Cleaning and Disinfection of Toys

Infants and young children share toys and often place them in their mouths. This increases the risk of spreading infections. To reduce this risk, play areas and storage spaces should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Ensure that the disinfectant is safe and suitable for use on toys. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for dilution and contact times for these disinfectants.

Cleaning and disinfecting hard plastic toys

• Remove toys from the play area after use and place them in a collection box for cleaning and disinfection
• Clean and disinfect the collection box at the same time that toys are being cleaned and disinfected
• Clean toys in hot soapy water prior to using a disinfectant
• Use a brush to clean crevices or hard to reach areas
• Rinse toys well under running water as soap may neutralize the disinfectant
• Soak toys in an appropriate disinfectant for required amount of time (contact time)
• Rinse toys with clean water to remove any disinfectant solution, if indicated on the label; bleach does not require rinsing
• Clean and disinfect dishwasher-safe, hard plastic toys in a commercial dishwasher with a sanitizer or a hot rinse cycle
• Completely air dry toys before they are returned to use
• Keep a record of when toys were cleaned and disinfected

Cleaning and disinfecting soft, porous toys or dress up clothes

• Launder fabrics or plush toys in a washing machine with hot water, and dry in a clothes dryer on a hot cycle
• Avoid using disinfectant products on porous surfaces

Cleaning other items

• Clean and disinfect other items (e.g., scissors, puzzles, storage bins, etc.) when they are visibly dirty
• Items such as books and some craft equipment may be difficult to clean, so consider discarding them once they are soiled
• Avoid sensory play during an outbreak, such as activities using play dough, sand or water
• Clean and disinfect computer keyboards, mice and other electronics between uses

Follow instructions

It might be tempting to mix cleaning products to make sure your facility is germ-free -- but don’t. Mixing some cleaners and disinfectants (like chlorine bleach and ammonia) can be harmful, even deadly. Others can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat and cause breathing problems.

For more information, call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744.