How to Clean and Disinfect Toys Naturally
While vinegar is great for removing everyday germs on toys, if you need to kill strep or any serious virus you will need to go an alternative route such as bleach or rubbing alcohol. I highly recommend a “wash me” tub to keep in your classroom or toy room. If you see any child put a toy in their mouth, when they are done throw the toy in. That makes life easier to just carry a bucket to the sink and disinfect.
This spray works great for cleaning WHILE the kids are still playing! If they stick it in their mouths you don’t have to call poison control 🙂
Alternative Ways to Clean Toys
Dishwasher– You can load up your dishwasher with plastic toys on the top rack and put in vinegar instead of dish detergent.
Washing Machine– If you have any fabric toys such as stuffed animals, cloth books, blankets etc. you can throw them in the washing machine on delicate cycle.
Bath Tub– Pour ½ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water and let toys soak in it for an hour. Scrub them all with a sponge, run under clean water then dry.
Natural Disinfecting Spray
Ingredients
- ½ cup White Vinegar
- ½ cup Distilled Water
- 20 drops Lemon or Orange Essential Oils
Instructions
- Mix vinegar and water 1:1 ratio in a squirt bottle then add in drops of oil.
- Shake it up then spray on toys and wipe clean.
