How to Safely Clean and Disinfect Children's Toys: A Complete Guide for Parents

Children learn by exploring their world. But as any mother knows, they often do this by putting toys and other objects in their mouths. If they don’t taste the toy, they touch it and then suck their fingers. Dirty toys can harbor bacteria, mold, and even viruses—all of which can make children sick.

Mothers can protect their infants and toddlers from toys contaminated with germs by cleaning and disinfecting them. However, different toys require different sanitizing methods. For example, you can’t soak an electronic toy in water, nor can you put wooden blocks in the dishwasher. Here’s what experts recommend:

Why is it important to disinfect children’s toys?

Toys collect various types of germs and then transmit them to your child’s mouth through different channels. Toys are germ hotspots because children touch, chew, and share them constantly. Dirty toys may harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli, along with staph and flu viruses—germs that can survive on surfaces for hours, days, or even longer.

Because children’s immune systems are still developing, they are more susceptible to infections. Teething toys, bath toys, and handheld toys are especially prone to germ buildup. Regular cleaning of these toys can reduce the risk of common illnesses like colds, stomach viruses, and other infections.

Different Types of Toys and How to Clean Them

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for cleaning toys. Different types require different cleaning techniques. Start by identifying the right method:

Stuffed and plush toys:

These attract dust, dirt, and bacteria and can harbor dust mites. Wash plush toys every two weeks or after your child has been sick.

Plastic and hard toys:

These can be cleaned or disinfected easily with soap and water, disinfectant wipes, or even in the dishwasher. If used frequently, they should be cleaned weekly or even daily.

Wooden toys:

Due to their porous nature, they absorb germs and can’t be soaked in water without damage. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and natural disinfectants like vinegar.

Electronic toys:

These cannot be submerged in water due to their sensitive components. Clean them with a damp cloth to avoid moisture damage.

Bath toys:

These are especially prone to mold due to constant water exposure. Squeeze them dry after each use and disinfect regularly to prevent mold growth.

How Often Should You Clean and Disinfect Toys?

You might wonder how often toys should be cleaned to best protect your child. Some need daily cleaning, while others can be cleaned less frequently.

Daily or weekly cleaning:

Clean teething toys, pacifiers, and bath toys daily, especially since they often go directly into the mouth. Be sure to use non-toxic disinfectants and rinse thoroughly.

Toys used outside or in public spaces (like stroller or car seat toys) should be disinfected weekly.

Monthly or occasional cleaning:

Soft toys that don’t come in direct contact with food or mouths can be cleaned monthly. Less-used electronic toys may only need occasional wiping.

After illness:

Always disinfect toys a sick child has touched to prevent spreading germs.

Safe Ways to Clean and Disinfect Toys

Use soap and water:

Safe for most hard toys, including plastic and rubber:

Fill a basin with warm water and mild soap.
Scrub toys with a soft brush or cloth to remove visible dirt.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

While effective at removing dirt and many germs, soap and water alone don’t fully disinfect.

Use a disinfectant solution:

Sometimes a disinfectant is needed for a deeper clean. Safe options include vinegar and water, diluted bleach, or child-safe disinfectant sprays.

Mix a cleaning solution—either equal parts vinegar and water, or 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
Wipe toys with the solution. If safe, soak them in it.
Rinse thoroughly to remove residue.
Let air dry.

Use the dishwasher:

Some hard plastic toys are dishwasher-safe. Use the sanitize setting if available. Always check product labels to make sure the toys can go in the dishwasher.

How to Clean Electronic Toys

Electronic toys can’t be soaked or sprayed directly. But they can still be cleaned:

Turn off the toy or remove batteries.
Dampen a soft cloth with mild soap and water or vinegar solution.
Wipe buttons, screens, and high-touch areas.
Use a cotton swab for tight spots.
Avoid over-wetting to prevent damage.

How to Clean Wooden Toys

Wooden toys are porous, so avoid soaking. Here’s how to clean them safely:

Dampen a cloth with gentle soap and water or diluted vinegar.
Wipe the toy clean.
Immediately dry it with a clean, dry cloth to avoid moisture damage.
Avoid harsh chemical disinfectants, which may ruin the finish.

How to Clean Stuffed and Soft Toys

Stuffed animals are often a child’s constant companion and can collect many germs.

Machine wash:

Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
For sensitive skin, use a hypoallergenic detergent.
Add a second rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to avoid damage.

Hand wash (if necessary):

Soak in warm soapy water.
Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out water, and air dry flat or hanging.

Are Natural Cleaning Products Safe for Kids’ Toys?

Not all cleaners are child-safe, but several natural options work well and are safe. These include vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. They’re chemical-free yet effective at killing bacteria and germs.

Always rinse thoroughly after use to avoid leaving any residue that could enter a child’s mouth.

Mixing Natural Cleaning Solutions

Vinegar: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water for hard or wooden toys.
Baking soda: Great for cleaning and deodorizing—make a paste with water and scrub.
Hydrogen peroxide: Common disinfectant—safe when rinsed off thoroughly.

Expert Tips to Keep Toys Germ-Free

You now know how to clean your child’s toys safely. Keep these tips in mind:

Clean toys regularly. Set a routine schedule to prevent germ buildup.
Use child-safe cleaning products. Choose natural solutions or cleaners designed for baby items.
Check toy labels. Always read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the toy.