and naturally!

Need a few pointers? We’re here for you. Read on for answers to commonly asked questions, toy cleaning tips and tricks, plus our three favorite cleaning and disinfecting methods so your little one can play safely and germ-free.

Things you’ll need to clean and disinfect baby toys:

How to clean and disinfect baby toys

How to clean baby toys by boiling

This method is ideal for toys that come into contact with your baby’s mouth because it doesn’t require any cleaning products. The beauty is in simplicity with this one: the water simply boils away any germs and bacteria that are present, leaving your tot’s toys clean and germ-free.

Keep in mind that soft plastic toys are not suitable for this method. You can however, boil items like pacifiers, hard plastic toys, silicone toys, baby bottles, and other items that won’t start to melt or release chemicals when heated.

How to do it:
  • Step 1: Boil a large pot of water.
  • Step 2: Turn off the heat and submerge the toys.
  • Step 3: Wait for 5-10 minutes before removing toys with tongs or a similar utensil.
  • Step 4: Place on a cooling rack and air dry before use.

How to clean baby toys in the dishwasher

This method is perfect after a long hard day! It works for all non-electronic toys, especially hard plastic toys that are heat-resistant like toy cars and plastic blocks. Be sure to use a natural dishwashing detergent to prevent any harsh chemicals from getting onto the toys.

How to do it:
  • Step 1: Place the toys in a mesh bag to ensure they don’t slip down through the rack.
  • Step 2: Place the bag on the top rack of the dishwasher to minimize the effects of the water’s heat.
  • Step 3: Wash on normal cycle (preferably the sanitize cycle), using only a small amount of dish detergent.

How to clean baby toys in the washing machine

This method is ideal for plush, stuffed toys. You can also wash hard plastic toys that are small in size as long as you put them in a mesh bag, pillowcase, or something similar to ensure they don’t rattle around inside the barrel of the machine. Don’t forget to check any labels for specific instructions before washing.

How to do it:
  • Step 1: Check the labels on toys for specific care instructions.
  • Step 2: Place the toys in the machine with a bit of natural laundry detergent.
  • Step 3: Wash and dry on a normal cycle.
  • Step 4: For extra safety, pad the machine drums with towels.

Baby toy cleaning tips & tricks

Can you use vinegar to disinfect baby toys?

Don’t get us wrong, vinegar is a wonderful multi-purpose cleaner, largely due to its acidic properties, and we recommend it for almost everything. As a disinfectant though, it has limited effectiveness — ergo, it’s not a great way to clean baby toys because there’s a risk you could leave behind a host of unwanted ickiness.

How do you clean baby toys with batteries?

Unlike other toys, toys with battery packs can’t be submerged in water. The easiest way to clean a battery operated toy is with the help of a natural disinfecting wipe. You can also make a cleaning solution using water and a small amount of dish soap, and use a washcloth dipped in this solution to scrub the toy clean.

How do you disinfect wooden baby toys?

Wood is naturally antibacterial, but it is also porous. That means that while it repels bacteria all on its own, it could still absorb dirt and other grime. If the toy is super dirty, wipe it down with a couple drops of natural dish soap in warm water and a microfiber cloth. Natural disinfecting wipes are another great way to clean toys, plus they’re easy and convenient to use.

Are disinfectant wipes safe for babies?

Natural disinfectant wipes are a great choice for baby toys because they don’t contain harsh ingredients or gnarly chemicals. Look for disinfectant wipes that use plant-based and eco-friendly ingredients, as they’ll be the gentlest on your wee one’s favorite toys.

Shop natural baby toy cleaning products

Looking for more cleaning how-tos and other sustainable swaps you can make at home with little ones around? Grove has you covered with our buying and cleaning guides. And let us know how if you have any cleaning questions (or share your own tips using #grovehome) by following Grove Collaborative on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

If you’re ready to take on germs, shop Grove Collaborative’s cleaning essentials for the cleaning tools to tackle the job and keep the kids safe.

Shop Grove

Ready to tackle the dirtiest spots in your home? Grove Collaborative has you covered with Clean Team. Each week, we’ll do a deep dive into how to clean a different place or item in your home. No spot is too small — and we’ll tell you how to conquer them all, naturally.

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Antiseptic for children’s toys | Disinfection of toys in kindergarten according to SanPiN

September 18, 2019

Washing toys in kindergartens

Only toys that have documents confirming their safety for children can be used in preschool institutions. Toys must be made of materials that can be washed and disinfected. So, preference should be given to rubber, plastic, wooden toys. The use of soft toys is not allowed, they can be used by educators solely as didactic material.

All new toys must be pre-washed under warm, running water and soap. Then they are dried. And only after that they give the children to play.

According to SanPiN 2.4.1.3049-13, toys in the preschool educational institution should be washed daily. As a rule, toys are washed at the end of the day. They are placed in a container filled with soapy water and washed thoroughly with a rag. The container and rags must be labeled and used strictly for their intended purpose. After washing, the toys are rinsed with running water and dried — preferably in the air. In younger groups, toys are washed more often — twice a day. Doll clothes are washed as they get dirty, and then ironed.

If the epidemiological situation worsens in the village and kindergarten, it is necessary to disinfect toys daily. Disinfection is carried out according to the method described below.

