Kids’ toys that drool with baby food, toys that somehow leap like a rabbit into your organic garden, and toys that you find nestled next to the toilet – or floating in it – of course, all need a good cleaning. So do toys that have been handled by children or adults with the flu or a cold, or that have just plain been laying around the house or in the bottom of the toy box. Truth be told, to ensure that child play toys stay hygienic and germ free, they all need periodic cleaning.
Other than cloth toys, which you can usually put through the washing machine, a simple solution of warm water with a drop or two of mild dish soap will keep nearly all kids’ toys clean. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and thoroughly wipe down the toys. A soft toothbrush will come in handy for hard-to-get-at areas. Also, keep child play toys mildew and mold free before they bloom with fungi. Whenever you wipe down kids toys — especially inflatable toys, which will hold moisture if you fold them for storage — allow them to completely air dry, even if you’ve wiped them dry, before tossing them into a confined area, such as the toy box.
