How to Clean Plastic Toys

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
• Warm water
• White vinegar
• Soft brush
• Mesh bag (for small toys)
• Clean towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Sort by type

   Separate toys into groups: solid plastic (can be soaked), electronic toys (wipe only), and battery-operated toys (wipe only with battery removed).

2. 2

   Soak solid plastic toys

   Fill a sink with warm water and dish soap. Submerge solid plastic toys and let soak for 10-15 minutes.

3. 3

   Scrub stubborn dirt

   Use a soft brush to scrub dirty toys. Pay extra attention to cracks, joints, and decals where grime accumulates.

4. 4

   Disinfect with vinegar

   After washing, rinse toys in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for natural disinfection. Vinegar is safe for toys babies put in their mouths.

5. 5

   Air dry on a towel

   Lay toys on a clean towel to air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Pro Tips

• TIPRun dishwasher-safe plastic toys through the dishwasher in a mesh bag on the top rack with mild detergent.
• TIPDisinfect toys after any illness in the household to prevent reinfection.
• TIPWipe electronic and battery-operated toys with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap -- never submerge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XSubmerging electronic or battery-operated toys, which destroys the electronics and batteries.
• XUsing bleach on colored plastic toys, which causes fading and damages the material.
• XStoring toys while damp, which breeds mold inside hollow toys with small openings.

Frequently Asked Questions