Disinfection of toys in medical institutions

In medical institutions, as well as in kindergartens, only rubber, plastic and wood products can be used. In healthcare facilities, toys must be disinfected daily. Disinfection is carried out as follows: the products are immersed in a container filled with a disinfectant solution. At the end of the disinfection exposure time, they are taken out of the solution, washed thoroughly with running water and dried.

To disinfect toys, use effective disinfectants with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. At the same time, the disinfectant used should not be toxic. These properties are fully met by the disinfectant «Septolit Plus».

Disinfection of household toys

Household toys also need to be washed from time to time. Washing can be arranged in one go. To do this, take a large container (basin) and prepare a soap solution in it — dissolve soap or detergent in warm water. Then the toys are immersed in the solution and thoroughly washed with rags. After that, they are washed with running water and dried.

It is a good idea to carry disinfectant wipes when walking with your child. In the event that the child gets dirty or drops the toy, it can be wiped with the “Septolite Antiseptic Napkin”. These are wet wipes soaked in disinfectant. «Septolit Antiseptic wipes» are produced in a compact package, which you can always take with you.

Toys can also be disinfected with Septolite Antiseptic. To do this, apply an antiseptic on a napkin and wipe the product with it. After that, if necessary, wipe the remaining disinfectant with a clean cloth.

You can buy disinfectants for toys on the website Septolit.ru.

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Detergents for children’s institutions according to SanPiN — Wholesale Supplier

Cleaning of premises in which children are constantly present must be carried out with special care. The selected disinfectant should destroy pathogenic bacteria, while being safe for the health of the child. Therefore, the question often arises which detergents for children’s institutions according to SanPiN are allowed for use. Consider the requirements for household chemicals and provide a list of suitable products.

Contents:

Tolerances according to state regulations

Approved lists of goods can be found in the sanitary norms of the times of the USSR. This was possible due to the presence of a limited range of products on the market. Today, this approach is contrary to the principles of a market economy and becomes the reason for the monopolization of enterprises. Therefore, only the requirements for household chemicals are prescribed in the norms.

The standard that regulates the use of detergents in children’s institutions is Federal Law No. 52, approved on March 30, 1999g. But it is rather difficult to independently study the compositions of products for cleaning rooms and compare them with the standard. Therefore, we will give excerpts from related standards, voice the basic requirements for household chemicals and give a list of detergents that meet the requirements of the standards.

Here are related regulations:

  • SanPiN 3.5.1378-03 — the resolution is responsible for the rules for disinfection and regulates the requirements for cleaning products.
  • SanPiN 2.4.1 — establishes the rules for organizing work in preschool institutions.
  • Rospotrebnadzor Letter No. 0100/626-06-32, dated 01/25/2006, contains an indicative list of compositions approved for use in the territory of the Russian Federation for cleaning indoors with children.

Detergent requirements for child care facilities

It is difficult to single out severe restrictions or prohibitions on all compositions for washing and disinfecting surfaces. Depending on the method of use, the same preparation may be prohibited for processing toys, but allowed for cleaning the floor. Therefore, we list the general criteria that products must meet:

  • No allergic reactions. Liquids should not cause negative manifestations on the skin and in the respiratory system: redness, irritation, dermatitis, shortness of breath or sore throat when inhaling vapors.
  • Good wettability. Rolling water on the surface during the washing process indicates a poor quality of cleaning. Such compositions cannot fully cope with pathogens.
  • Antibacterial action. It is recommended to use products whose active formula destroys pathogenic bacteria, and not only inhibits their development. For this, compositions with components with fungicidal, bactericidal and sporicidal properties are suitable.
  • Safety for others. Products for disinfection must necessarily have documents confirming compliance with state standards.

Ingredients of detergents harmful to health

When purchasing household chemicals in preschool institutions, one should be guided by the requirements of standards, and not succumb to active advertising propaganda of promoted brands. To do this, it is necessary to carefully study the components present in the recipe. The following substances have a negative impact on human health:

  • sodium lauryl sulfate;
  • anionic surfactants;
  • phosphates;
  • triclosan;
  • chlorine, etc.

The listed components can cause allergic reactions, lead to intoxication and provoke the development of chronic diseases.

When using household chemicals with aggressive ingredients, always follow the safety requirements:

  • wear gloves;
  • work in a well-ventilated area;
  • observe the recommended dosages when preparing solutions, etc.

List of detergents for children’s institutions

White 3

Has a complex effect. Serves for cleaning plumbing, floors and work surfaces. The main active ingredient is chlorine, so the composition has a disinfecting effect. Requires thorough ventilation.

Oxidezine

Effective concentrated oxygen based disinfectant. Depending on the concentration of the solution, it is used for wiping non-absorbent surfaces, washing toys and tableware. Eliminates common bacteria.

Farmadez

Detergent based on iodine approved for use in children’s institutions. It has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Effectively copes even with pathogens of tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and hepatitis.

Vapusan 2000P

Composition based on alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride. It is a concentrated liquid, which is actively used for general cleaning of premises.

Polysept

Polyhexamethyleneguanidine hypochloride concentrate is available in solid and liquid form.

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