Toys accumulate germs quickly – especially ones shared between children or frequently mouthed.
- Hard plastic toys: Wipe with a cloth dampened with diluted dish soap. Rinse. Or run in the top rack of the dishwasher if they have no batteries or fabric.
- Bath toys: Squeeze out all water after every bath. Soak monthly in diluted white vinegar for 10 minutes, rinse, and air dry completely. Mold inside bath toys is a significant health concern.
- Stuffed animals: Most are machine washable on gentle, cold water. Air dry to preserve shape. If not washable, place in a sealed bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.