How to Clean Kids' Toys and Play Areas: Plastic, Plush, Wood and Bath Toys

How to clean kids' toys depends on what they're made of. Hard plastic toys can be washed in warm soapy water and air-dried; plush toys usually go in the washing machine in a laundry bag; wooden toys need a quick wipe and never a soak; and bath toys need to be dried properly or kept from trapping water at all. A weekly wipe of the most-used toys and a monthly deeper clean is enough for most households, with extra cleaning after illness.

Young children put toys in their mouths, drop them on the floor and share them with friends, so toys pick up germs quickly. In Singapore's humidity, anything that stays damp, from teething toys to rubber ducks, can also grow mould.

A quick guide by material

Cleaning plastic toys

1. Gather them into a basin or the sink. Remove batteries first.
2. Wash in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush for crevices and wheels.
3. Rinse well so no soap residue is left for little mouths.
4. Disinfect if needed. After illness, use a disinfectant suitable for children's items and follow the label's contact time, then rinse. Many brands say whether rinsing is needed.
5. Air-dry on a towel, spread out so air reaches every side.

Some sturdy plastic toys without batteries or printed stickers can go on the top rack of a dishwasher. Check the manufacturer's instructions first.

Cleaning soft toys

• Check the label. Most plush toys can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water.
• Use a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect eyes, noses and stitching.
• Dry thoroughly. In Singapore's humidity, a plush toy that stays damp inside can start smelling within a day. Dry in the sun or with a fan, and squeeze to check the stuffing is dry.
• For toys that can't be washed, vacuum them with an upholstery attachment and spot-clean with a damp cloth.

Soft toys are also big dust and dust mite collectors. For children with allergies, rotating and washing them regularly helps. Our allergy-friendly home cleaning guide explains more.

Cleaning wooden toys

Wipe with a cloth dampened in warm water and a little mild soap, then wipe with plain water and dry straight away. Don't soak or put wooden toys in the dishwasher. If the surface becomes rough after cleaning, a light rub with a food-safe oil can restore it, if the maker allows it.

Bath toys and mould

Squeeze-and-squirt bath toys are notorious for growing black mould inside, because water sits in them in a warm, humid bathroom.

• Squeeze them out completely after every bath, then leave them hole-down to dry, ideally outside the bathroom.
• Soak weekly in warm soapy water, squeezing it in and out to flush the inside.
• Seal the hole with a dab of hot glue on new toys, if you don't need the squirting.
• Throw out toys with visible mould inside. You can't reliably clean the interior.

Store bath toys in a mesh bag or draining basket rather than a closed tub. The bathroom itself needs good ventilation too; our toilet and bathroom cleaning guide covers that.

Play mats and the play area

• Foam play mats: wipe weekly with warm soapy water, rinse and dry. Lift the tiles monthly to clean underneath, where crumbs and damp gather.
• Fabric play mats and rugs: vacuum often and wash or spot-clean following the label.
• Floors: vacuum and mop regularly with a mild floor cleaner, and rinse well. Babies spend a lot of time down there.
• Storage boxes and shelves: empty and wipe monthly, as dust settles on toys inside.
• High-touch spots: door handles, light switches and table edges in the playroom.

How often to clean toys

• Daily: teething toys and anything that's been in a mouth
• Weekly: commonly played-with plastic toys and play mats
• Monthly: soft toys, storage, less-used toys
• After illness or a playdate: everything that was shared

Choosing products around children

Mild dishwashing liquid and warm water clean most toys perfectly well. Save disinfectants for after illness, and always follow the label. Never mix products; our guide to dangerous cleaning product combinations explains why. If you're preparing for a new baby, our guide to cleaning your home before a newborn arrives covers the whole home.

Help keeping the playroom clean

Cleaning Assistant's cleaners vacuum and mop floors, wipe surfaces and tidy as part of a standard clean, and you provide all the supplies, so you control exactly what's used around your children. Toy washing itself is something many parents prefer to do, but cleaners can wipe play mats, storage and furniture. For a bigger reset, our deep cleaning hub explains what a full session covers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use baby wipes to clean toys?

They're fine for a quick wipe on the go, but they don't replace washing. For a proper clean, use warm soapy water and rinse.

How do I clean toys after my child has been sick?

Wash hard toys in warm soapy water, then use a disinfectant suitable for children's items and follow the contact time on the label. Machine-wash soft toys on the warmest setting the label allows and dry them fully.

Is it safe to put plastic toys in the dishwasher?

Some sturdy plastic toys can go on the top rack, but check the manufacturer's advice. Never put toys with batteries, electronics or stickers in the dishwasher.

How do I stop mould in bath toys?

Squeeze out all the water after every bath and let toys dry hole-down outside the bathroom. Toys with visible mould inside are best thrown away.

Want a cleaner home for the little ones without losing family time? Book a cleaner or WhatsApp us at +65 8166 0891.