How to Clean and Disinfect Your Child’s Favourite Toys the Safe, Eco-Friendly Way
Apr 23, 2025
Why Cleaning Kids' Toys Matters
Toys are an essential part of every child’s life — they bring joy, support learning, and encourage imagination. But over time, those same toys can harbour dirt, bacteria, allergens, and even mould. Regularly cleaning kids' toys is crucial for both hygiene and longevity.
At Little Gliders, we stock a curated collection of quality toys, from ride-ons to wooden wonders and plush friends. To help you get the most from your investment, we’ve created this complete guide on how to disinfect baby toys and maintain them for years of safe, happy play.
How Often Should You Clean Toys?
Not every toy needs to be sanitised daily, but a schedule helps. Here’s a quick guide:
- Daily use plastic toys: Clean every 2–4 weeks
- Teething toys & bath toys: Weekly
- Stuffed animals: Every 1–2 weeks or as needed
- Outdoor toys: Weekly, especially if left outside
- After illness or exposure: Clean immediately
The Best Toy Cleaning Methods by Material
1. Plastic and Silicone Toys (Non-Electronic)
These are the easiest to clean — think of our Gonge balancing toys or Jupiduu slides. Use one of these methods:
✅ Dishwasher:
Place toys on the top rack. Use a mesh laundry bag for smaller items like parts from stacking toys.
✅ Washing Machine:
Bundle toys into a mesh bag, run a cold, gentle cycle, and air dry.
✅ Sink Soak:
Use warm water mixed with:
- Mild dish soap
- OR baking soda
- OR white vinegar (for eco-friendly toy care)
Let soak for 15 minutes, rinse, and air dry with a microfibre cloth.
2. Electronic Plastic Toys
Toys with batteries like VTech learning toys should never be submerged.
What to do:
- Mix 50/50 vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto a cloth, not directly on the toy.
- Wipe all surfaces, especially sticky buttons.
- Dry thoroughly before replacing batteries.
3. Plush Toys and Stuffed Animals
Soft toys like comforters or musical plush animals can quickly collect dust, drool, and allergens.
✅ If machine washable:
- Place inside a pillowcase or delicates bag.
- Wash on a gentle, cool cycle.
- Tumble dry on low or air dry.
❌ If non-washable:
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment.
- Spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap.
- Use a steam cleaner if available for deeper cleaning.
4. Wooden Toys
Our Fitwood collection and wooden indoor climbing toys should be handled with extra care.
- Never soak wooden toys — water warps wood.
- Instead, wipe with a vinegar-water spray and cloth.
- For tough grime, make a paste of baking soda + water and rub gently with a damp cloth.
5. Outdoor Toys
Items like the Gonge balance board or Squish and Micro balance bikes should be rinsed regularly.
How to clean outdoor toys:
- Rinse with a hose
- Scrub dirty spots with warm soapy water and a brush
- Let dry thoroughly in the sun
6. Sandpits & Sand Toys
Sandboxes can harbour bacteria if not maintained. For cleaning:
- Keep covered when not in use
- Rake weekly
- Disinfect monthly with vinegar or a 1:1 bleach-water mix
- Replace sand annually
Check out our outdoor play collection for safe, durable sand and garden toys.
Toy Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind
- Store properly: Use baskets or wooden toy storage to prevent dust buildup.
- Rotate toys: Reduce clutter and improve focus.
- Declutter regularly: Donate unused toys; toss broken ones.
- Teach your child: Cleaning up is part of play!
Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Toy Cleaning Solutions
For chemical-free sanitising:
- White vinegar: Naturally antibacterial and safe for most surfaces.
- Castile soap: Gentle, biodegradable, and great for sensitive skin.
- Baking soda: Perfect for deodorising plush toys.
Shop our eco-conscious wooden toys and support sustainable play.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your child’s toys clean doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With these best toy cleaning methods and non-toxic toy cleaning tips, you’ll extend the life of your toys, protect your child’s health, and even create more organised, peaceful play spaces.
Browse our full collection of playtime toys and follow us on Instagram for more toy maintenance tips and parenting inspiration.
