Can kids toys go in the dishwasher?

It is recommended that favorite toys be washed weekly, while other toys may benefit from monthly cleaning. Although this sounds like a lot of work, plastic toys can be safely washed in the dishwasher, allowing for easy and effective cleaning. Some toys may be labeled dishwasher-safe. Rattles for babies, plastic blocks, large plastic clamps, sorting parts in plastic shapes and some bathroom toys can be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher.

Hot water and soap from the dishwasher will help disinfect and clean the toys. The dishwasher is also ideal for certain bathroom toys, which may start to develop mold and mildew over time. Surface wipes are a great way to clean plastic toys that have batteries and cannot be placed in soap and water or in the dishwasher. Toys, such as plastic blocks, baby bells and teethers, can be easily cleaned in the sink with dish soap and warm water.

How often you should clean and disinfect toys depends on how much you use them, your family's general health, and your children's contact with other children. Fight bacteria, germs and viruses by following these tips to keep your children's toys clean and hygienic. Since babies and toddlers are mouth toys (especially when their teeth are coming out), environmentally safe cleaners are preferred. Simply washing your hands with soap and water is a great way to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, and it also works on toys and surfaces.

Keeping your children's toys clean is good, but there's a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. If you ever see mold inside a toy or mold appears when you shake or squeeze it, discard it immediately. Before throwing a toy in the washing machine, check the color resistance of all of the toy's fabrics and ornaments with a drop of water. Keeping your baby's toys clean and dry will help reduce the spread of bacteria and germs in general.

It's always important to clean and disinfect toys more often when your child is sick or has the flu and to do it again after they've recovered. You can't protect your children from everything, but you can minimize the germs and viruses that cause illness if you learn to disinfect toys and keep them clean.