Even before the spread of the Coronavirus, it has always been important to wash and clean toys after play. Kids are constantly exploring, touching, sharing, sneezing, drooling... You get the idea. Now, more than ever, it is best to keep play items in your home as clean as possible to eliminate potential sources of various illnesses.

Why to Clean Kids Toys

According to the Wall Street Journal scientists suspect children could play a key role in transmitting Coronavirus. Reports have shown children have the virus in their secretions for up to 22 days. So it’s still vital to try to prevent them from getting it and spreading it to others.

Now the COVID is under control, it remains important to regularly clean toys to prevent the spread of other illnesses such as common cold, flu, and RSV.

Here is how we recommend cleaning our toys and others in your home: 

How to Clean Preschool Toys

Luke's Toy Factory trucks are sink washable using a solution of warm, soapy water (dish soap is great) and mild scrubbing with a brush. This will eliminate germs and dirt effectively. 

We do NOT advise that you wash our toys in the dishwasher. The heating cycle can warp them, which will affect the way they fit together.

Another method which works well for our toys and others - both plastic and wood - is a solution of bleach and water used by many preschool teachers to clean multiple toys quickly. The solution kills 99% of germs on an object's surface.

To do this safely, mix ½ cup of bleach into a gallon of water and completely submerge the toys to make sure all surfaces have been soaked. Then rinse and air dry the toys on a clean towel. Do not leave toys in the bleach/water mixture for an extended period, as the bleach can discolor materials if left in for too long. Wear gloves if your hands are sensitive to bleach, and use no more than ½ cup per gallon of water.

We have tested both methods and have found no problems with either one. Now back to the important part... play!