How to Clean Baby Toys That Can’t Be Washed
Babies put everything in their mouths. That soft bunny? Covered in drool. The singing elephant? Sticky from snack time. Toys get dirty fast. But many say “do not wash” or “surface clean only.” So how do you keep them safe without ruining them?
This guide shows real parents how to clean baby toys that can’t be washed. No fancy tools. Just things you already have at home. We’ll cover plush animals, battery toys, wooden blocks, and more. You’ll learn five easy methods that kill germs and remove grime—without water damage.
Why bother? Dirty toys can make babies sick. Germs hide in seams and buttons. Regular cleaning cuts down on colds and tummy bugs. Plus, clean toys smell better and last longer.
I’ve talked to hundreds of moms and dads. They swear by these tricks. One mom said, “I steamed my son’s teddy after the flu. Good as new!” Another freezes every new plush toy first. Smart, right?
Let’s start with the toy types you can’t dunk in a sink. Then we’ll jump into the cleaning steps. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro.
Know Your Toy Types
First, look at the tag or feel the toy. Here’s what you’re dealing with:
Soft Plush Toys
Teddy bears, stuffed unicorns, blankies. Water makes the stuffing clump and grow mold.
Battery-Powered Toys
Talking books, light-up cars, musical pianos. One drop inside and—poof—dead toy.
Wooden Toys
Blocks, puzzles, teethers. Soaking warps the wood or chips the paint.
Cloth Books or Teethers
Crinkly pages or fabric rings. Paper inside turns to mush if wet.
Handmade Toys
Crochet dolls, felt veggies. Delicate stitches don’t like rough handling.
Match the toy to the method. That’s the secret.
Five Easy Cleaning Methods
Pick one. Test on a tiny spot first. Always let toys dry all the way.
1. Wipe It Down (Quick Daily Clean)
Good for: Plastic, wood, battery toys
You need: Baby wipes or damp cloth with mild soap
How to do it:
- Take batteries out if you can.
- Wipe every side slowly and firmly.
- Get in the cracks—buttons, wheels, mouths.
- Let it sit in the air until bone dry.
Mom tip: Keep a pack of wipes in the diaper bag. Spot clean after park trips.
More wipe ideas: Lysol’s Toy Cleaning Guide1
2. Steam It Clean (Germ-Zapping Power)
Good for: Plush, cloth books, plastic (no electronics)
You need: Handheld steamer (the kind for clothes)
How to do it:
- Hold the steamer six inches away.
- Wave it back and forth like you’re painting.
- Do each side for one minute.
- Set the toy by a fan to dry—two hours tops.
Why moms love it: Steam is hot enough to kill germs but leaves no chemicals.
Never steam: Glued eyes, battery boxes, or shiny stickers.
3. Vinegar Spray (All-Natural Shine)
Good for: Any toy except electronics
You need: Spray bottle, vinegar, water
Mix it: Half vinegar, half water. Add a drop of baby-safe oil if you want.
How to do it:
- Spritz lightly—think morning mist, not rain.
- Rub with a soft cloth.
- Dry in the sun on a towel.
Smell fix: The vinegar stink vanishes in an hour.
4. Freeze the Germs (Plush Toy Hack)
Good for: Stuffed animals, fabric dolls
You need: Big zip bag, freezer space
How to do it:
- Pop the toy in the bag. Seal tight.
- Freeze overnight—24 hours is best.
- Take it out. Let it warm up on the counter.
- Shake outside to drop dead dust.
Bonus: Gets rid of that old-milk smell too.
5. Baking Soda Freshen-Up (Odor Buster)
Good for: Smelly plush or cloth toys
You need: Box of baking soda, trash bag or bin
How to do it:
- Dump soda all over the toy.
- Seal it in the bag for a full day.
- Shake it outside like a snow globe.
- Vacuum the last bits with the brush tool.
Dad hack: Do this in the garage—less mess.
Battery Toys Acting Up?
Sometimes the toy won’t turn on. Check the battery spot. Green gunk means corrosion.
Fix it fast: Clean Battery Corrosion in Toys2
Dip a cotton swab in vinegar. Dab the gunk. Wipe clean. Dry. New batteries. Good as new.
Drying and Daily Care
Wet inside = mold city. Dry right every time.
Dry Like This
- Open air only. No hair dryer.
- Flip plush halfway.
- Fan speeds it up.
- Sunlight for one hour kills extra germs.
Keep Toys Fresh Longer
- Swap toys every week—less drool on each.
- Clean right after a cold.
- Store in cloth bins, not plastic boxes.
- Wipe high-use toys every night.
What Parents Are Saying
Real parents share their hacks on forums like Reddit:
“I freeze all new plush toys before giving them to my baby. Kills any factory germs!”
“Steam cleaned my son’s teddy after a stomach bug—smells brand new!”
See full discussion: Reddit – NewParents Thread on Cleaning Non-Washable Toys
What Real Parents Do
Reddit moms spill their best tricks:
“I freeze every thrift-store plush. No surprises.”
“Steam saved my daughter’s love after a night.”
Read the full chat: Reddit NewParents Thread3
FAQs About Cleaning Baby Toys That Can’t Be Washed
Can I put plush toys in the dryer on air fluff?
Only if the tag allows it. Most say no—heat can melt glue or shrink fabric.
Is sunlight safe for colored toys?
Short exposure (1–2 hours) helps disinfect, but prolonged sun fades colors.
How often should I clean battery-powered toys?
Wipe weekly and deep clean monthly, or after drool-heavy play.
Are essential oils safe around babies?
Use sparingly and only baby-safe oils like lavender. Avoid direct contact.
What if a toy smells moldy inside?
Freeze + baking soda treatment usually works. If not, replace it.
Conclusion
You don’t need a sink to clean baby toys that can’t be washed. Wipes, steam, vinegar, freezer, soda—pick your fighter. Match the toy. Dry fully. Done.
Starting tonight. Grab one grimy teddy. Try the freezer trick. Tomorrow it’s fresh. Your baby plays safe. You stress less.
Clean toys = happy babies = proud parents.
