Department of Family
and Support Services
Toy Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedure
Purpose: To reduce the number of germs and therefore the spread of disease through cleaning and disinfecting of toys.
Washing Toys: Routine cleaning with soap and water is a useful method for removing germs in the childcare setting. Good mechanical cleaning (scrubbing with soap and water) physically reduces the number of germs from the surface.
Disinfecting Toys: Toys require an additional step after washing with soap and water. This next step is called disinfection. Disinfection is a process, using chemicals, to kill germs. Disinfectants are stronger than soap and water. The disinfection process requires that the toy or object soak in the chemical(s) for several minutes in order to allow the chemicals time to kill the germs. Bleach is the chemical used to disinfect toys and surfaces at the Family Center. Bleach is easy to mix, cost effective, is nontoxic, is safe if handled properly and will kill most infectious agents.
Bleach loses its strength rapidly .Bleach is weakened by sunlight, heat, evaporation and organic materials. It is important to prepare bleach solutions daily, and to discard leftover bleach solution at the end of every day. Remember to only mix bleach with water; other chemicals may react with bleach and create and release a toxic chlorine gas.
Recipe for Bleach Disinfecting Solution for Soaking Toys: One (1) Tablespoon Bleach added to One (1) Gallon of Cool Water. Note: The Bleach Solution for Cleaning Surfaces is One (1) Tablespoon Bleach to One (1) Quart Water (this solution is used for surface cleaning, not soaking). For Bleach Solution: Sodium Hypochlorite 5.25%.
Dishwashing/Washing Machine: Toys that can be washed in a dishwasher or hot cycle of a washing machine do not have to be disinfected because these machines use water that is hot enough for a long enough period of time to kill most germs.
Procedure: Infants/Toddlers should not share toys. Toys that children put in their mouths should be washed and disinfected between uses by individual children. If you cannot wash a toy, it probably is not appropriate for an infant or toddler.
Ø When an infant or toddler finishes playing with a toy, you should retrieve it from the play area and place it in a bin reserved for dirty toys. Toys in the dirty toy bin should be washed and disinfected at the end of the day.
Ø Hard Plastic Toys:
1. Scrub the toy in warm, soapy water. Use a brush to reach crevices.
2. Rinse the toy in clean water.
3. Immerse the toy in the bleach solution and allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the toy from the bleach and rinse well in clean water.
5. Air dry.
Note: Hard plastic toys and cloth toys that are washed in a dishwasher or a washing machine do not have to be disinfected with bleach.
Ø Toys used by children > 3 years old: Toys that are used by children > 3 years old and who do not place toys in their mouths should be cleaned at least weekly and when obviously soiled. A soap and water wash followed by clean water rinsing and air-drying is adequate. No disinfection is required.
Ø Water Tables:
1. Water tables need to be disinfected with bleach solution before filling.
2. Disinfect all toys to be used in the water table.
3. No sponge toys (they trap bacteria).
4. Have children wash their hands before and after using the water table.
5. Do not allow children who have open sores or open wounds use the water table.
Adapted for use by ______from:
The ABCs of Safe and Healthy Child Care: A Handbook for Child Care Providers. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
[DFSS:, 2013-14]