How to Clean Used Toys

Purchasing used toys can save hundreds of dollars. Families will often get rid of unwanted toys when their children get older or no longer play with the toys. The problem with purchasing used toys is that germs can linger on the surface of toys. However, a thorough cleaning will remove all bacteria and dirt from the surface of the toys, making them safe for any child to play with without danger of infection. The cleaning process is simple and takes about 24 hours to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 large containers
  • Bleach
  • Rubber gloves
  • Old clothes
  • Soft scrub brush
  • Detergent
  • Old towels
  • Washing machine
  • Laundry detergent
  • Clothespins
  • Clothesline

Instructions

    • 1

      Mix one cup of bleach in five gallons of water. If you use less water, then use less bleach. Place this solution into two containers large enough to hold a few toys at a time.

    • 2

      Collect the toys and separate the hard toys from the soft toys. Place the soft toys inside the container full of bleach water. Allow the toys to remain in the solution for 24 hours.

    • 3

      Wash the toys with detergent and a soft scrub brush to remove any dirt and other surface stains from the hard toys.

    • 4

      Place the cleaned toys into the bleach water solution. Make sure the toys are completely submerged. Allow the toys to sit inside the bleach solution for 24 hours.

    • 5

      Remove the hard toys from the water. Rinse the toys with clear water to remove any bleach residue from the surface of the toys. Set them on old towels and allow them to air dry until they are completely dry. This will probably take at least 24 hours. Set the toys outdoors in the sun to speed drying time.

    • 6

      Remove the soft toys from the bleaching solution and immediately place them inside a washing machine. Add laundry detergent and run a wash cycle. When the cycle is complete, hang the soft toys with clothespins on a clothesline outside until dry. It usually takes several hours to dry on a sunny day. You can also run the toys through the dryer, but some synthetic materials may melt from the heat of the dryer.

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