Cleaning and Disinfecting Toys and Montessori Materials
As you find yourself home a bit more with CO-VID 19 pandemic you may be wondering how to keep your family safe and healthy while home. According to the CDC cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces frequently touch can help prevent the spread of CO-VID 19. Whether you have Montessori materials at home or traditional toys you will want to keep them clean to protect your family! So what is the best way to clean all the toys your children touch all day?
Wooden Toys
Spray or wipe down each item with an approved disinfectant and lay flat to dry. A homemade bleach solution also works. Bleach solution; 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water. Bleach solution will need to be made fresh each day. A complete list of EPA-approved disinfectants can be found here. Never submerge wooden toys.
Plastic Toys
For plastic toys first, create a bleach solution by combining 1/3 cup of bleach and one gallon of warm water. Then submerge each toy for at least 20 seconds and up to 5 minutes. Then rinse them in clean warm water and lay flat to dry. Be sure items have dried completely before using them again.
Soft/Plush Toys
For soft plush toys wash them in your washing machine per the items instructions, if possible use the warmest water and dryer settings possible. Be sure to dry the items completely.
Other Reminders
- Always use gloves when cleaning
- Use chemicals in a well-ventilated area
- Do not mix cleaning supplies
Cleaning and disinfecting toys and Montessori materials can help keep your family safe and healthy. Happy Cleaning!