How to Clean and Disinfect Children’s Toys to Keep Them Safe and Healthy

Children’s toys require specific cleaning methods to maintain their good condition and to disinfect them, eliminating harmful germs and bacteria that might affect safety. The following guide explains the best ways to clean and disinfect children’s toys without damaging their appearance, while helping to keep children healthy.

How Often Should Children’s Toys Be Cleaned?

The frequency depends on how much the child plays with the toys. Here are general guidelines when your child is healthy. It's especially important to clean and disinfect toys frequently when your child is sick or has the flu, and then again after recovery:

Hard plastic toys and bath toys: Clean and disinfect weekly if played with daily.
Stuffed toys: Usually machine washable; wash once a week, especially if the child sleeps with them. Otherwise, every two weeks or as needed. Stuffed toys that cannot be washed should have stains removed as needed and be refreshed.
Electronic toys: Surface cleaning with disinfectant wipes weekly, and always when the child is sick.
Toys that are likely to go into the child’s mouth or get dropped on the floor frequently: Need frequent cleaning, every day or every two days.

Can Vinegar Be Used to Disinfect Toys?

Vinegar is not an excellent remover of household grease or mineral deposits. Although it can kill some strains of germs, it is not effective enough to achieve the required levels of disinfection. Therefore, it’s better to wash toys with hot water and soap.

How to Clean Bath Toys and Plastic Toys

Plastic toys like rubber rings, animal figures, building blocks, and bricks can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher’s upper rack. Steps:

Place large toys securely between the rack prongs, and put small toys inside a mesh bag to prevent collisions with the water spray.
Choose a regular sanitizing cycle or hot drying cycle. Make sure to air dry or towel dry any toys still wet after the dishwasher.
You can also disinfect plastic toys with a solution of half a cup of bleach mixed in one gallon of water. Keep the toy surface wet with this solution for 5 minutes, then air dry. Always prepare a fresh bleach solution each time.
After air drying, always rinse toys thoroughly with warm water and let them air dry again to remove any cleaning residue.

Note: Water trapped inside hollow bath toys can cause mold growth. Avoid toys with holes (even rubber ducks). If mold appears, shake or squeeze out as much water as possible and let the toy dry completely after each use. If mold is noticed inside, discard it immediately.

How to Clean Stuffed Toys in the Washing Machine

Most stuffed toys with colorfast fabrics are safe for machine washing and drying. Use sanitizing cycles if available. Check manufacturer’s care labels, especially for new toys.

Steps:

Place stuffed toys inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and tie securely.
Use a gentle cycle with warm water and slow spin.
Dry inside the pillowcase in the dryer on low heat. If your dryer has a rack, remove toys from the pillowcase and lay flat on the rack without turning.
A gentler drying method: use a hairdryer on low heat and speed, then medium heat.

Note: Never wash stuffed toys containing batteries, sound devices, or metal parts; water will damage them. Make sure buttons and decorations are firmly attached and repair any tears before washing.

How to Clean Stuffed Toys That Cannot Be Washed

Some toys can only be cleaned by hand. To check, test fabric colorfastness by applying a drop of water and blotting with tissue. If color fades, do not machine wash.

For delicate stuffed toys:

Dip a cloth in warm soapy water and wipe the entire toy.
Rinse with a cloth dampened with clean water, wrung well.
Let air dry or use a hairdryer to speed drying and fluff the fur.
To remove bacteria, dust mites, and allergens without washing, slowly pass a clothes steamer over the toy, then vacuum with an upholstery attachment.

How to Clean Electronic Toys

Electronic toys require surface cleaning only, similar to TV remotes.