Here's how to properly clean children's toys

Following the bad buzz caused after a mother discovered mold in a Sophie la Girafe toy belonging to her toddlers and decided to post pictures of it to prove it on social networks, a word of the very famous giraffe wanted to react. He told GoodHousekeeping.com that the manufacturer takes these complaints very seriously, but that parents should also follow the cleaning instructions since the toy is 100% rubber. It should therefore not be wet or rinsed to prevent water from entering through its hole, but simply cleaned with a damp cloth.

What about other toddler toys? Realsimple asked CleanMama.net expert Becky Rapinchuk to share some hygiene tips for cleaning toys.

Clean them regularly

The first thing to do is to follow the cleaning instructions indicated for each toy. Thus, the same method will not be used depending on whether or not it can be passed under water. "Hot soapy water works for toys that need general cleaning," says Becky Rapinchuk. Some toys also need more regular cleaning, such as teethers. "You should clean them at least once a week," says the expert.

Disinfect them

Another alternative: rub the toys with disinfectant. The specialist then suggests several methods:

- Spray toys with hydrogen peroxide, let dry and rinse.

- Spray with a mixture of half water and half white vinegar, then leave to dry.

- Wipe toys with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry.