How to clean your child's toys

Cleaning toys is essential to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for children. Toys can quickly become dirty and full of germs, especially if used frequently or shared between several children.

We will see:

• Why clean and disinfect toys?
• Which product to clean toys?
• When to wash toys?

Why clean and disinfect toys?

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting toys is important for several reasons:

Hygiene

Toys can quickly become dirty and full of germs, especially if they are used frequently or shared among several children. Germs and bacteria can cause illness and infection, so it's important to clean and disinfect toys to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Extend the life of toys

Toys that are dirty and full of stains can become less appealing to children and can be damaged more quickly. Cleaning and disinfecting toys regularly can keep them in good condition for longer.

Allergies

Some children may be allergic to dust and dust mites that can accumulate on toys. Cleaning and disinfecting toys regularly can help reduce allergy symptoms.

It is therefore important to clean and disinfect toys often to maintain a healthy and safe environment for children.

Here are some tips for effectively cleaning your toys:

1. Start by sorting your toys. Separate toys that can be machine washed from toys that need to be cleaned by hand. Plush toys and fabric dolls can usually be machine washed, while wooden or metal toys should be cleaned by hand.

2. Use a damp cloth to clean the wooden toys or metal. Be sure to remove all dust and dirt before cleaning with a damp cloth. For wooden toys, you can use a little mild soap to remove stubborn stains.

3. Use a disinfectant solution to clean plastic toys. You can use a water and vinegar based cleaner or a disinfectant cleaner to kill germs and bacteria. Be sure to rinse toys well and dry them with a clean cloth before using them again.

4. Machine wash stuffed toys and fabric dolls. Use a gentle cycle and mild soap to avoid damaging them. Be sure to dry them well before using them again.

5. Remember to clean electronic toys regularly. Use a damp cloth to clean the screen and buttons, and be sure to remove all dust from the air vents.
   
   

Which product to clean toys?

There are several products that can be used to clean toys, depending on the type of toy and the amount of dirt to be removed. Here are some examples of products commonly used to clean toys:

Water and vinegar

A mixture of water and vinegar can be used to clean plastic toys. It's effective at removing stains and germs while being gentle on toys.

Disinfectant cleaner

A disinfectant cleaner is great for killing germs and bacteria on plastic toys. It is important to follow product instructions and rinse toys thoroughly before using them again.

The dishwasher

Some toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it is important to follow a few steps to avoid damaging them:

• Check the label or instructions on toy maker to make sure it is dishwasher safe. Some toys cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher, as this could damage them.

• Place toys in a laundry net or pillowcase to protect them from rubbing against the walls of the machine.

• Use a gentle cycle and mild soap to avoid damaging them. Avoid the use of dishwashing detergent which is too abrasive.

• Be sure to remove all removable parts before putting them in the dishwasher.

• Remember to remove any stains or visible dirt before putting them in the dishwasher.

• Be sure to dry toys thoroughly before using them again.

It is important to note that some toys cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher, such as wooden, leather, paper or foam toys, and electronic toys. It is best to clean them by hand with a damp cloth or leave them out in the air to eliminate odors and germs.

Gentle soap

A mild soap is effective for cleaning wooden toys and stuffed toys. It is important to rinse toys thoroughly to remove any soap residue before using them again.

Hand sanitizer

If you don't have a disinfectant cleaner, you can use hand sanitizer to clean plastic toys. Be sure to rinse toys well and dry them with a clean cloth before using them again.

It's important to check the product label to make sure it's appropriate for the type of toy you want to clean. It is also important to follow dosage instructions and to rinse toys well after use.

When to wash toys?

It is important to clean and disinfect toys regularly to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for children. There are no hard and fast rules on how often you should wash toys, but here are some things to consider when determining when it's time to clean your toys.

Frequent use

If a toy is used frequently, it is more likely to become dirty and harbor germs. These toys may need to be cleaned more often.

Sharing between several children

If toys are shared between several children, it is important to clean and disinfect them regularly to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.

Stains and dirt

If a toy has visible stains or dirt, it's time to clean it.

Smells

If a toy has an unpleasant odor, it may need to be cleaned to eliminate bacteria and germs that may be causing the odor.

In general, it is recommended that toys be cleaned weekly or every two weeks, or more often if needed. It is also important to regularly check the condition of the toys to ensure that they are in good condition and that there are no missing parts.

By following these tips, you will be able to keep your toys clean and hygienic for your children. Remember to continually clean the toys to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, and to prolong the life of the toys.