How to Clean Baby's Toys Without Using Dangerous Disinfectants

Babies put toys in their mouths, and for that reason, you want to ensure they are safe for your baby. Cleaning and disinfecting the toys on a regular basis -- especially during cold and flu season -- helps ensure that the spread of germs to your baby is reduced. Many parents are concerned about dangerous disinfectants. Fortunately, bleach is nontoxic, cheap and readily available. Other nontoxic products can disinfect baby toys as well -- just ensure they are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency first.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Bucket, container or spray bottle
  • EPA-approved disinfectant
  • Clean rag or paper towels

Instructions

    • 1

      Wash baby toys with soap and water to remove dirt. Scrub the toys with a rag or sponge and rinse well.

    • 2

      Open a window or turn on a ventilation fan. Pour 1 tablespoon of household bleach and 1 quart of cool water into a bucket, container or spray bottle. Alternatively, use another type of nontoxic disinfectant, such as a ready-to-use hydrogen peroxide cleaner, that is approved by the EPA.

    • 3

      Dip baby toys into the disinfectant or spray them until they are thoroughly wet. The toys must stay wet for two minutes if you are using the bleach solution. Alternatively, for products other than bleach, use enough solution so the toys stay wet for as long as indicated on the label. For example, hydrogen peroxide-based disinfects must stay wet for 30 seconds to three minutes, depending on the product, to effectively kill germs.

    • 4

      Allow the toys to air-dry. Alternatively, dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel. Rinse or wipe the toy with a wet rag for cleaners other than bleach, if necessary.

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