How to Clean and Sanitize Plastic and Wooden Baby Toys

Babies explore the world with their mouths — meaning everything they touch ends up in there. Keeping toys clean is important, but the method depends on the material.

Cleaning Plastic Toys

Hard plastic toys are the easiest to clean:

1. Wash with warm soapy water (a few drops of baby-safe dish soap)
2. Use a brush to reach textured surfaces or holes
3. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue is as much a problem as bacteria
4. Sanitize with a dilute white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) — air dry
5. Alternatively: top rack of dishwasher if the toy has no batteries and the label permits it

Cleaning Wooden Toys

Wood cannot be submerged in water — it will warp, swell, and crack. Use a different approach:

1. Wipe with a cloth dampened with dilute soapy water
2. Immediately wipe dry with another cloth — do not leave wet
3. For deeper cleaning: cloth dampened with 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water, then dry immediately
4. Allow to air dry fully in indirect sunlight before returning to use
5. Apply a small amount of beeswax or food-grade mineral oil periodically to preserve the wood

Cleaning Soft Toys

• Machine washable soft toys: wash at 60°C to kill bacteria and dust mites
• Non-machine washable: place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze overnight — kills dust mites
• Spot clean with damp cloth and mild detergent; air dry
• Check for loose eyes, buttons, or stuffing before returning to baby

How Often to Clean