How to Clean Baby Toys

They put them in their mouth, they drag them, they throw them, they get food all over them - such is the relationship between babies and their toys. All the places the toys end up at, it's no wonder they are some of the dirtiest things our babies touch. So how do you keep them clean? Here are a few simple ways to clean baby toys and keep the baby safe.

1. Cleaning plastic baby toys.

There are several ways to clean plastic baby toys. You can simply wash your non-electronic plastic toys as you would dishes: soak them for a few minutes in antibacterial dish soap, rinse thoroughly and dry. It's quick and easy, and you can even ask your kids to do it. Another way to clean plastic baby toys is by using one of the many special toy cleaners that are on the market today, such as Babyganics. It is best to use natural cleaners since they are gentler and better for the environment as well. You can also use a regular household cleaner such as 409 or Clorox, but you will need to wipe toys with a clean wet washrag afterwards and dry them, so it takes longer.

2. Cleaning wooden baby toys

Most wooden toys can be cleaned by wiping them with antibacterial soap/water solution and then wiping them clean with a clean wet rag.

3. Cleaning soft baby toys.

Soft baby toys can be somewhat tricky. Many of them are nowadays equipped with chimes, bells, batteries and electronic devices, however, most soft toys that have bells can be washed in the washer. Be sure to first read care labels on soft toys before cleaning them. Most soft toys can be dried in the dryer as well. Warning: Do Not Spray soft electronic baby toys with disinfectant sprays such as Lysol, Clorox; they leave dangerous residue on the toys and are harmful to babies and you can't wash them afterward.

4. Steaming

One of the best and easiest ways to clean all of your baby's toys is to steam them with a portable steamer such as Shark steam pocket. First, clean any soiled spots with a damp rag. Lay the toys on a blanket or towel and steam them individually on all sides. Steaming not only kills germs, it helps the toys look bright longer.

It is important to clean toys often, especially during flu season, after a trip or play date and if your baby goes to daycare - clean the toys she took with at the end of the day.