Keeping your little one’s toys clean helps maintain a healthy and safe environment. But do you know how to clean baby toys effectively? From plush animals to plastic favorites, each type of toy requires specific care to remove germs and grime without causing damage. In this guide, we’ll highlight how to clean different types of toys, including tips for disinfecting after an illness.

How to Clean Plush and Cloth Toys?

Plush and cloth toys are comforting companions for babies but can quickly collect dust, dirt, and germs. Here’s how to wash baby toys:

1. Machine Wash (If Allowed): Most plush toys come with care labels that indicate whether they’re machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and opt for a baby-safe detergent to avoid harsh chemicals. Placing the toy in a mesh laundry bag can protect it during the wash.
2. Spot Cleaning: For toys that are not machine washable, spot cleaning is a great alternative. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent to gently scrub away stains. Focus on soiled areas without soaking the entire toy.
3. Drying: Air drying is the safest method for most plush toys. Place the toy in a well-ventilated area and reshape it as it dries. Machine-washable toys can be tumbled dry on a low-heat setting or used in a dryer with a protective mesh bag.
4. Sanitizing: To ensure plush toys are free of germs, use a baby-safe sanitizing spray after cleaning. This step is especially useful for toys your baby holds frequently or puts in their mouth.

How to Clean Plastic & Hard Surface Toys?

Plastic and hard-surface toys are some of the easiest to clean, making them ideal for regular maintenance. Here’s how you can clean and disinfect them safely:

1. Soap and Water Cleaning: Mix warm water with a few drops of baby-safe dish soap in a basin. Submerge the toys and use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub them thoroughly. For toys with grooves or small crevices, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to remove dirt.
2. Sanitizing with Baby-Safe Disinfectants: After washing, sanitize the toys using a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Alternatively, you can use baby-safe sanitizing wipes or sprays. Rinse the toys thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue, and allow them to air dry.
3. Dishwasher Cleaning: For dishwasher-safe toys, place them on the top rack and run a gentle cycle with mild detergent. This method works well for hard plastic toys like a baby rattle, ensuring they’re sanitized without much effort.

Note: Always avoid cleaning products with strong chemicals, fragrances, or alcohol, as these can leave harmful residues on the toys.

How to Clean Bath Toys?

Bath can collect mold, soap scum, and bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Proper care ensures your baby can safely play with them in the tub. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping bath toys clean and mold-free:

1. Rinse After Each Use: After every bath, rinse each toy under warm running water. This simple step helps wash away soap residue, dirt, and bathwater. For toys with holes or squeakers, make sure to squeeze out any water trapped inside. Trapped water is one of the leading causes of mold growth, so don’t skip this step. If your baby’s bath toys are particularly soapy, rinse them twice to ensure all residue is removed.
2. Weekly Deep Cleaning: To keep bath toys free of bacteria and mold, give them a deep clean every week. Create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts warm water. Submerge the toys in this solution and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. The vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, breaking down soap scum and killing bacteria. After soaking, use a soft sponge or toothbrush to scrub away any visible grime, especially in crevices or textured areas. Finally, rinse the toys thoroughly under clean water to remove any lingering vinegar smell.
3. Mold Prevention: Bath toys with holes are prone to mold growth because water tends to get trapped inside. To prevent this, consider sealing the holes with a small dab of hot glue. This simple fix stops water from entering the toy, reducing the risk of mold buildup. Alternatively, go for bath toys without holes or squeakers. If you already notice mold inside a toy and can’t clean it effectively, it’s best to discard it to protect your baby’s health.
4. Dishwasher Cleaning: For bath toys labeled as dishwasher-safe, you can use your dishwasher to sanitize them. Place the toys on the top rack to avoid excessive heat and use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. This method is especially useful for plastic toys, as it saves time and ensures they are thoroughly cleaned. However, avoid putting soft or rubber toys in the dishwasher, as they can lose their shape or texture.
5. Drying: Proper drying is just as important as cleaning. After each rinse or deep clean, shake off excess water from the toys and place them on a drying rack or clean towel. For best results, air-dry them in a well-ventilated area or near a sunny window. Ensuring the toys are completely dry before their next use is critical for preventing mold and bacterial growth.

