How do you clean used toys?

ErinMSB · December 2009

We picked up some toys at a mom-to-mom sale that I'd like to give to DD for Christmas. But I'm unsure of how to clean them. Once upon a time, I would've used bleach water. But I'd rather not use that since they'll end up in DD's mouth at some point. Any suggestions? TIA.

mommy2b08 · December 2009

One of the kids at DD's party was sick - when it was over I resorted to using a bleach water solution even though I didn't really want to. I did wipe them down again with a soapy rag, rinse, and dry afterwards.

FutureMrsLemon · December 2009

Maybe a vinegar/water solution, with some tea tree oil added? I thought Tea Tree oil was supposed to be antibacterial. But I would honestly just search for a eco-friendly cleaning solution or buy one. Hot water works too, depending on what kind of toy it is.

tmp-214118062502913 · December 2009

If it's doable, I stick them in the dishwasher on the top rack. Other than that, I usually do some scrubbing with Dr. Bronner's.

goodgalpal · December 2009

If I didn't know the families I'd bleach water them once & dry them, then do scrubbing w Dr B. That way they'd be sanitized but the bleach would be gone.

Lotte134 · December 2009

We use dish soap and water on plastic toys. It seems more EF than bleach though I have no research to back that up.

englishviola · December 2009

I do use bleach water sometimes, esp. with CL finds, (and then rinse well), but I had to clean some little people this week and just used dish-soapy water and rinsed and dried thoroughly. Not super EF, though.