Kids’ toys get a lot of use and come in close contact with their faces ands, often, their mouths. While it sounds like a recipe for germy disaster, the disinfecting innovations site Safe Space doesn’t consider it a cause for alarm—kids build stronger immune systems when exposed to the elements, so they recommend cleaning kid’s toys only once a month. Clean toys more frequently if your kid has been sick or if they toys are particularly soiled. Wash toys that receive excessive use every week.
If the toys are machine wash safe, throw them in the dishwasher (or the washing machine, for stuffed toys). Wash dirt and grime off of toys with soap and water before disinfecting. To disinfect hard toys, put them in a mesh bag. Fill a basin with half a cup of bleach and one gallon of water. Dunk the mesh bag full of toys in the basin for five minutes, then remove and hang the bag to dry.