When cold and flu season arrives, it often feels like germs are everywhere.
One minute your little one is happily playing with their favourite toy, and the next it's been dropped on the floor, shared with a sibling, or gone straight into their mouth.
While it's impossible (and unnecessary) to keep everything perfectly germ-free, regularly cleaning high-touch items can help keep your home feeling fresher and more hygienic during the cooler months.
Here's how to keep baby toys clean during cold and flu season without adding extra stress to your day.
Why Baby Toys Need Extra Attention During Winter
Babies and toddlers explore the world with their hands and mouths.
That means toys can quickly collect:
- Saliva
- Dust and dirt
- Food residue
- Sticky fingerprints
- Everyday germs from little hands
During cold and flu season, favourite toys tend to be handled even more often, making regular cleaning a simple habit worth building.
Which Toys Should Be Cleaned Most Often?
Not all toys need the same level of attention.
Focus on:
Daily
- Teething toys
- Dummies and pacifier holders
- Toys regularly put in the mouth
- Comfort toys carried everywhere
Weekly
- Plastic toys
- Building blocks
- Bath toys
- Activity centres
As Needed
- Toys dropped outdoors
- Toys shared with other children
- Toys used during illness
A Simple 3-Step Cleaning Routine
The good news is you don't need a complicated system.
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Grime
Before disinfecting, remove any visible dirt, food residue, or sticky mess.
For most hard toys, a quick wipe-down or rinse is enough.
Step 2: Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
Once the surface is clean, disinfect toys that are frequently handled or shared.
Pay particular attention to:
- Handles
- Buttons
- Wheels
- Grips
- Teething surfaces
These areas tend to collect the most germs.
Step 3: Allow Toys to Dry Completely
Let toys air dry before returning them to your child.
This helps keep them fresh and ready for playtime.
Don't Forget These Germ Hotspots
Toys often get the most attention, but they're not the only things touched all day long.
Some of the biggest germ hotspots in family homes include:
- High chairs
- Play mats
- Change tables
- Pram handles
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Tablet screens
- Water bottles
Giving these surfaces a quick clean throughout the week can make a surprisingly big difference.
Choosing a Disinfectant Around Babies
Many parents become more conscious about cleaning products once children enter the picture.
After all, babies spend a lot of time touching surfaces, and then touching their faces.
When choosing a disinfectant, many families look for:
✓ Effective germ protection
✓ Gentle ingredients
✓ No harsh chemical smells
✓ Suitable around sensitive skin
✓ Safe to use around pets
✓ Easy everyday use
The goal isn't creating a perfectly sterile home.
It's creating a healthier environment without introducing unnecessary chemicals into your daily routine.
A Simpler Way to Disinfect Around the Home
At Resparkle, we created our Organic Disinfectant Cleaner to help families clean with confidence.
Our concentrated formula is:
- Lab tested to kill 99.99% of germs
- Made with 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-alcohol formula
- Non-drying on skin
- Non-toxic to humans and pets
Simply dilute as directed and use on toys, play areas, high-touch surfaces, door handles, and everyday household surfaces.
Because keeping your home hygienic shouldn't mean filling it with strong chemical fumes.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
When it comes to cold and flu season, consistency matters more than perfection.
Simple habits like:
- Washing hands regularly
- Cleaning high-touch toys
- Disinfecting commonly used surfaces
- Keeping play areas tidy
can help support a cleaner, healthier home throughout winter.
You don't need to clean everything every day.
Just focus on the items your family touches most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should baby toys be cleaned during cold and flu season?
Toys that are frequently handled or put in the mouth should be cleaned more regularly, while other toys can be cleaned weekly or as needed.
- Can I use disinfectant on baby toys?
Yes, provided the product is suitable for the toy material and used according to the instructions.
- Do baby toys need to be disinfected every day?
Not necessarily. Focus on toys that are frequently used, shared, or put in the mouth.
- Can Resparkle Organic Disinfectant Cleaner be used around babies?
Resparkle Organic Disinfectant Cleaner is designed for family homes and is made with 100% natural and organic ingredients. Always follow the label directions and allow surfaces to dry before use.
- Is Resparkle Organic Disinfectant Cleaner safe around pets?
Yes. The formula is non-toxic to humans and pets when used as directed.