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Why Hypochlorous Acid Spray is Changing Toy Cleaning in Canada - CleanSmart Canada

Why Hypochlorous Acid Spray is Changing Toy Cleaning in Canada

Highlights

  • Studies show toys can host up to 12× more bacteria than toilet seats, making them a hidden germ hotspot in Canadian homes.
  • Common toy disinfectants include quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and chlorine bleach, but both have safety and practicality concerns (ineffective against some viruses, harsh fumes, rinsing required).
  • Government standards test disinfectants for germ-killing power, not safety for children, pets, or toys that go in the mouth.
  • Hypochlorous acid spray (CleanSmart) offers a safer alternative: kills 99.9% of germs, leaves no toxic residue, produces no harsh fumes, and requires no rinsing.
  • Ideal for toys, teething rings, plush items, and bath toys — safe enough to air dry after spraying.
  • Proudly made in Canada, CleanSmart exceeds Health Canada standards by balancing safety and efficacy, with popular options like the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray.

 

Toys: A Hidden Germ Hotspot in Canadian Homes

It might surprise you to learn that everyday playthings can host far more bacteria than a regularly cleaned toilet seat. In fact, some studies have found toy surfaces with bacterial levels up to 12 times higher than those found on toilet seats.

The reason? Toys often go long stretches without disinfection, especially those in constant rotation—like bath toys that collect water inside, teething rings that hit the floor, or building blocks passed between little hands. While we usually think of kitchen counters or bathrooms as germ hot spots, your child’s toy bin could be a bigger source of unwanted microbes.

That’s why it’s worth looking at the disinfectants most Canadians rely on, and whether they’re truly the safest choice — or if a safe toy disinfectant might be the better option.

 

How Canadians Commonly Disinfect Toys at Home

In Canada, two of the most common classes of disinfectants for cleaning toys are Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) and chlorine bleach.

1. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)

  • Use case: Approved for sanitizing toys, especially hard plastic or laminated ones.
  • Canadian guidance: Alberta Health Services recommends a QAC solution of about 200 ppm for toys or food-contact surfaces. Their instructions: “Wash toys with detergent and warm water, rinse, then soak for two minutes in QUATS at 200 ppm.”
  • Caveat: QACs are not effective against all viruses, especially non-enveloped ones.

2. Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

  • Use case: Often used for durable plastic bath toys or toys shared by many children.
  • Canadian guidance: Alberta Health Services suggests a 100 ppm bleach solution for toys, but some parents use stronger household mixes like 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water (~264 ppm).
  • Caution: Bleach has strong fumes, can damage surfaces, and requires rinsing before toys are safe for play.

We’ll cover both of these options in more detail in upcoming blog posts.

 

Government Standards Focus on Efficacy—Not Safety

When the Government of Canada sets its standards for hard-surface disinfectants, the tests measure how well they kill germs. What they don’t measure is how safe the product is for babies, children, or pets when used on toys or surfaces that may go into the mouth.

That’s why many Canadian parents are now looking for options that don’t force them to choose between germ-killing power and household safety.

 

Why Hypochlorous Acid Spray is a Safer Alternative

At CleanSmart, we believe disinfectants should balance efficacy with safety. Our hypochlorous acid spray kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses but contains no harsh chemicals, no toxic residue, and no strong fumes.

  • Perfect for cleaning infant toys — Spray directly on teething rings, rattles, and plush toys.
  • Great for cleaning bath toys — Spray after each use to stop mold and bacteria before they start.
  • No rinse needed — Safe enough to air dry without wiping.

Check out our Toy & Nursery Collection for sprays designed specifically for safe, everyday toy cleaning.

 

Proudly Canadian

CleanSmart is made in Canada, for Canadians. Our disinfectants meet Health Canada standards for effectiveness, while going beyond them in terms of safety for your home.

Many parents also choose the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray as a versatile option for toys, nurseries, and everyday household use. For other applications, explore our Other HOCl Collection.

If you have questions about how to safely clean toys in your home, contact us — we’re always happy to help.

 

Make Toy Cleaning Part of Your Routine

When you picture the germs on a toy versus a toilet seat, the choice is clear—regular toy cleaning is essential for your child’s health. Among our products, the 500ml Pure Stabilized HOCl Spray remains a customer favorite — Health Canada–approved, non-toxic, and trusted across Canada for daily use. Add it to your cleaning routine and make toy disinfection simple and safe.

 

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