Parents’ Guide to Cleaning Toys with Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Learn how to clean toys safely and effectively with non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products that really work

Which is worse: toys covered in germs or toys covered in toxic chemicals? Either one can make your little ones sick.

So if you’re removing grime only to leave harmful residues behind, you may inadvertently be doing more harm than good.

Here’s why.   

How You Clean Toys Matters

Exposure to toxic chemicals is never good, but children are particularly susceptible to harsh substances. 

Not only do they play on the ground and have a tendency to put toys in their mouths, their smaller size, higher metabolic rates, and developing bodies make them more vulnerable to toxins than adults.

And early exposure to harmful chemicals can have a lasting impact. Skin irritation, allergic reactions, and asthmatic flare-ups have all been linked to ingredients found in conventional laundry and cleaning supplies. 

Even more concerning, studies show exposure to toxic chemicals over time may have a cumulative effect on children’s health and development. 

To help you minimize your child’s risk and toxic load, here’s how to clean toys safely—from plastic fake fruit and wooden blocks to their favorite stuffed animal.