The short answer
Understanding the Risks of Contaminated Toys
Toys often come into contact with many sources of germs, from dirty hands to contaminated surfaces. When flood water or sewage touches toys, it introduces harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. These pathogens can survive on surfaces and cause health problems if a child handles or mouths the toy.
Young children have developing immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections from these contaminants. A toy that looks clean might still harbor invisible microbes. Special cleaning goes beyond appearance to address these hidden biological hazards that a simple soap and water wash may not eliminate.
How Water Damage Changes the Cleaning Process
A spill from a clean cup is one thing, but water from a burst pipe or storm flood is different. This 'gray' or 'black' water contains contaminants from the environment, like soil, chemicals, or sewage. Toys soaked in this water need a disinfecting process, not just drying.
The porous materials in many plush or wooden toys can absorb contaminated moisture, trapping germs inside. In any humid climate, damp toys left untreated can allow mold to grow quickly, which adds another health risk to address during cleaning.
Safe Cleaning Methods for Different Toy Types
Your approach must match the toy's material. Hard, non-porous plastic toys can often be sanitized with a disinfectant solution approved for children's items. Always rinse them thoroughly with clean water afterward to remove any chemical residue before letting a child play.
Soft, plush, or electronic toys are more challenging. Plush toys may need professional cleaning to ensure contaminants and odors are fully removed. For battery-operated toys, the internal components are often not waterproof and may be permanently damaged, requiring disposal.
- Hard Plastic: Clean with disinfectant, then rinse thoroughly.
- Plush or Stuffed: May require professional upholstery or contents cleaning methods.
- Wooden Toys: Can warp or crack; need gentle, thorough drying and sanitizing.
- Bath Toys: Check for mold inside; discard if you cannot fully clean and dry the interior.
- Electronic Toys: Often cannot be safely salvaged after water exposure.
- Board Games & Puzzles: Cardboard pieces are usually disposable; plastic pieces can be cleaned.
When to Call a Professional Cleaning Service
For toys affected by category 2 or 3 water, which includes flood water and sewage, professional cleaning is often the safest choice. The pros have industrial-grade equipment and EPA-registered disinfectants designed to sanitize contents without causing damage. They can assess which items are salvageable.
This is particularly important for heirlooms, favorite stuffed animals, or large collections. The pros can often clean items on-site to prevent further damage during transport. Their process aims to restore items to a sanitary condition, not just a visually clean one.
Preventing Toy Damage and Illness After a Leak
Act quickly after a spill or leak. Remove toys from wet areas immediately to prevent further saturation and mold growth. Separate contaminated toys from clean ones in sealed plastic bags until you can clean or dispose of them. This quick action helps limit the spread of contaminants.
Wash your hands after handling water-damaged items. If a child gets sick after playing with a recently cleaned toy, see a doctor and mention the possible water exposure. Always err on the side of caution and replace toys if you have any doubt about their safety.
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Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Can I use my dishwasher or washing machine to clean toys?
You may use a dishwasher for hard, heat-tolerant plastic toys on a sanitize cycle. A washing machine might be suitable for some plush toys, but check labels first. Never machine-wash toys with electronics, batteries, or glued parts, as it can cause damage or electrical hazards.
What should I do with toys that sat in flood water for days?
Toys that sat in flood water for an extended time are likely heavily contaminated. Porous toys like stuffed animals or those with absorbent parts should typically be discarded. For valuable non-porous items, consult with contents cleaning professionals to see if sanitization is possible.
Does homeowners insurance cover toy replacement after water damage?
It might, depending on the cause of loss and your policy's contents coverage. You would need to file a claim and provide documentation, like photos and a list. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. An inventory of your child's toys can be helpful for this process.