Special Considerations for Cleaning Baby Toys

When cleaning baby toys, you should account for specific factors like the type of materials, frequency of use, and whether the toys are shared among siblings. Here are some special considerations to ensure your cleaning routine is effective and safe:

1. Safe Cleaning Products: Always use baby-safe cleaning solutions or natural alternatives, such as vinegar or mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach (unless heavily diluted and thoroughly rinsed), and products with strong fragrances. These can leave harmful residues that your baby might ingest, especially for toys they frequently put in their mouth.
2. Electronic Toys: For electronic toys or those with batteries, avoid submerging them in water. Instead, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and mild soap, ensuring no moisture enters the battery compartment. For stubborn dirt, use a cotton swab dipped in a cleaning solution to reach crevices.
3. Teething and Chewing Habits: Babies love to mouth their toys, which means these items require extra attention. Toys like soft silicone teethers should be cleaned more frequently to remove saliva and germs. Boiling water or steam sterilizers are effective for heat-resistant toys, while others can be hand-washed with hot, soapy water.
4. Shared Toys: If toys are being shared between siblings or playmates, they need to be cleaned more often to prevent the spread of germs. This is especially important during cold and flu season. Disinfect shared toys at least once a week or after each playdate.
5. Allergy Considerations: For babies with allergies or sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid cleaning products with dyes, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. Rinse toys thoroughly to ensure no residue remains, as even natural cleaning agents like vinegar can irritate sensitive skin if not removed completely.
6. Outdoor Toys: Toys that are used outdoors, like sand toys or those left in the garden, can collect dirt, mold, and bacteria. Hose them down to remove visible dirt, then clean them with warm, soapy water and disinfect them before bringing them back inside.

How Often Should You Clean Baby Toys?

Keeping your baby’s toys clean is vital for their health and safety, but not all toys require the same level of attention. Toys that your baby touches or mouths daily should be cleaned every day. A quick wipe with warm, soapy water or a baby-safe sanitizing wipe effectively removes saliva, dirt, and germs, ensuring these frequently used toys stay hygienic.

For toys that see less frequent use, like plush animals, bath toys, or activity blocks, a weekly cleaning routine is ideal. Regularly washing these toys helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, especially for items that come into contact with food or water. If your baby’s toys are shared with others, clean them after every playdate. 

When your baby has been sick, a thorough cleaning of all their toys is needed. Plastic and hard-surface toys can be disinfected with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water) or a baby-safe disinfectant spray. For plush toys and fabrics, washing them in hot water and drying them completely helps eliminate any lingering bacteria or viruses.

Even toys that aren’t used daily need attention from time to time. Seasonal deep cleaning is a great way to remove dust, allergens, and hidden germs from toys that have been stored for extended periods. Before reintroducing these toys to your baby’s play area, give them a thorough clean to ensure they’re fresh, safe, and ready for play.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean baby toys is a big part of keeping your baby safe, healthy, and happy. By adopting regular cleaning routines you can reduce the spread of germs and allergens. Always use baby-safe cleaning solutions and adjust your methods based on the toy’s material and use. Consistency in cleaning ensures your baby's environment remains safe and comfortable.

FAQs

What is the best way to wash baby toys?

The best way to wash baby toys depends on the material. For plastic and hard toys, washing with warm, soapy water and rinsing thoroughly is effective. You can also sanitize them using a baby-safe disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution. Plush toys can usually be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Always check the care labels before cleaning. For small, frequently used items, daily wiping with a damp cloth or sanitizing wipe is ideal.

How do I clean baby toys after illness or cold?

Cleaning toys after your baby has been sick prevents germs from lingering. Disinfect hard-surface toys with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon of water) or a baby-safe disinfectant spray. For plush toys, wash them in hot water in the washing machine and dry them completely. Bath toys should be soaked in vinegar or disinfected to kill bacteria and mold. This ensures all toys are germ-free and safe for reuse.

What is the best thing to disinfect toys with?

The best disinfectants for baby toys are safe, gentle, and effective. A diluted bleach solution (properly rinsed afterward) is commonly used for hard toys. Baby-safe disinfectant sprays or wipes are also great options, as they kill germs without leaving harmful residues. For natural alternatives, vinegar mixed with water can sanitize toys without harsh chemicals. Always rinse and air-dry toys after disinfecting to ensure they’re ready for safe play.