When it comes to household chores, most of us believe that the dishwasher should take care of the dishes. After all, it does a great job cleaning them and saves time and energy. While you certainly wouldn’t put a toy into the dishwasher, there are many other things you can wash down with water — even baby toys.
What You Should Not Put in the Dishwasher
While some items may be fine for washing by hand or sink, others don’t work well when washed in hot soapy water. Here’s what you shouldn’t put in your dishwasher:
* Stuffed animals because they will get damaged.
* Small parts like buttons, screws, coins, jewelry, etc.
* Hard plastic baby and children’s toys, such as cars, trucks, balls, puzzles, dolls, action figures, etc.
* Toys made of wood because they could splinter.
* Books because they will become soggy.
* Clothing because they will shrink.
* Shoes and socks because they might stain.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Washing Baby Toys
Here are some tips on how to wash toys so you can keep your baby healthy and safe while still enjoying their favorite playthings:
DO Wash your baby’s toys regularly
Bath toys like floats and rubber duckies need regular cleaning, just as frequently as a tub. If the toys aren’t cleaned regularly, they can quickly accumulate harmful germs. It is best to wash toys before use (or even after use), but this isn’t always possible. If you cannot wash toys, wipe them off with a damp cloth. Whatever method you use, ensure you carry out cleaning those toys regularly.
DO Keep toys out of the reach of children
Some toys contain small pieces that can easily be swallowed. Also, keep sharp edges away from little fingers. For example, avoid placing toys near food, drinks, or strollers. Finally, make sure that toys are stored properly. Don’t leave toys lying around where kids can see them. Store them high enough on shelves that young children cannot access them.
Don’t use harsh chemicals
Never use soap, detergents, chlorine bleach, chemical cleaner, or any other harsh cleaning solution on baby toys. These products can damage fabric, rubber, leather, and plastics. Instead, try using warm, not hot, water. This will help soften dirt and remove stains without damaging your toys. Some modern plastic baby toys can also be cleaned using mild dish soap. You can sanitize or disinfect toys using Lysol or Vinegar solution.
Don’t Let your child chew on his/her toys
Chewing on toys can lead to tooth decay. Also, chewing can cause small objects to break apart. In addition, toys may harbor bacteria that can spread disease. So, keep your baby’s toys away from him/her until they are thoroughly cleaned.
Don’t Allow your baby to suck on toys
When your child sucks on something, he/she puts saliva on it, which then causes germs and bacteria to grow. This can result in an unpleasant odor and unsanitary conditions. To prevent this, store toys in sealed containers or bags. You can also cover toys with a towel to protect them from being sucked on.
Remember, toys are meant to be enjoyed and played with. However, keeping them clean is important too. That way, they’ll last longer and remain fun for you and your child.
Do check for the manufacturer’s instructions
Some toys can be thrown into the washing machine for a good cleaning, but not all. For example, most plush toys, fabric, and stuffed animals can be cleaned with a washing machine under a gentle cycle, whereas toys with batteries are best cleaned by hand. So ensure to check the instruction on the label to know whether it is machine washable or what cleaning method works best for it.
How To Clean Baby Toys in the Dishwasher
Babies enjoy having fun with their toys. But sometimes, cleaning those toys can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your baby’s toys clean and sanitized while allowing them to stay fun and exciting.
First, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturers often recommend specific methods for cleaning certain types of toys. For example, most baby bathtubs come equipped with soft bristles designed specifically for cleaning baby toys. Make sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Next, place your baby’s toys into a large bowl and fill the dishwasher with warm water. Add two tablespoons of liquid detergent per a load of dishes. Then, run the cycle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most times, a gentle wash cycle is recommended.
Finally, dry your baby’s toys on low heat. Remember, some fabrics may shrink when washed in the machine. If so, hang the toys outside to air-dry.
If you’re looking for more information about how to clean baby toys, check out our other blog posts.
Put Medium Toys on the Top Rack
Most medium-sized baby toys should fit on top racks. However, if your infant has trouble reaching the lower rack, consider putting these items on the upper rack instead.
For instance, many babies like to hold onto stuffed animals. And, since these toys tend to be larger than average, they might get stuck on the bottom rack. Moving them to the top rack gives your baby a better chance of grabbing hold of them.
Also, don’t forget about your baby’s favorite books! Many parents put books on the bottom rack of the dishwasher because they think that’s where the pages get wet. However, this isn’t true. The truth is that the pages get soaked during washing. So, if you want to ensure your book doesn’t get ruined, move it to the top rack.
Your Guide to How to Clean Toys in the Dishwasher
Baby toys are essential to any baby’s development. They help children learn new skills, develop social relationships, and become independent. As such, it’s crucial to take good care of them.
However, not every toy is created equal. Some are made of materials that require extra attention to keep them clean. Others are just plain dirty. So, what do you do? Here are some tips to help you clean baby toys properly.
1) Wash plastic Baby Toys in Cold Water
Many people assume that hot water will damage just about any toy. But, this isn’t true. Hot water is only damaging to plastic and rubber toys. It won’t harm those made of fabric.
So, before you wash plastic toys, use cold water. You can also use baby soap or baby shampoo. You’ll avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to your child’s toys. When you are done, wipe with a clean cloth or baby wipe. You don’t need to air-dry.
2) Use Liquid Detergent
Liquid detergents work best for cleaning baby toys. Of course, as needed, you can always add additional regular detergent (the powdered ones). But, liquid detergents generally contain fewer ingredients than powders. Therefore, they’re safer and easier to use. If you can obtain a baby-friendly detergent, that’s even better.
3) Dry Baby Toys on Low Heat
When drying toys, set your oven to its lowest setting. This will prevent your baby’s toys from getting too hot. Also, remember to lay them flat to dry. Otherwise, they could wrinkle.
4) Don’t Overload Your Dishes
You shouldn’t need to wash too hot. Also, make sure to turn off the oven after drying is complete. Otherwise, the temperature could rise above safe levels.
4) Don’t Let Your Baby Play With Dirty Toys
A child will play with a toy anywhere, never minding whether it’s dirty. Harmful germs may also be present. So, always monitor their toys so you can wash them before germs have the opportunity to accumulate. And until you can wash, keep the dirty toy away from the baby.
5) Keep Babies Away From Hazardous Chemicals
While you’re cleaning your baby’s toys, make sure to remove anything containing hazardous chemicals. These include cleaners, solvents, and paints.
6) Store Cleaned Toys Properly
After you’ve cleaned your baby’s toys, store them away safely. Make sure to place them out of reach of small fingers. Also, cover them with a soft towel, so they don’t get damaged.
7) Keep Baby Toys Safe
Finally, when you’re done cleaning your baby’s toys, keep them safe. Remove sharp objects from toys. Also, discard old toys once they start to look worn.
