It’s no secret that wherever kids go, crumbs and clutter typically follow. As for germs, gunk, and goo? Yep, kids have those covered too. As parents, we know that organizing toys is only part of the playroom puzzle. We spend almost as much time picking things up as we do wiping them down, which is why creating our own line of cleaning products felt like a natural next step. Organizing and cleaning are two sides of the same coin for maintaining a happy, healthy home. In fact, did you know that research says that every hour of cleaning we do is associated with a 53% boost in happiness? By creating systems that streamline both routines, polishing up becomes plug-and-play, not a task that takes all day.
Scroll down for our guide to deep cleaning every type of toy, plus a special peek into our new cleaning collection at Walmart.
Cleaning Caddy Checklist:
What’s more convenient than a cleaning caddy? Stock yours with the following supplies to stay organized and save time without the extra steps:
- Cleaning caddy (obviously)
- Dust pan and brush set
- Laundry wash bag
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloths
- Steam cleaner
- White distilled vinegar
- Baking soda
How to Clean Plastic & Silicone Toys (Non-Electronic):
Let’s start with the easiest task, shall we? When cleaning non-electronic plastic and silicone toys, you have three simple options:
In The Washing Machine: Use a dustpan and brush to sweep small toys into a mesh laundry bag and toss in the washing machine on cold. Once complete, remove the toys from the bag and let them air dry.
In The Dishwasher:Place toys in the top rack of your dishwasher and let the detergent and the hot water do the cleaning and disinfecting work for you. Stick smaller toys in amesh bagto avoid anything slipping through the cracks.
Tip:Use adish pod organizerandcabinet door organizer to keep your detergent andmicrofiber clothswithin reach.
In The Sink: Don’t have a dishwasher or prefer to wash by hand? Just fill a sink or bucket with warm water and either baking soda, vinegar, or dish soap, dump in the toys, and let them soak for a few minutes. For an extra deep clean, let the toys air dry prior to rinsing, then wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Plastic/Silicone Toys (Electronic):
As if we needed another reason to despise toys that make noise, cleaning anything electronic requires more manual labor. While you can’t soak, you can spray, as long as you do it in a safe way that provides the same amount of sanitization.
We recommend filling a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of water and white distilled vinegar. Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the toys, letting them air dry.
How to Clean Plush Toys:
Word to the wise: Check the care instructions before throwing your child’s favorite stuffed animal in the washing machine. No one wants to deal with the aftermath of Miss Piggy losing all of her stuffing. If it has batteries, a sound box, or is hanging on by a literal thread, skip the spin cycle and use a steam cleaner instead.
If you do plan to throw the toy in the washing machine, just make sure you place it in a laundry bag or pillowcase for protection. Wash on the gentle cycle and let air dry.
How to Clean Wooden Toys:
From rocking horses to train sets, we love the look and sustainability of wooden toys, even if they are a bit more complicated to clean. Similar to plastic electronics, soaking is a no go. You’ll want to follow the same approach of wiping down each toy with a microfiber cloth after lightly spritzing with your trusty 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. For stubborn buildup, make a baking soda & water paste and scrub gently with a damp cloth.
