Toys can be so much fun for your child, but they can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. One of the primary concerns of all newbie moms is, "What can I use to clean my baby's toys?" Most of them use chemical cleaners like bleach or detergent that can harm your little one's health. Also, baby toys can be the home to many bacteria, and chemical cleaners don't ensure 100% safety for your health. So, what's the solution now? Let's find out.  

How do you clean a dirty toy? 

If your baby's favourite toys are made from plastic, it can be easy to find yourself in a sticky situation. This is because plastic toys tend to get dirty quickly and easily, but with the right cleaning products, they can be cleaned and reused again and again. The first thing that you should do is remove any stickers from the toy. Stickers often make cleaning difficult, so if you can get rid of them without damaging the toy, do so. Check for cracks or other damage before removing them; these could result in leaks or other problems when washed. 

Once all the stickers have been removed and there are no cracks or other damage, wash your baby's plastic toys in warm water with a mild plant-based cleaner, like TheBetterHome's baby toy cleaning liquid. It is non-toxic and contains the goodness of anti-bacterial ingredients like Neem and Jasmine. In addition, the active dirt removal formula eliminates dirt and bacteria without harming the shine and colour of the toy. Also, this liquid is a low-soap, easy rinse cleaner, which means it will help save water.  

Make sure to rinse well after washing so that any soap residue stays out of the new materials used for your child's toys. For example, if you have a wooden toy, you can use a damp cloth to clean it. However, no matter how dirty the toy is, it would help if you remember to wash it in hot water and soap daily. For example, if your child chews on the wooden part of his toy and makes it dirty, clean it with water and soap. 

How do you clean dirty plastic toys? 

Before providing the solution, you need to know that plastic elements can threaten your baby's health, even if it's clean and germ-free. It contains chemicals like BPA that can cause serious health issues in future. You can clean plastic toys by washing them in the dishwasher or using a damp cloth to wipe them down. If your child has licked the toy for a while, you should soak it in hot water with dish soap to loosen up any stains. Suppose your child's toy has come into contact with other germs or bacteria. You should wash it separately from other items and disinfect it with non-alcoholic wipes or hydrogen peroxide. 

How to make a homemade toy cleaner? 

When cleaning up after your baby, there are always some messes you can't avoid. From food and toys to spit-up and drool, you'll have a lot of cleaning up. But don't give up hope! You can make an easy homemade toy cleaner that will help get rid of all the gunk. 

1) Baking soda cleaner: 

What You'll Need: 

• 1 cup of baking soda 
• 2 cups of water 

Process: 

• Mix the baking soda and water in a bowl until they combine entirely.  
• Then, mix the ingredients using your hands so that the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the bowl.  
• Store your homemade toy cleaner in an airtight container to stay fresh for a long time. 

2) White vinegar: 

What you'll need: 

• Distilled white vinegar 
• Water 
• Washing soda (optional) 
• Baking soda (optional) 

Process: 

• Mix 1 tsp of distilled white vinegar in a bowl of water. 
• Gradually add washing and baking soda to the mixture; ensure it makes no lumps.  
• Dip a microfibre cloth in the solution and wipe the toys. 

3) Baby Shampoo: 

What you'll need: 

• A spray bottle 
• Vinegar 
• Water 
• Baby shampoo 

Process: 

• Pour 1 tsp vinegar and water into a spray bottle.  
• Mix sulphate-free baby shampoo and shake the bottle well.  
• Spray the solution on the toys and wipe them with a microfibre cloth.  

Safe and eco-friendly tips to clean baby toys: 

• Non-alcoholic wipes should be the go-to cleanup. Though it is always recommended to wash with warm water, you can also keep wiping the toys frequently to save time.  
• Instead of harsh chemicals, you can use simple kitchen ingredients like vinegar, soda, water, etc.  
• You can wash hard plastic toys in the dishwasher. 
• Boil your baby's toys; it is one of the most convenient ways to clean and sanitize your baby's toys.  
• Scrub your toys in warm soapy water with your hands; using a scrubber can ruin the texture.  
• Clean the bath toys daily. 
• Spin stuffed animals in the washing machine once in a while.