How Often Should You Clean Toys?

Highlights

Toy cleaning frequency depends on type and use—daily for mouth toys, weekly for general play, and more often in shared settings.
Infant and teething toys (plush, rattles, teething rings) should be sanitized daily with a safe hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray.
Bath toys are prone to mold; rinse, drain, and spray after each bath, then dry thoroughly.
General play toys like blocks, dolls, and cars need weekly cleaning unless illness or outbreaks require more.
Shared or daycare toys spread germs quickly and should be sanitized between uses—CDC recommends frequent cleaning of high-touch toys.
CleanSmart’s HOCl sprays provide a non-toxic, Canadian-made alternative to bleach and ammonia, safe for kids and families.

How Often Should You Clean Your Kids’ Toys?

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder just how often you should clean your kids’ toys. With all the saliva, playtime, and germs involved, it’s more than just a surface scrub—it’s about safety. The answer depends on what type of toy it is and how often it’s used. For a quick, safe cleaning solution, explore CleanSmart’s Toy & Nursery Collection, designed specifically with busy families in mind.

Daily Toy Cleaning for Infant & Teething Toys

Toys that go straight into little mouths—like teething rings, rattles, and plush toys—should be cleaned every day. These items accumulate salivary bacteria fast and are the most likely to transfer germs. Use a hypochlorous acid spray (HOCl spray)—safe even if residue is ingested, and there’s no rinsing needed. Simply spray and let air dry for peace of mind.

Bath Toys and Mold Risk

Water-filled bath toys can become mold magnets if neglected. The Cleveland Clinic recommends thoroughly drying bath toys—“The drier a toy stays, the less likely it is to grow mold” Cleveland Clinic. After each bath, empty, rinse, and spray with HOCl spray. Keeping them dry and sanitized helps cut down on mold, mildew, and mold-related health risks.

Weekly Cleaning for General Play Toys

Most standard play items—blocks, dolls, toy cars—don’t need daily cleaning. A solid weekly routine is usually enough unless your child is sick or during cold and flu outbreaks. A toy cleaning set featuring HOCl spray makes this task quicker and safer than using strong chemical cleaners.

Shared Toys or Daycare Settings Require Extra Attention

Toys used by multiple children—like in daycare or group play—need cleaning more often. Germs spread quickly in these environments. Experts recommend directing extra cleaning attention to frequently touched toys and surfaces before switching to the next child cdc.go

Using CleanSmart’s 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray in shared spaces provides a safe, effective solution that’s easy to apply between uses.

Safe, Effective Options for Canadian Families

Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners can be harsh and unsafe around children. CleanSmart’s HOCl spray offers a gentler yet powerful alternative: non-toxic, made in Canada, and free from residues and fumes.

Explore our Toy & Nursery Collection to find toy-safe solutions, or shop the Other HOCl Collection for full-home versatility. Whether you need compact daily-friendly options like the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray or larger bottles for deep cleaning, there's a fit for your routine.

Make Toy Cleaning Part of Your Routine

The cleaning schedule depends on toy use:

Daily — Infant, teething, and plush toys
After every bath — Bath toys
Weekly — General play toys
More frequently — Shared or daycare toys

With CleanSmart’s HOCl-based products—including the Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant, 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray, and broader Kitchen & Bath Collection—toy cleaning becomes quick, safe, and worry-free.

Ready to simplify your toy cleaning routine? Visit our Toy & Nursery Collection today, or Contact us for personalized product help.