Babies' toys often end up... in their mouths. We know this well. They are essential tools for development, but also real vehicles for germs, bacteria and viruses. So how can we keep them clean without exposing children to aggressive or potentially dangerous substances?
In this article I want to guide you step by step in choosing the right products and good habits to adopt every day to ensure safe, effective and respectful cleaning of the skin and the environment .
Do I need to sanitize toys every day?
When it comes to baby toys, people often ask themselves: "Do I have to disinfect everything or will a simple wipe with soap and water suffice?"
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer , but there are some useful differences to know:
- Washing means removing visible dirt, such as crumbs, dust or traces of food.
- Sanitizing is an additional step: it reduces the number of bacteria present, bringing them to a level considered safe for health.
- Disinfecting , on the other hand, has a more targeted action against viruses, bacteria and fungi, which is especially useful at particular times or when the object often ends up in the mouth.
For children's games, what matters is the context.
If they have only been indoors, regular sanitization may be sufficient. If they have fallen on the ground at the park or have been touched by many hands, disinfection may be a safer option .
The key is to find a balance between protection and common sense , without overdoing it but not underestimating it either. And, of course, using products that are suitable for delicate skin and sensitive materials .
And as for timing, there’s no need to go crazy. It takes consistency and common sense.
- Every day : for toys that often end up in the mouth.
- Every week : for those used less or only at home.
- After each outing : if the game has been placed in public places (benches, floors, strollers, etc.)
- Whenever it falls to the ground : away from home? Carry a ready-to-use spray with you, to use even on the fly.
Establishing a routine helps you keep everything under control, without stressing yourself and without overdoing it .
Pay attention to the materials: each game has its own rules
Not all baby toys are cleaned the same way. The material they are made of really makes a difference, both in terms of safety and durability over time.
Here are some practical tips to treat them in the most correct way:
- Hard plastic
It is the easiest material to handle. It resists well to most hygiene methods and can be cleaned often. After an initial pass with water and neutral detergent, you can use a delicate disinfectant spray. Always make sure to dry it well. - Rubber or silicone
Often used for chewing toys, they require a little extra care. Use only gentle disinfectants that are free of alcohol or perfume, and that do not leave residues. Avoid aggressive products that could alter the consistency of the material or make it sticky. - Fabric and plush
They are not always suitable for machine washing at high temperatures. If you cannot wash them, you can still sanitize them by spraying a gentle disinfectant solution, letting it act and then airing well. Always check the label to understand the safest cleaning method. - Wood
It is a porous and delicate material, which should never be immersed in water. To clean it, it is best to use a slightly damp cloth and, if necessary, a disinfectant product suitable for sensitive surfaces. Avoid alcohol, bleach and anything that can stain or penetrate the fibers.
Each material has its own needs, and the key is to adapt the cleaning method to the type of game, without exaggerating and without neglecting the importance of hygiene.
Bleach, alcohol, vinegar: why not?
Speaking of products to disinfect baby toys, there are still many people who use bleach or alcohol . Yes, they work. But at what cost?
- They can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions .
- They leave chemical residues that, even in small quantities, should never end up in a child's mouth.
- They are polluting and often too aggressive for delicate or porous materials.
And vinegar? Unfortunately, it is ineffective against viruses and bacteria .
It helps eliminate bad odors, but it doesn't really disinfect .
When it comes to baby toys, what you use matters. A lot.
The natural (and safe) solution: hypochlorous acid
If you are looking for a way to disinfect effectively but gently, the answer is simple: rely on hypochlorous acid-based solutions.
This molecule, also naturally produced by our body, has a powerful antimicrobial effect and at the same time is not toxic or irritating . It acts in a targeted way against bacteria, viruses and fungi, without leaving residues and without attacking materials or the skin .
It is precisely thanks to these characteristics that hypochlorous acid represents an ideal choice for disinfecting objects that often end up in the mouths or hands of little ones.
Did you know that you can also use it for pacifiers and baby bottles?
For the daily hygiene of toys, surfaces and accessories, a ready-to-use spray solution is the most practical choice: just spray, leave to act for a few seconds and dry if necessary.
No rinsing, no strong odors, no aggressive substances .
And when you're out of the house?
Always keep a bottle of hand sanitizing spray in your bag, useful for protecting your child's hands (and yours) before eating, after touching common surfaces or simply after a run in the park. Even in this case, it is better to opt for a product without alcohol or perfumes , which really sanitizes without drying or irritating the skin.
At home or on the go, the important thing is to have effective, safe and quick-to-use tools , designed to simplify your life without compromise.
Keeping baby toys clean is not just a matter of order, but of health . And doing it safely, without using toxic substances, is possible. You just have to choose well.
Protecting those you love also starts here : small gestures, good habits and products that make the difference. Discover our line of sanitizers based on hypochlorous acid.
