How to Clean Toddler Toys

Wash stuffed toys in your washing machine. Most stuffed toys such as stuffed animals can be washed in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent. Be sure to check the tag on the stuffed toy you want to clean before putting it in the washing machine and follow any special instructions outlined on the tag.

Put hard plastic toys in the dishwasher to get them clean. The dishwasher is great to use for cleaning toddler toys because the high temperature of the water in the dishwasher sanitizes the toys as well. Simply place your toddler's toys in the dishwasher and wash as normal with your dishwashing detergent.

Use hot soapy water to clean toddler toys by hand. If you don't have a dishwasher or don't want to use a dishwasher to clean toys, just wash them by hand. Soak your toddler's toys in hot soapy water. You can either use a small amount of dishwashing detergent, dish soap or any other liquid soap to clean the toys. Be sure to dry the toys thoroughly with a towel afterwards.

Rinse off large toys outside. Outside play equipment such as plastic ride-ons or plastic play gyms also need to be cleaned regularly. You can use hot soapy water in a bucket and a garden hose to clean these outdoor items.

Spray a sanitizer on your toddler's toys. Spray the sanitizer on toys you want to clean and then wipe them off after several minutes with a soft cloth or a paper towel. Buy sanitizers at the grocery store o discount store, or make your own. Just mix a weak solution of water and bleach in a spray bottle.

Disinfect toys with a disinfecting spray, such as Lysol. Spray your toddler's toys with disinfecting spray and wipe off with a towel. This step is important to remember if your toddler has been sick or if someone else who has been sick has come in contact with your toddler's toys.