Keeping our children’s toys clean should be a top priority when we play with them and we parents should prioritize on keeping our children’s toys clean, as the cuddly toys or stuffed animals that belong to them happen to be one of the most germ-laden items in their possession.
In this post you are going to learn a few methods that can help you clean your kids’ soft toys efficiently.
Why Should We Wash Soft Toys?
Not only do soft toys gather countless amounts of dust or other pollutants but were you aware how much bacteria or allergens could be found within them? Harmful bacteria triggered by the accumulation of bodily fluids like sweat and saliva can cause allergies and sicknesses in children. Furthermore, frequent washing is necessary to ensure they stay clean.
How To Wash Soft Toys:
Ignoring care information found on a stuffed animal’s label may lead to unintended damage to its materials and stuffing when attempting to wash it.
Machine Washing
Most soft toys have labels that tell you if it’s safe to wash them using a washing machine.
To keep your clothes looking their best when using a washing machine it is best to utilize the delicate setting with a cold wash and it is important to pick out an appropriate type of cleaning product for soft materials like baby shampoo.
To prevent surface damage such as scuffs and scratches on your plush toy while washing it in a machine drum always use a mesh laundry bag and place it securely inside before starting up the cycle.
Once you’ve finished washing your clothes in a machine you can then hang them out and let them dry naturally, ideally, place them outside in the sun but if not put them indoors by an open window while making sure they’re not directly exposed to sunlight.
Handwashing
If your child’s stuffed toy cannot withstand being tossed in a washing machine entirely, then go for hand-washing as an alternative and make sure to use soapy lukewarm water when cleaning by gently rubbing it in before washing off completely using cold water. Carefully wring out afterwards without twisting or rubbing since these actions could alter its shape and damage its material and letting clothes air-dry is best achieved by hanging them outside or laying them flat in an area with good ventilation once completed.
Sanitizing Soft Toys:
If you notice any wear and tear on your child’s soft toys make sure you sanitize them in addition to washing them regularly – especially after being used by a sick child.
To get rid of many harmful microbes present on the surface of these toys you need to soak them in distilled white vinegar and warm water mixture for approximately 10 minutes then wipe it off using a clean towel, and this simple yet effective method kills most common bacteria found on children’s playthings. If preferred one may choose to use commercially available sprays or sanitizing wipes developed specifically for this purpose.
Final Thoughts:
Concluding, keeping your child’s stuffed animals clean is a small task that requires very little effort but has an enormous impact on their overall health, washing your child’s soft toys regularly with these tips will guarantee that only healthy-friendly companions are available for them to play with at any age.
