How to Clean Children Toys in the Dishwasher.

Many parents can be very busy between juggling a job, taking care of the children, and keeping up with tasks in the home that cleaning their children's toys often goes forgotten. Harmful bacteria can build up on and inside of your children's toys. It is important to wash them frequently to ensure that this harmful bacteria is not ingested by your children. We have put together a list of how you can easily wash your children's toys in the dishwasher to make this task less time consuming and easier to do more often. 


It is important to note that not all children toys are dishwasher safe.


Tips to Clean Toys in the Dishwasher


Children's toys are easily exposed to bacteria that can build up and become harmful for your child's health. With young children, they often will drag toys through the dirt and end up chewing on them afterwards. These tips will not only clean these toys but will also leave them disinfected.

Clean Children Toys in Dishwasher

Are Toys Safe to Wash in the Dishwasher?


It is recommended to wash your babies favourite toys once a week to ensure that no harmful bacteria builds up on them. This is something that many parents do not know. It is recommended that less used toys be washed on a monthly basis. This task may seem like a lot of extra work but once you know how to properly wash them in the dishwasher, it goes from a daunting task to an easy and simple task.


How to Wash Toys in the Dishwasher:

  • Use the top rack for medium-sized toys and the bottom rack for large toys such as cars and trucks.
  • Small toys such as blocks and rattles can be put in the cutlery basket.
  • Use regular dishwasher detergent and a gentle washing cycle to make sure you do not damage the toys.
  • Always turn of the heat dry function so you do not melt or damage your toys.


Using your dishwasher will turn washing your children toys from a long, daunting task to an easy, effortless task.

Toys to Never Wash in the Dishwasher


  • Battery operated toys
  • Wooden toys
  • Toys with a voice box or pull string
  • Plush toys
  • Toys with loose or removable parts



How to Clean Toys That Are Not Dishwasher Safe:

  • Make a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water.
  • Using a clean cloth, dip in the solution and gentle wash the toy.
  • Allow toys to air dry.
  • Repeat this weekly for favourite toys and monthly for less used toys.
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