How to clean your toys.

Sharing is caring, but not when it come to germs.

Toys are made to be played with, and they invariably end up in the mouth and on the floors.

So here is a guide to cleaning your toys, to keep the germs to a minimum.

Kids are messy, and friendly and have no idea about personal space, but we don't want to stop them from playing with their toys.

So we have created a few tips to help you clean and disinfect your baby’s toys.

1 - The Dishwasher

We love a toy that can be placed in the dishwasher. Let the dishwasher clean away the sand, dirt and the germs.

Toys like Green toys, Viking toys, Dantoys are perfect for the dishwasher.

2 - The washing machine

A number of soft toys are ok to go into the washing machine, and hanging them on the line to get a dose of sunshine (nature's antibiotic) also helps to kill those germs.

We always suggest to parents to get two of the favourite toys or blankets so that one can be in the wash and one for cuddles.

Check the label on your soft toys before putting them in the wash.  (Papoose toys can not be immersed)

3 - Hot water and soap

Believe it or not hot water and soap is the best way to get rid of germs. Throw away all the chemicals, the spaying the sanitisers. 

How to clean toys with Hot water and soap?

• Fill the sink and then wipe down your wooden toys with a cloth. 
• Don't immerse them and ensure you dry them off quickly.
• Grimms, Grapat, Qtoys, all the wooden toys.

5 - Spot clean

If you can't immerse the toys in water, give them a spot clean with a damp cloth.

Think about that iPad screen!  Wipe it down between uses.

4 - Quarantine

Many germs like viruses do not live on inanimate objects for long.

So if you can't wash the toys (toys with batteries or spot clean only)  then you can quarantine them.

This means a simple rotating of toys.  The kids will enjoy 'new toys' every day.

5 - Stay clean

One way to stop the spread of germs is to stay clean ourselves.

Good hygiene is so important.

We have a super simple tip for cleaning your bath toys here.

6 - Set up a Car wash

Set up a car wash for the kids, we used to love this game. 

You need a tub of soapy water, a cloth and a towel.

Now line up the toy cars and toy vehicles and start washing.

Maybe some of them need petrol too?  Do you charge more for the big cars?

A great activity for the kids and a nice way to have them playing with soapy water.

- Helle.

Helle owns Lucas loves cars.  Working with toys since 2012, she has played with toys for a long time and is very picky about which toys make the list.   Like a spoilt child, she will have a tantrum if the toy doesn't work and will play for hours if she finds it engaging and fun.  Or until someone tells her it's time for lunch.