Cleaning

hey. just wondering what cleaners you all are using. I'm starting to clean all my baby toys. I know most of them i can boil but some i can't put in water... what kind of product are you using to sterilize your toys?

[AnnieBrooke]

I don't sterilize, but I will wipe them down with a white-vinegar/ water solution when something has been on the floor too often.  LOL

[pertykitty]

annie that made me laugh i was at my obs office (sorry lily this is cute) and the mom was pg with her second, and her first was 1 ish.  the little girl dropped her snack on the floor , for awhile, mom looked up and said "we have a 10 minute rule" haha.  i find this funny, with my son i was so oh my god that was on the floor!!! and im sure with this one ill be like ok wipe it off its fine.  lol.  never heard of a vinegar solution for cleaning, better than bleach wipes i suppose!

[ally76]

[twiceadopt]

there's a spray you can use - the name escapes me - but it's for sterilizing stuff. fabric toys we either run through the washing machine or toss when they get too gross.

[ally76]

I throw all the toys in the tub with hot soapy water and wash them really well.  Then rinse them off with hot water and dry them.  I use palmolive antibacterial soap.  

[lostlilygirl]

i guess i should have explained... all my toys are from used stores and other people and really dirty... so I need to wash them... i dont plan on washing the baby every time it breaths lol.... and some of my toys cant be put in water cause they have... werid parts... it's hard to explain..

basically i have old/used toys but there's nothing wrong with them other than the dirt... so i need to clean them..

[ImmortalOne]

I've used Simple Green (non toxic cleaner) on things like the baby crib and such.  Else a mild solution of bleach and water.  And last but not least Anti-bacterial soap and water if out of bleach.  Anything that is fiber/cloth, you can sometimes run through a dishwasher, or at the least put in a washing machine with hot water and baby detergent (I use ALL Baby instead of Dreft, it was 1/3 of the cost.)

[Liza55]

I just wipe them down w/ alcohol or Lysol wipes to kill most the germs. I've always been pretty laid back re: the germ thing. You'll see as they get older it's impossible to keep things out of their mouth. My daughter hasn't caught anything out of the norm- and she's even licked an airplane window (disgusting) on our last trip.

[mum2beagain]

Things like soft toys that can't be washed in water can be put in a plastic bag and put in the freezer, that will kill most germs. To remove surface dirt just use regular soap on a damp washcloth and give it a good rub.

[lostlilygirl]

thanks everyone! i know i wont care to wash them again but i just can't give my new born dirty toys from someone else !!! i have to clean them at least once! lol

[Crritter]

I use rubbing alcohol, I have some wintergreen scented stuff and it smells good.  Anything I can throw in the dishwasher or the washing machine goes there.  I avoid bleach on baby toys, but the Clorox wipes are great!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

I would avoid lysol, it's basically agent orange and is a terrible chemical.

Hot soapy water and try one of those Mr. Clean magic erasers, they are really good for cleaning plastic.

Vinegar and water is great also.

[rubyolivia]

A vinegar/water solution works very well. You can also use Lysol spray for anything you don't want to get wet. There is also a product called OdoBan that has no harsh chemicals. We used it at the daycare I worked at!

[chellybeans]

i think the vinegar and water is a great idea. my dog(miniature rat terrier) had alot of problems with tummy rashes. we went to the vet and he told me that it was eczema(we get that too) and it was because i was using too harsh of chemicals to clean. they suggested vinegar and water solutions and even though my house smelled a little like a pickle he got all better.

i'll probably use it for the toys too. i mean if puppys belly is that sensitive then baby is bound to be even more so.

[Crritter]

Does the vinegar kill germs and bacteria?  I have not used it for that, but love it on my kitchen floor, and yes the house smells like a pickle for awhile, but I burn candles and open windows.  

[chellybeans]

found this on yahoo help

"White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of  acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical."

  Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

hope that helps :)