You wash your baby's clothes and bedding, and you disinfect the counters and floors, but you may be forgetting about those objects children touch most often. Toys can transfer dirt and germs to your toddler and to other children, so it's important to clean and disinfect them regularly. Though electronic toys can't be easily submerged in soapy water or put into the dishwasher, it's still simple to properly disinfect them and help prevent the spread of germs.
Step 1
Read the toy manufacturer's instructions and warnings. They may recommend cleaning products to use or avoid.
Step 2
Unplug the toy or remove its batteries. Place the toy on a clean, dry, sturdy surface like a table or kitchen counter.
Step 3
Dip one section of a washcloth into a mild soap and water solution. See the Tips section for additional information.
Wring out the cloth thoroughly. You don't want any water dripping or seeping into interior parts.
Step 4
Use the dampened section of the washcloth to thoroughly clean the toy. Surfaces can not be properly disinfected if they have any dirt, food, or other debris stuck to the surface. Wipe down everything, including buttons, handles, and cords. Re-wet and wring out the washcloth as needed.
Step 5
Spray a clean cloth or paper towel with household disinfectant. Do not spray the toy directly. Alternately, The Michigan Department of Community Health recommends using a solution of 1 tbsp. chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of water. See Warnings Section for more information.
Dip part of the wash cloth into the solution and wring out the cloth thoroughly.
Step 6
Wipe the toy thoroughly with the disinfectant-dampened cloth. Reapply solution to the cloth as needed. Disinfect all areas of the toy. Allow the toy surface to completely dry.
Step 7
Dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with water. Wring out the cloth completely. Wipe the toy down again to remove any disinfectant residue. This is especially important for any toy your baby or toddler may put into their mouth.
Step 8
Let toy surfaces dry completely for 1 to 2 hours before plugging the toy in or reinserting its batteries.
Tips and Warnings
- Try a small amount of dish soap in warm water as a cleaning solution. A soap that's safe for your dishes is good for toys that may go into your child's mouth.
- Never submerge an electronic toy or any toy parts or cords into water. Do not place the toy under running water. Water in electronic toys will cause electric shock. Interior parts will be damaged, even if the toy is unplugged. To avoid accidentally dropping the toy into water, do not hold it over solution containers while cleaning. Read all the manufacturer's instructions and warnings before using bleach. Test clean a small area of the toy first, as bleach may dull, fade or otherwise harm the surface.
Things You'll Need
- Clean wash cloths
- Mild soap
- Household disinfectant spray
- Chlorine bleach (optional)
