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Views: 120 Author: Eva Publish Time: 2025-05-14 Origin: Site
Plastic toys are a staple in many households with children. They are durable, colorful, and often designed to stimulate learning and creativity. However, these toys can also harbor germs, bacteria, and viruses, especially since children frequently put them in their mouths or share them with others. This raises an important question: Should plastic toys be washed regularly? The answer is a resounding yes, and this article will explore why, how often, and the best methods for cleaning plastic toys to keep children safe and healthy.
Children’s toys, especially plastic ones, can quickly become breeding grounds for germs. Kids often share toys and put them in their mouths, which facilitates the transfer of bacteria and viruses. According to Ottawa Public Health, infants and young children sharing toys increases the risk of spreading infections, making regular cleaning and disinfecting essential.
Regular cleaning of toys helps maintain a hygienic play area. Cleaning not only removes visible dirt but also reduces the microbial load on toys, which is crucial in settings like daycare centers or homes with multiple children.
Cleaning plastic toys properly can also help extend their lifespan by preventing buildup of grime and residue that can degrade the material over time.
The frequency of washing plastic toys depends on their use and the type of toy:
Daily Cleaning: Toys that go into a child’s mouth, such as teething rings, pacifiers, and bath toys, should be cleaned daily.
Weekly Cleaning: Toys used frequently but not necessarily mouthed, like stroller or car seat toys, should be disinfected weekly.
Monthly or Occasional Cleaning: Soft toys or electronic toys used less frequently may only need monthly or occasional cleaning.
Use hot, soapy water to wash toys thoroughly. This removes dirt, grime, and saliva, which is essential before disinfecting.
Use a brush to clean crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
Rinse toys under running water to remove soap residue, which can neutralize disinfectants if left on the surface.
Soak toys in an appropriate disinfectant solution for the recommended contact time. Bleach solutions are commonly used and effective.
For dishwasher-safe plastic toys, a commercial dishwasher with a sanitizer or hot rinse cycle can be used.
After disinfecting, rinse toys if indicated by the disinfectant label. Bleach solutions often do not require rinsing.
Air dry toys completely before returning them to use to prevent mold or bacterial growth.
Launder fabric or plush toys in a washing machine with hot water and dry on a hot cycle.
Avoid disinfectants on porous surfaces as they may not be effective or could damage the material.
Avoid soaking these toys in water.
Wipe them down with a disinfectant spray or a diluted bleach solution using a damp cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove residue.
Mixing disinfectants like bleach and ammonia can be harmful or deadly. Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning products.
Disinfectants: Bleach solutions, Clorox Disinfecting Spray, Lysol Disinfecting Spray, or other EPA-approved sanitizers safe for toys.
Cleaning Brushes: For scrubbing crevices.
Dishwasher: For dishwasher-safe toys, use the top rack and avoid heated dry cycles to prevent toxin release from plastics.
Gloves: Use household rubber gloves when handling disinfectants to protect skin.
Image of plastic toys being scrubbed with a brush in soapy water.
Photo of toys soaking in a disinfectant solution.
Diagram showing the steps: Clean → Rinse → Disinfect → Dry.
Picture of a dishwasher with plastic toys on the top rack.
Photo of a parent wiping electronic toys with a disinfectant cloth.
How to Clean and Disinfect Kid’s Toys: A step-by-step video demonstrating cleaning both hard plastic and soft toys safely using disinfectants and hot water.
Keeping Kids' Toys and Clothes Clean Amid Virus Season: Consumer Reports video explaining the importance of cleaning and sanitizing toys, clothes, and accessories to reduce illness risk.
Q1: Can I wash all plastic toys in the dishwasher?
A1: Only hard plastic toys without electronic parts should be washed in the dishwasher, placed on the top rack, and avoid heated dry cycles to prevent damage or toxin release.
Q2: How do I clean toys with batteries or electronic components?
A2: Wipe down electronic toys with a disinfectant spray or diluted bleach solution on a damp cloth. Avoid soaking them in water.
Q3: Is it necessary to disinfect toys if no one is sick?
A3: Regular cleaning is sufficient for most situations. Disinfecting is especially recommended when a child is sick or during outbreaks of illness.
Q4: Can I use baby wipes to clean plastic toys?
A4: Baby wipes can be used for quick cleaning but may not disinfect. For thorough sanitizing, use appropriate disinfectant products safe for toys.
Q5: How do I clean soft or plush toys?
A5: Wash plush toys in a washing machine with hot water and dry on a hot cycle. Avoid disinfectants on these porous surfaces.
Plastic toys should indeed be washed regularly to reduce the risk of spreading germs and infections among children. Daily cleaning is recommended for toys that come into direct contact with a child’s mouth, while weekly or monthly cleaning suffices for others depending on use. Using proper cleaning techniques-washing with hot soapy water, rinsing, disinfecting with safe solutions, and air drying-ensures toys remain safe and hygienic. Special care should be taken with electronic toys and soft toys to avoid damage. Following these guidelines creates a safer play environment and promotes children’s health.
