Important Notice
PLEASE BE AWARE THE FOLLOWING IS ADVICE IN NORMAL TIMES. DURING THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK FAMILES SHOULD FOLLOW GOVERNMENT ADVICE, INCREASED HYGIENE HABITS (FREQUENT WASHING OF HANDS AND DISINFECTING ITEMS AS NECESSARY).
WE ARE NOT EXPERTS IN CORONAVIRUS. IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON SELF ISOLATION, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND ONLY YOUR CHILDREN ARE PLAYING TOGETHER IN THE FAMILY HOME THE BELOW SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO KEEP TOYS CLEAN.
Toys are played with in the house or garden all the time and are often neglected. However, it is important to keep them clean particularly when they are shared between children or when a child is not well. The following is a guide to help you keep toys clean and advice on how to clean them. Individual toys can vary so care must be taken to ensure they are not damaged by cleaning.
Soft (plush) toys
Plush toys will in many cases come with cleaning instructions on the sewn in label. If these are the same format as clothing labels, follow the temperature and wash cycle guidelines in the same way.
If placing in the washing machine, use the delicate settings and avoid spin drying as this could distort the toy. If possible, put the toy in a washing bag or a pillowcase to protect it further. Avoid using the drying function or separate dryer as this could melt plastic items on the toy.
Where marked as surface wash only use a soapy cloth to surface wash and rinse the toy. Toys marked as surface wash only are likely to have surfaces that will spoil when immerse washed or may have internal mechanisms or accessories that should not get wet.
For drying it is best to hang the toy to dry. Using a gentle hairdryer heat can speed the drying up and allow you to fluff the fur up before it is fully dry.
Warning! Always make sure the toy is still safe after washing, check all seams and attachments before returning to your child. Do not wash plush toys that have any electrical components unless the manufacturer has designed the toy such that it can be removed before washing.
Washing once a month should be sufficient unless your child is ill in which case short term more frequent washing may be advised.
Plastic Toys
Plastic toys can be easily wiped over with anti-bacterial wipes or soapy water. When using wipes make sure printed features are not removed. Make sure water is thoroughly dried afterwards and make sure no water remains inside sections of the toy. It is advisable to check a small area first, particularly in the case of painted toys to ensure that product is not affected by the cleaning solution.
Do not use a dishwasher, even on the top shelf. Dishwashers can take the surface off the plastic, affect glued components or remove printed features. Dishwashing can also degrade some plastics which may cause them to be unsafe.
We would not recommend the use of bleach with toys as it is harmful to children if not completely removed afterwards.
Washing once a month should be sufficient unless your child is ill in which case short term more frequent washing may be advised.
Baby Toys
Baby toys used in the mouth are probably the highest risk and need to be kept clean more regularly maybe every other day. Hand washing in soap and water is recommended followed by a cleaning with an anti-bacterial wipe of some kind. Follow the instructions supplied with the wipe where relevant.
Bath Toys
Bath toys should be rinsed in clean water and put to dry in between each use. Mould can develop in some bath toys if left with used bath water inside. Bath toys can be cleaned using a mild sterilising solution.
Electrical Toys
Water can seriously damage electrical toys and prevent them from working. Surface wiping and washing only is recommended. Be careful to not get liquid into internal circuits and electrical switches.
Outdoor Toys
In general, outdoor toys should need little cleaning other than to remove mud and dirt after use. However, it might be wise to wipe down handles and handrails with an antibacterial wipe or soapy water periodically.
