How
To Clean Toys and Keep Children Healthy!
Learn
different ways to clean toys of all types and how
often toy cleaning is recommended for your child(ren)!
Clean Toys Promote a Safe Healthy Environment
for Your Children
How Often To Clean Toys
 Baby and
toddler toys which typically are in children's mouths, should be
cleaned frequently. Daily or twice a week, depending on how often they
are played with.
Play toys that are not
mouthed, should be cleaned once a month.
Most of all use your
judgment. If a toy is visibly dirty, then clean it. Soft toys should be
cleaned monthly, since they attract dust.
How
to Clean Hard Toys
These toys are typically made of plastic, metal and/or wood. There are
a number of non-toxic cleaners in the market, and they are preferred. Clean Toys with Clorox
is also an effective way to get the job done. Clorox makes disinfecting
wipes, which are very convenient and also kill the Flu Virus. Lysol
also makes disinfecting sprays and wipes.
PLEASE assume nothing- Read the manufacturer's Directions for Use and
Caution. These toys come into close contact with your children. Always follow manufacturer's recommended
cleaning instructions, if available.
It's
very important to rinse the toys thoroughly after cleaning.
With battery-operated and
electrical toys take care to make sure that no liquid gets near the
batteries and wiring. If the toys have moving parts, avoid getting
liquid into them.
Another method for use with
small plastic toys is the dishwasher (top rack), which actually
sanitizes them. Toys should be fairly sturdy (not thin plastic) so they
don't warp in the heat. Rinse them again in fresh water, after
dishwashing.
You can also use hot soapy
water for washing hard toys. Please rinse thoroughly.
If you get ink stains on
vinyl (which dolls are normally made from) use rubbing alcohol and
cotton swabs. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
How
To Clean Soft Toys
Almost all soft toys, plush and dolls can be machine washed.
Unfortunately, many do not have washing instructions, especially dolls.
We recommend this: Wash
your toy as described below. If it doesn't survive, then replace it
with one that can be washed. Sew any holes or open seams BEFORE
washing. All Made Safe™ soft toys are washable.
Large Plush
Toys: Open a bottom seam and remove all stuffing
material. Wash the toy's plush skin (see below for Washing
Instructions). Then re-stuff the toy and sew the seam.
Soft toys and
dolls, that can't be machine washed: (Please read the
label for Contents)
- Battery operated toys
with moving parts
- Electronic
talking/music toys- that have non-removable electronic modules
- Anything metal
- Dolls with moving eyes or
eyelashes-
- Dolls with polypropylene
hair (used on inexpensive dolls) *
- Plush toys or dolls with
cardboard inserts (in paws/feet etc.)
- Plush toys stuffed with
styrene foam or excelsior
( * To test- cut a lock of
hair, put it in water & push under the surface. If it floats-
or doesn't sink then you CAN'T wash it. Washable nylon hair will sink
in water.)
Machine Washing
Instructions for Soft Toys:
- Wash toy and clothing in
separate bags.
- Put the toy in a closed
pillow case, mesh bag or other.
- Machine wash in cold to
warm water, NO BLEACH.
- Air dry overnight for
best results.
- A dryer on AIR setting
is OK, but never a heated dryer.
Cleaning
Stuffed Toys By Hand:
- Sprinkle the baking soda
on the stuffed animal.
- Allow 30 minutes to clean
- Bush (or vacuum) the
baking soda off.
- An all purpose cleaner
and scrub brush may be used for stained or very dirty areas.
- If there are stained
attached plastic parts use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Rinse
thoroughly after cleaning.
For additional information
on cleaning toys please visit:
Toy Cleaning- John's Hopkins
Clean Toys with Clorox
Dust Mites In
Soft Toys
Microscopic bugs called dust mites infest soft toys, bedding and
furniture. They create an unhealthful condition, which affects some
people more than others. Dust mites can trigger some allergic
reactions, which can be particularly dangerous to asthmatic children
and adults.
How To
Destroy Dust Mites
- Put the toy in a plastic bag and
close it.
- Per the Dust Mite Center: Put bagged toy
in your freezer for one full day.
- Then wash the toy as described
above.
For Additional Information
regarding Dust Mites please visit:
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Dust Mite Center
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