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How to Disinfect New Toys

Toys should be disinfected to remove germs that can make children sick. Some items, such as plastic toys, can be soaked in a liquid solution in order to disinfect the pieces. Other electronic toys, such as video game controllers, need to be spot disinfected to prevent damaging the wiring in the toy. Both methods eliminate germs and bacteria found on toys.

Things You'll Need

Sink/bucket
Antibacterial dish soap
Water
Bleach
Soft-bristled brush
Cleaning gloves
Cloths/towels

Instructions

Plastic toys
- 1
  Fill the sink or bucket with hot (but not so hot that you can't touch) water and 1 to 2 tbsp. of antibacterial soap. Be sure the bucket/sink is large enough to fully submerge the toy(s) you're cleaning before filling it.
- 2
  Soak the toys for about 10 minutes.
- 3
  Scrub the toys with a soft-bristled brush. This can be done while the toys are still submerged.
- 4
  Rinse the toys under running water. Then empty and rinse the sink or bucket.
- 5
  Put on the cleaning gloves. Wear the gloves until you finish rinsing the toys.
- 6
  Mix ¼ cup bleach with 1 gallon clean water inside the bucket/sink.
- 7
  Soak the toys in the solution for approximately 10 to 20 minutes. Then, rinse the toys under running water again.
- 8
  Dry the toys with a clean towel, or let the toys fully air dry before putting them away.
Electronic toys
- 9
  Mix 1 gallon clean water with ¼ cup bleach inside a sink/bucket.
- 10
  Soak a clean towel or cloth in the solution for 60 seconds.
- 11
  Wring the towel/cloth out thoroughly, ensuring that all excess liquid is removed.
- 12
  Wipe the entire toy with the cloth. Then, dry the toy with a clean cloth or towel.

Other Toys