Maintaining safe play: How often to wash children's toys
Illustrative photo (Photo: pixabay.com)
Toys for a child are not just a source of entertainment, but also a way of exploring the world. And they are also a real breeding ground for bacteria because kids put them in their mouths, drag them on the floor, take them on walks, and to daycare. Therefore, it is very important to carefully monitor the cleanliness of toys and wash them regularly.
How often you need to wash them and how to do it right, is explained by RBC-Ukraine.
The material was prepared using sources: Good housekeeping, USA Today.
How dirty are toys
According to research, toys can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria, yeast, mold, and feces.
80% of soft toys contain potentially dangerous bacteria.
25% are contaminated with feces.
75% of toys are never washed.
90% of children throw their toys on the floor, where, by rough estimates, there are over 750 bacteria per square inch!
Toys for pets, as is known, are dirty, containing yeast, mold, and bacteria.
How often to wash children's toys
Children's toys, which are most often put in the child's mouth and thrown on the floor, require the most attention. Clean them every one to two days. The rest can be treated weekly.
Plastic and wooden toys: 1-2 times a week.
Soft toys that cannot be washed: once a week.
Bath toys: after each bath.
Electronic toys are safe only when cleaning the surface, and they should be wiped with a disinfectant weekly and always when the child is sick.
How to wash toys correctly
Plastic and rubber toys: can be washed with warm water and soap. For stubborn stains, you can use a vinegar or alcohol solution.
Wooden toys: wipe with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Do not immerse in water!
Soft toys:
Wash in the washing machine: choose a delicate wash mode with a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
Hand washing: use warm water with baby shampoo or soap.
Dry cleaning: if the toy cannot be washed, use a special spray for dry cleaning of soft furniture.
Cleaning and disinfection: Soak the toys in soapy water for 10-15 minutes.
Wash the toys by hand using a soft sponge.
Rinse off the soapy water with clean water.
Dilute a 0.05% chlorhexidine solution with water in a ratio of 1:10. Soak the toys for 10 minutes, then wipe them with a clean cloth. Vinegar cannot be used.
Avoid drying toys with a hairdryer or on a heater, let them dry completely in the open air.
By the way, we previously wrote about 8 things in the bathroom that need to be washed regularly.
