In a time when stopping the spread of germs has extra importance, cleaning toys in the dishwasher can be a powerful disinfecting tool. What is the right way to wash toys in the dishwasher? Using a Gentle/Light cycle and substituting Heated Dry for air drying can clean toys safely. Learn more about how to clean toys in the dishwasher to stop germs in their tracks.
Wash & Disinfect With Ease: How to Clean Toys in the Dishwasher
Knowing how to clean toys in the dishwasher is an easy and efficient way to disinfect, saving more water than hand washing. However, both the toys and the dishwasher have to survive the cleaning to play and work another day. We’ll break down how to disinfect toys safely with the right methods and steps.
Is It Safe to Put Toys in the Dishwasher?
It’s safe and easy to put plastic balls, blocks, trucks, rattles, and bath toys in the dishwasher. Doing so can also be one of the best ways to clean toys after flu, exposure to other germs, or when they’re particularly dirty. Wondering how often to clean baby toys? Washing them in the dishwasher once a month is a good way to maintain cleanliness.
These tips show where to put toys in the dishwasher:
- Small toys: Use the silverware basket to safely contain small blocks, shapes, and cars.
- Medium toys: Place in the top rack. Fold up any adjustable tines to fit as much as possible. Just as when you’re loading a dishwasher top rack with cups and bowls, try to angle toys for better draining and drying.
- Large toys: To increase dishwasher efficiency, reserve the bottom rack for larger trucks, cars, and blocks. Place hollow items upside down to improve draining and drying.
How to Clean Toys After Illness
Knowing how to sanitize toys in the dishwasher after illness can be an easy and effective way to get rid of germs. The hot water and detergent are effective sanitizers, while air drying preserves plastic components.
Here’s how to clean toys in the dishwasher after an illness:
- Load toys into an empty dishwasher using the above rack-by-rack tips.
- Add detergent as recommended in your dishwasher’s user manual.
- Set the dishwasher to a light/gentle cycle using hot water.
- Disable any heated dry functions.
- Run the wash cycle to completion.
- Allow toys to air dry, preferably overnight.
Which Toys Shouldn’t Be Put in the Dishwasher?
Not every toy is suitable for dishwasher cleaning, as certain components or materials can’t withstand long-term detergent and water exposure.
These toys shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher:
- Wooden toys
- Anything with batteries or electronic components
- Toys with removable parts
- Plush or fabric items
- Toys with voice boxes or pull strings
So, how do you clean baby toys that can’t be washed in the dishwasher? Plush toys without batteries, pull strings, or voice boxes can be washed in the washing machine.
Simply place them in a delicates bag or pillowcase on a gentle setting, with your usual detergent. All other items can be wiped down with a disinfectant surface wipe or spray. Allow them to air dry for several minutes before returning for play.
Knowing how to clean toys in the dishwasher is an effective germ-fighting method that’s safe for both toys and this hardworking appliance. What if your dishwasher malfunctions just when you need it most? Call the dishwasher repair experts at Action Appliance Repair for a fast and professional fix!
