How to Clean and Sanitise Baby Toys Properly

Babies explore the world through their mouths, which means their toys become covered in saliva, food residue, and countless germs throughout the day. Regular cleaning isn't just about keeping toys looking nice—it's essential for protecting your baby's health. In this guide, we'll walk through the best methods for cleaning every type of baby toy, from plush teddies to electronic gadgets.

Understanding the Difference: Cleaning vs Sanitising

Before diving into specific methods, it's important to understand the distinction between cleaning and sanitising. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and grime from surfaces. Sanitising goes a step further by reducing the number of bacteria and germs to safe levels. For baby toys, you'll often want to do both—clean first to remove surface debris, then sanitise to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

For everyday maintenance, simple cleaning is usually sufficient. Sanitising becomes more important after illness, when sharing toys with other children, or for items that frequently go in baby's mouth like teethers and rattles.

Cleaning Hard Plastic Toys

Plastic toys are among the easiest to clean and sanitise. Most hard plastic toys without batteries or electronic components can withstand thorough washing without damage.

Method 1: Soap and Water

Fill your sink or a basin with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Submerge the toys and use a clean cloth or soft brush to scrub all surfaces, paying attention to crevices where dirt accumulates. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue, as leftover soap can irritate baby's mouth. Allow toys to air dry completely on a clean towel or drying rack.

Method 2: Dishwasher Safe Toys

Many solid plastic toys can go in the dishwasher. Place smaller items in a mesh laundry bag or the silverware basket to prevent them from falling through the rack. Use a normal cycle without heated drying, as extreme heat can warp or damage some plastics. Check manufacturer labels when possible to confirm dishwasher safety.

Cleaning Wooden Toys

Wooden toys require gentler care to prevent warping, cracking, or damage to finishes. Never submerge wooden toys in water or put them in the dishwasher, as prolonged moisture exposure will ruin them.

For Sealed/Painted Wood

Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a tiny amount of mild soap. Wipe down all surfaces of the toy, then immediately follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Dry thoroughly with a soft towel. For sanitising, use the vinegar solution mentioned above, wiping rather than spraying to control moisture exposure.

For Unfinished/Natural Wood

Unfinished wooden toys require extra care. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, avoiding excess moisture. To sanitise, you can use very diluted vinegar (more water, less vinegar) applied with a cloth. Allow the toy to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Periodically, you may want to treat unfinished wood with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to maintain the wood and create a slight protective barrier.

Cleaning Fabric and Plush Toys

Stuffed animals, fabric books, and cloth toys harbour more germs than hard surfaces due to their porous nature. They also collect dust mites, which can trigger allergies in sensitive babies. Regular washing is essential for these items.

Machine Washing

Check the care label first, but most plush toys can be machine washed. Place the toy in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash cycle. Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and a mild, fragrance-free detergent. For extra sanitisation, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Dry according to care instructions—many plush toys can go in the dryer on low heat, while others should air dry. Ensure toys are completely dry before returning them to your baby, as damp stuffing can develop mould.

Spot Cleaning

For toys that can't be machine washed—perhaps those with electronic components inside or delicate embellishments—spot cleaning is the alternative. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water, dip a clean cloth into the solution, and gently blot stained areas. Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap. Allow the toy to air dry completely.

Dealing with Dust Mites

To kill dust mites without washing, place the plush toy in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 24-48 hours. The cold temperature kills dust mites effectively. After removing from the freezer, allow the toy to return to room temperature, then vacuum any debris using an upholstery attachment.

Cleaning Bath Toys

Bath toys present unique challenges because they're constantly exposed to moisture and warm, humid environments—perfect conditions for mould and mildew growth. Without proper care, that cute rubber duck can become a hidden health hazard.

After Every Bath

Squeeze out all water from toys with holes immediately after bath time. Store bath toys in a mesh bag or basket that allows air circulation—never in a closed container where moisture will be trapped. Hang the storage container or bag so water can drip dry. Consider keeping bath toys outside the bathroom in a dry area between uses.

Weekly Deep Clean

Create a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water. Submerge bath toys and squeeze to draw the solution inside. Let toys soak for at least 10-15 minutes. Squeeze out the vinegar solution and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow toys to dry completely before storing.

Preventing Mould

When purchasing new bath toys, consider sealing the holes with hot glue to prevent water from entering in the first place. Alternatively, choose solid bath toys without holes—many modern bath toys are designed this way specifically to prevent mould issues.

Cleaning Electronic Toys

Electronic toys require the most careful approach since water and electronics don't mix. Never submerge electronic toys in water or put them in the dishwasher, regardless of how waterproof they claim to be.

Surface Cleaning

Remove batteries before cleaning if possible. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces. For buttons and crevices, use a cotton swab dampened with water or rubbing alcohol. Allow the toy to dry completely before replacing batteries and using again.

Disinfecting

For electronic toys, disinfectant wipes designed for electronics are the safest option. These are formulated to kill germs without the excessive moisture that could damage circuits. Alternatively, you can lightly spray a cloth (not the toy) with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and wipe down surfaces. Avoid getting moisture in battery compartments, speaker holes, or seams.

Cleaning Teethers and Pacifiers

Items that spend significant time in your baby's mouth deserve special attention. Silicone and rubber teethers can typically be washed in warm soapy water and boiled for sterilisation. Many are also dishwasher safe—place on the top rack away from the heating element.

For quick sanitisation between deep cleans, you can use steam steriliser bags designed for baby items. These work in the microwave and are effective at killing germs quickly.

Products to Avoid

When cleaning baby toys, certain products should be avoided:

• Bleach: Unless heavily diluted (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) and thoroughly rinsed, bleach residue can be harmful if ingested
• Scented cleaners: Fragrances can irritate sensitive baby skin and respiratory systems
• Antibacterial soaps with triclosan: This chemical is being phased out due to health concerns
• Essential oils: While natural, many essential oils are not safe for babies and shouldn't be used on items that will be mouthed

Stick to mild, fragrance-free dish soap, white vinegar, and plain water for most cleaning needs. These simple ingredients are effective, affordable, and safe for your little one.

Keeping your baby's toys clean doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a regular routine and the right techniques for each type of toy, you can ensure your baby's play environment is as safe and hygienic as possible. Happy cleaning!