How to Safely Sanitise Your Baby's Soft Toys Using Eco-Friendly Methods

Taking care of small children is undoubtedly a full-time job! Their soft toys seem to wind up in their mouths, on the floor, and shared with friends, among other places! These toys are magnets for bacteria, so it's imperative to know how to clean them properly.

Don't worry, we’ve got what you need! To keep your soft toys clean and cuddly without endangering your kids or the environment, this guide explores safe and environmentally friendly cleaning techniques. Let's use these all-natural cleaning products to keep playtime enjoyable and healthy!

Eco-Friendly Sanitising Techniques for Soft Toys

Eco-friendly cleaning is a bit different from traditional cleaning, and not so difficult. Just a few more steps and little contributions from your side would aid the earth. Let's discuss them: 

Sunlight

Did you know sunlight is a natural disinfectant? It works perfectly for the toys that are less commonly utilised. We can say that it's really simple, as you just lay the soft toys, preferably over a clean surface, on a bright and sunny day. 

The UV rays of the sun have the ability to kill bacteria and freshen toys. Remember to get them back inside after some time, before the sunlight starts affecting them negatively. It can fade their colour. 

Vinegar

White vinegar is another powerful resource for natural cleaning that's readily available in any kitchen. However, you can't use it without diluting it. 

It means to mix equal parts white vinegar and water. You are advised to enclose this mixture in a spray bottle to make the application easier. Lightly mist the soft toy. Never soak the toy completely. And always let them air dry completely after spraying. 

Bonus point? Vinegar is a deodorizer too, so it can help eliminate any lingering baby smells.

Baking Soda 

Baking Soda is much more than a crucial baking ingredient! It’s a cleaning agent that is not too harsh and one can easily utilise it for regular cleaning of the home. Using it is very simple. Just sprinkle baking soda on the soft toy and let it sit. It will absorb any dirt and odours within thirty minutes. Then, brush off the powder with a soft brush or vacuum with the upholstery attachment.

Use Freezer 

You heard correctly! A freezer can be a helpful appliance for cleaning soft baby toys. 

Here's how to make the most of this surprising cleaning power:  Always start by making sure the soft toy can tolerate cold temperatures by reading the care label, if one is available. After verification, put the toy in a plastic bag that is tightly closed. 

The toy won't accumulate moisture during freezing if the seal is as tight as possible. After that, immediately place the soft toy's sealed bag in the freezer. Certain germs and dust mites that might be hiding on the toy's surface are killed by the low temperatures.  

For best results, place the toy in the freezer for a few hours. Take the sealed bag out of the freezer after the freezing time has passed and let the toy warm up completely at room temperature.

When giving the toy back to your child for playtime, it must be totally dry. This freezer method provides a quick and simple way to maintain the cleanliness and germ-free nature of your child's plush toys.

Essential Oil Extras

Want to make your cleaning solution smell extra nice? Here's a tip! You can add a few drops of special oil, like lavender or tea tree oil, that's safe for babies.  

These oils can help kill some germs and also make your cleaning solution smell fresh and yummy (but not yummy enough to eat!). Just remember, a few drops are all you need, and never put these oils directly on your baby or their toys.

Spot Cleaning 

For minor spills or stains, you can often address them with spot cleaning.  Use a clean, damp cloth and a gentle soap solution to dab at the stain.  Avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the stain.  Blot the area with a dry cloth and allow it to air dry completely.

The Power of Play

Here comes the most convenient way for all mothers, to let their children wash their toys themselves. For this, you need a small tub with soapy water that’s not harsh for the baby. Now just put your baby besides this arrangement and all their beloved toys in the bath. 

This is a fun way to teach them about hygiene and caring for their beloved toys.  Just be sure to supervise closely and ensure all cleaning solutions are out of reach when playtime is over. 

Washing Machine Woes

While not always recommended, some soft toys can be machine-washed.  Always check the care label first.  If the label says it's okay, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a fragrance-free detergent. Important Tip: Place the toy in a mesh laundry bag before washing to prevent

Boil Your Baby’s Toys

Do you have some hard plastic toys that need a good clean? Boiling them is a quick and easy way to zap those germs! Here's what you need:

• A pot big enough for your toys
• Water
• A stove

Keep in mind that not all toys are suitable for boiling water.  Before dipping the toy in hot water, make sure it has a label that reads "no boiling."  Additionally, confirm that the toy is free of any electrical cords, batteries, or other items that could melt or break in the heat.

• Pour enough water into your pot to completely soak the toys.
• After adding your toys to the pot, heat the water until it boils.
• Give the toys a few minutes to boil (if the label specifies a time, read it).
• Turn off the stove and allow the water to cool completely.

Before allowing your child to play with their sanitised toys once more, make sure the water has completely cooled. 

Right Washing Schedule For Your Baby’s Toys 

The straightforward answer to this blog would be, as soon as you start noticing the dirt, Although there isn't a universal solution for this, you can use this helpful guide to determine how often you should clean your soft baby toys:

High-Traffic Toys

There must be some high-traffic toys in your child’s collection that they can’t live without. In simpler words, those that your little one can’t put down. It can be anything, like teethers, or rattles, that frequently end up in their mouth. As they get the most action, they need to fix your toy washing schedule more frequently. 

Occasional Play Pals

Although the preferences of every baby are unique, stuffed animals, building blocks, and other toys that get played with sometimes might not need daily cleaning. What you can do for their care is schedule them in your weekly washing routine. And if not proper washing, then a wipe-down is a good idea.

Extra Cleaning Situations

Wash Before and After Playdates

Playdates provide a fun environment where your little one can strengthen their social skills, like communication and cooperation. However, they may also serve as an exchange of germs. You can dramatically reduce the risk of them catching a cold or other illness by scheduling washing before and after playdates. 

Daily Washes When your Baby is Sick

Germs love a good playdate, so when your little one is under the weather, wash their toys daily to help prevent germs from spreading. 

Deep Clean After an Illness

Once your little one feels better, give all their soft toys a super thorough cleaning. This will help get rid of any lingering germs and ensure playtime stays healthy.

Remember that these are just guidelines!  Use your best judgement. If a toy looks or feels dirty, give it a wash, regardless of how often it gets played with.