Disinfecting Childcare Toys the Safe Way

To disinfect childcare toys safely, clean them first to remove visible soil, then choose a product suitable for the toy and the situation, follow the label's dilution and contact time, rinse where the label requires it, and let the toys dry fully before they go back into use. Disinfecting only works properly on a surface that has already been cleaned, so the order of steps matters as much as the product.

The key point is that cleaning and disinfecting are two separate steps, not one. Cleaning removes dirt, saliva and grime, while disinfecting is a further step used when reducing germs on a surface is the goal. This article focuses on the disinfecting step. For the broader routine of what to clean and how often, the toy cleaning schedule for childcare covers the full picture.

Cleaning Comes Before Disinfecting

Disinfectant does not work well on a dirty surface. Soil, saliva, and residue can stop a disinfectant from reaching the surface and reduce how effective it is, which is why toys are cleaned first and disinfected second.

• Clean first: wash or wipe the toy to remove visible dirt, food and saliva
• Rinse if needed: remove cleaning residue so it does not interfere with the disinfectant
• Then disinfect: apply a suitable product only once the toy is visibly clean

Skipping the cleaning step is one of the most common mistakes, because a toy can look ready for disinfection while still carrying a film that blocks the product from doing its job.

Using Disinfectant Safely on Toys

Once a toy is clean, safe disinfection comes down to following the product label exactly. The label, not habit or guesswork, sets how the product should be used.

• Product choice: use a disinfectant suitable for toys and appropriate to the situation, in line with the centre's policy
• Dilution: mix to the label's stated dilution, since too weak may not work and too strong can leave harmful residue
• Contact time: keep the surface wet for the full contact time stated on the label, or the product may not perform as claimed
• Rinse requirements: rinse where the label requires it, especially for items that may be mouthed
• Drying: let toys dry fully before returning them to use

How should mouthed and shared toys be handled?

Toys that go in children's mouths need particular care, because any disinfectant residue can be ingested. For these items, follow the label's rinse guidance closely and confirm the product is suitable for surfaces that may be mouthed. Shared toys pass between many children, so they are a higher priority for cleaning and, where the centre's policy calls for it, disinfection. Setting mouthed toys aside for cleaning as they are used helps keep them separate from ready-to-use toys.

Does disinfection change during illness or an outbreak?

During illness or outbreak periods, centres often increase cleaning and disinfection frequency and pay closer attention to high-contact and shared items. What is appropriate depends on the situation and the guidance the centre is following, so any changes should align with the centre's policy and current Australian childcare and health guidance rather than a fixed rule. When unsure, check the relevant health guidance and the product's suitability for the intended use.

Which Toy Materials Can Be Disinfected?



Not every toy suits every method, so material affects what is safe. Treat the points below as general suitability guidance and always defer to the toy's own care instructions and the product label.

• Plastic and rubber: generally the easiest to clean and disinfect, provided the product suits the surface and any mouthed items are rinsed
• Fabric and plush: often cleaned by laundering rather than surface disinfectant, since sprays may not penetrate and can leave residue; follow the care label
• Wooden toys: can be damaged by soaking and by some products, so these usually need gentle cleaning and careful method rather than heavy disinfectant use
• Electronic or battery toys: surface wiping only, following the manufacturer's guidance, keeping moisture away from components

Where a toy cannot be disinfected safely without damage, cleaning it thoroughly and following the manufacturer's guidance is usually the better approach.