When it comes to keeping children healthy, sterilising toys is often an afterthought. Most parents are diligent about washing hands and cleaning surfaces, but many overlook the need to regularly sterilise toys—especially those that don't appear to be high-risk.
“As parents we know the dangers that germs can have on our children, but we tend to focus on the obvious culprits – bottles and dummies, teething rings and bath toys,” comments Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for sterilising brand, Milton. “What we don’t focus on are the toys that we don’t see as high-risk, and often believe that a quick wipe down with a wet cloth is enough.”
When cleaning toys it is important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some fabric-based toys can be placed in the washing machine, while plastic toys can be cleaned with a sterilising agent. Milton, a product already trusted by parents, can be used to clean and various toys. The Milton Sterilising Surface Spray is perfect for the job, safe for plastics and fabrics, and can kill up to 99% of germs. A quick spray and wipe are all you need, and it is safe for your child.
When it comes to cleaning toys, Ragavan suggests that we need to look beyond the obvious, and start to sterilise the following:
1. Stuffed animals may appear clean and harmless, but they are often dragged around the house, taken to daycare, and even to bed. They can pick up germs from various surfaces, and if your child is sick, their stuffed friend can harbour bacteria and viruses. Consider washing them in a mesh bag in the washing machine or using a sanitising spray safe for fabrics.
2. Action figures and dolls are hard plastic toys that don’t seem as likely to carry germs as soft toys or those frequently put in mouths. However, these toys have lots of nooks and crannies where dust, dirt, and bacteria can accumulate. Children often share these toys, increasing the risk of spreading germs.
3. Board game pieces are generally kept in storage when not in use, giving a false sense of cleanliness. These pieces are handled by multiple players during a game, making them a prime location for germs to spread.
4. Remote-controlled toys such as remote-controlled cars, drones, and other similar toys often have buttons and surfaces that are touched frequently, accumulating germs. When cleaning, avoid any electrical components.
5. Toy kitchen utensils and play food are made to mimic real kitchen items, which people usually associate with cleanliness. Children often pretend to "cook" by putting these items in their mouths. Play food and utensils can pick up germs from being placed on the floor or from dirty hands.
6. Toy phones and tablets look like harmless replicas of adult gadgets but like real phones and tablets, toy versions can accumulate germs from constant handling.
7. Ride-on toys are often stored outside or in the garage, and their large size makes them seem less likely to need frequent cleaning. These toys are often touched with bare hands and can pick up dirt, bacteria, and other germs from being used outdoors.
8. Musical instruments may seem more like "serious" toys and less likely to get dirty, but especially those with mouthpieces like toy flutes or harmonicas, can harbour bacteria and saliva.
Regularly sterilising these often-overlooked toys can go a long way in keeping your child healthy and preventing the spread of germs. It's an easy step that can make a big difference, especially during cold and flu season.
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