Disenfecting Bath Toys

Hi there:)
I agree with throwing them in the dishwasher, unless they can gold water inside them, than I would just spray them down with the clorox (which is great!)

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask why are some moms so hostile in their answers (Paula, and many others that have responded to mine and others questions). Obviously if the question is being asked, the asker needs some help, not belittlement or rudeness. Really if you can't just answer the question nicely, than why bother? Lots of us are new moms and the more experienced should lend a hand, not a sharp tongue.

6 moms found this helpful

B A,

I just learned on the food network show "Good Eats" that White Vinegar works just as well as bleach and does not break down like bleach does. Bleach, when it comes in contact with the air, breaks down into inert chemical chains. So when you make a mixture of bleach and water and put it in a spray bottle, you want to use that mixture immediately and throw the excess away. Otherwise within 3-4 days the bleach mixture will just be a smelly liquid that won't work any longer.

That said, white vinegar dries out the cell walls of most bacteria, is harmless if ingested, and the odor fades as the vinegar dries.

There are moms who are in both camps voting for bleach or vinegar. I use both depending on how dirty the surfaces are and how the item will be used.

I hope this helps you and it wasn't too long.

Good luck

3 moms found this helpful

Hi!

I have the Martha Stweart Homekeeping Handbook (and love it!), and she recommends vinegar and hot water. I let the toys soak for a while, then give them a quick scrub and rinse. The squirting toys have a short lifespan at our house, because there just isn't a foolproof way to get all the gunk out of the inside. And if a toy is really bad, I just throw it out. Some bath toys are a dime a dozen, so it's easier to just toss them and buy new ones.

Good luck!
A.

2 moms found this helpful

Yes, I know how you can disinfect all toys, without the harmful chemicals. You can call me and I can get you the information, ###-###-####. These products are all natural and you can even check with poision control center and they will tell that they are okay to use around the children.

Clorox Anywhere Spray still has HARMFUL CHEMICALS, I can sent you a report from Canada that families are having serious side affects from Lysol sprays, Clorox wipes, Pledge Furniture polish and even dishwasher detergent as LYE which is very harmful. YOU CAN DISINFECT WITH OUT HARMFUL BLEACH.

I used all of these products until I learned differently.
Please email at ____@____.com I will sent you the website.

L. Lock

1 mom found this helpful

I have four boys ages 5,6,7, & 8 and lots of bath toys (amongst tons of other toys). You can just toss them in the dishwasher and wash them with the detergent you use for your dishes then rewash again with no detergent to make sure you have nothing left. (although if you eat off the dishes you are assuming it is safe everytime you use a plate, cup, etc anyways)
Good Luck.
M.

1 mom found this helpful

I use eco friendly cleaning products so that I don't have to worry about what my daughter is putting in her mouth. I do rinse them really well because I figure any kind of cleaner would taste icky!

L.
www.HealthyFamilyHome.com

1 mom found this helpful

I just make sure to watch ours for mildew or soap scum. Every once in a while I'll run a tub of the hottest bath water I can get and let them soak. If you make sure to store them an a ventilated container, they should dry okay and stay safe enough.
~L.

1 mom found this helpful

There are a number of options, but the simplest is just to run very hot water over them after the bath and set them to dry well. He isn't going to give himself anything by putting them into his mouth out of a soapy tub (except maybe a bit of soap-caused diarrhea).

Anything that ends up with them dry afterwards, in fact, will kill all bacteria. Bacteria (and mold) needs moisture to live, so once dry, it's all over. Viruses reside on dry surfaces, but if he is going to get it from the house, the tub toys aren't going to be the causa.

1 mom found this helpful