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Do Toy Materials Matter? How to Safely Clean Plush, Plastic, and Bath Toys - CleanSmart Canada

Do Toy Materials Matter? How to Safely Clean Plush, Plastic, and Bath Toys

Highlights

  • Not all toys harbor germs equally — plush and bath toys tend to be far more contaminated than hard plastic or wooden toys.
  • Plush toys: Up to 90% show bacterial/coliform contamination; they absorb moisture and re-contaminate easily.
  • Bath toys: 80% contain dense biofilms, with millions of microbial cells per cm², including dangerous bacteria like Legionella and Pseudomonas.
  • Hard plastic & wooden toys: Can carry pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes that survive for days or weeks.
  • Cleaning priorities: Plush and bath toys should be cleaned most often, followed by hard plastic and wooden toys.
  • HOCl spray advantage: Safe for all toy types, food-contact safe, no rinse needed, making it safer and easier than bleach or QACs.

 

Quick reminder: we’ve already learned why QACs and bleach aren’t the best choice. Now let’s look at how different toy materials affect germs.

 

Which Toy Materials Hold the Most Germs?

Not all toys are equal when it comes to harbouring germs. Research shows that soft plush toys are often the worst offenders. One pediatric study found that about 90% of plush toys carried bacterial and coliform contamination, compared to just 27% of hard plastic toys. Plush toys, like teddy bears and stuffed animals, absorb moisture and can quickly re-contaminate even after washing.

On the other hand, rubber and flexible plastic bath toys present a different challenge. Scientists discovered that 80% of bath toys harboured dense biofilms — slimy layers of bacteria and fungi. In some cases, they found 5 to 75 million microbial cells per cm² inside bath toys, including dangerous germs like Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Even hard plastic and wooden toys are not germ-free. Studies show pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes can survive for days or weeks on these surfaces, sometimes forming biofilms that make them harder to kill.

 

Which Toys to Prioritize for Cleaning

Since plush toys and bath toys are most likely to harbour germs, these should be top priority for cleaning. In Canadian homes, this often means:

  • Plush/soft toys — wash weekly, and spray with a safe cleaning agent in between washes.
  • Bath toys — empty after each bath, spray inside and outside, then air dry to prevent mould.
  • Hard plastic toys — disinfect weekly, or daily if shared in daycares.
  • Wooden toys — spray lightly with a safe cleaning spray; avoid soaking to prevent damage.

 

How to Clean Each Toy Type with Hypochlorous Acid Spray

  • Plush toys: Lightly mist with hypochlorous acid spray between washes. It’s safe even on fabrics and won’t leave harmful residues.
  • Bath toys: Spray inside and outside after every bath. Let air dry completely to prevent mould and biofilm growth.
  • Hard plastic toys: Spray generously, allow to air dry, or wipe down if sticky.
  • Wooden toys: Spray a light mist and let dry naturally — HOCl spray won’t damage the finish.

Because hypochlorous acid spray is food-contact safe, there’s no need to rinse — even for teething toys. This makes it far easier and safer than bleach or QAC-based cleaners.

CleanSmart's Toy & Nursery Collection is designed specifically for toy cleaning, while the Other HOCl Collection offers versatile sprays for the whole home. Many families also trust our 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray for its versatility.

 

Why Canadian Parents Are Turning to HOCl Spray

Across Canada, parents and early childhood educators are making the switch from harsh chemicals to safer solutions.

Among our products, many parents trust the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray as their go-to safe all-around HOCl spray product — Health Canada–approved and non-toxic. Browse our Toy & Nursery Collection to find safe, effective disinfectants trusted by Canadian families across the country. Make the switch today to a safer, smarter way to clean toys.

To learn more or ask questions, visit our Contact Us page.

 

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