Although toys are important learning tools for infants, dirty toys are also a breeding ground for disease and illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infants can get lead poisoning from toys polluted by dust or soil. Additionally, hand, foot and mouth disease and the common cold can be spread from contaminated toys, adds Drugs.com and MayoClinic.com. Washing your child's toys both before and after play is one way to reduce the spread of infections.
Step 1
Wash stuffed or fabric toys in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with a mild, allergen-free detergent, if the tag on the toy reads "Washing Machine Safe." Let it air dry, or use your dryer's gentle cycle.
Step 2
Put dishwasher-safe plastic toys in the dishwasher, and wash with a mild dish-washer detergent. Dry with a towel.
Step 3
Spray other fabric and plastic toys with a mixture of hot water and antibacterial soap or a mild dish washing detergent. Rinse and let dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Daycare facilities should wash toys every day, recommends the Family Doctor website.
Things You'll Need
- Hot water
- Fabric detergent
- Dish washing detergent
- Dish washer detergent
- Towel
- Spray bottle
- Antibacterial soap
