A lot of times we don't know a child is sick until days later when symptoms are more evident to the parent. With all the 'bugs' going around this winter, I am trying to figure out the best way to disinfect and clean my sons toys after finding out about such situations...
Part of the problem is that some toys are more easily cleaned than others. (due to the materials) I also try to use organic type cleaners when possible. Afterall, these toys end up in kids mouthes and I don't want to put anything on the toy that I wouldn't put in their mouths. Yes, I know... they eat dirt and pick things up off the floor to eat, but that is not a parents' intention; it just happens... I also know kids need to get sick to build immunity, but some illnesses are better off avoided!! Mom is tired and there are still a couple months left of winter. Yikes.
2007-01-27 10:31:31 · 17 answers · asked by Eva Save-A-Lot 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Check out this website. It has all types of different cleaning/disinfectants that are safe to use.
2007-01-27 11:24:00 · answer #1 · answered by saraj30 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any plastic, water-proof toys can be washed quickly. Fill a large sink or a tub with hot water, and a very small amount of bleach. Soak the waterproof toys in that for a few minutes, then lay out on towels to dry. (Let them air-dry.) You can use Lysol spray on other items that aren't quite as waterproof. Just spray them with a light mist, then let dry. Also keep Clorox wipes handy, and use them often to wipe things down.
2007-01-27 18:38:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jess H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I used to work at a day care center we would dump all the toys into a big tub of bleach and water each night. The bigger ones rub down with wipes and during the day use anti-bacterial wipes to wipe down toys that have been in kids mouhths. All these methods never caused any problems for the kids but did help with the germs. the biggest one is to have the kids wash their hands or wipe hands all the time.
2007-01-27 18:38:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would use clorox daily sanitizing spray, it is safe on all surfaces and non toxic.... Yes, Lysol, and clorox wipes would work, but you are worried about your kids putting them in their mouths, and that other stuff can be harmful. Every few weeks you can lay out some towels (if you have time for this..) and get a bucket of bleach water, then soak the toys in the bucket for a few miutes then lay out on the towels to air dry...
2007-01-27 18:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by Mommy of 2 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can put toys in the dishwasher and clean them. The high temperatures will disinfect, but make sure the toys are dishwasher safe. The rest can be washed with bleach and water. We did this each week in our Head Start class. the tables and mats can be cleaned each day with bleach water.
2007-01-27 18:41:51 · answer #5 · answered by robee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The easiest and most effective way is to dip the toys in a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and allow to air dry. Without using bleach, you can wash the toys in soap and water and allow to dry in the sun... the sun is the most efficient sanitizer. It kills every kind of germ out there. If they are stuffed animal-type toys, throw them into the washing machine.
2007-01-27 19:12:41 · answer #6 · answered by dolphin mama 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hydrogen peroxide, works like bleach but is perfectly safe. You could also consider tea tree oil (diluted) or grapefruit seed oil (diluted). GSE is safe as far as I know, there are some risks with tea tree. Alcohol is another safe option, as it will evaporate and not leave any residue. Use pure alcohol
I would be seriously uncomfortable as a mom leaving my child any place that bleaches toys, or uses Lysol (or similar). I would never leave my child any place that routinely uses air fresheners (spray, those plug in things, scent stories).
I also do not like antibacterial soap. Or antibacterial sprays excluding natural ones like alcohol that bacteria can not form a resistance too.
2007-01-27 18:38:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are a few new types of antibacterial sprays on the market for spray anywhere, safe for babys and toddlers.. One is by pampers, the other is clorox, and there is another brand sold at baby's r us..
I use the pampers kind because it works well on greasy items.. I use it on every thing..
2007-01-27 18:39:31 · answer #8 · answered by Cammy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use hot water with a few drops of tea tree oil. Then rinse off in hot water and leave them on a towel to air dry.
I'm not to sure about everyone using bleach.
2007-01-28 00:45:44 · answer #9 · answered by Monkey Magic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have worked in a daycare and we would soak them in dish washing liquid, and rinse them off real good and then spray them down with disinfectant cleaner, scrub the hard to reach places with a tooth brush and rinse them off real good in hot water and their ready to be played with again.
2007-01-27 18:41:55 · answer #10 · answered by chris t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