How To Clean Used Baby Stuff

Keeping your baby used items clean is certainly beneficial in avoiding all kinds of illnesses. Since babies have an immune system that is still evolving making them prone to get infected easily, as a parent it is necessary to know how to clean used baby stuff.

As you know babies explore their environment primarily by putting things in their mouths, yet even babies too young to do that come in contact with more germs than you realize through the simple ins and outs of daily life all these can be harmful to their health.

In this article, we will be sharing with you practical tips on how to clean used baby stuff including furniture, toys, cups, and clothes.

How To Clean Used Baby Stuff? What You’ll Need

Mild Detergent.
Baking soda.
White vinegar.
Soft brush.
Bleach (Although optional).

Practical Tips On How To Clean Used Baby Stuff

Cleaning used baby stuff is necessary to remove dirt and germs. Generally, some baby stuff like furniture is expensive. Opting for Second-hand items can save a family a great deal of money. When shopping for these items it is important to evaluate how the previous owner has used them.

If the previous owners smoked, some fabrics might likely have absorbed the odors and other harmful substances from the smoke. Also, families with pet allergies should ask the seller if animals lived in the home with the furniture.

To keep your used baby stuff clean, always review the labels, if available, on how to care for such items. Some fabrics may be machine washable while others can only be surface cleaned.

How To Clean Used Baby Stuff

Furniture

First, take out any part of the furniture that is made of cloth.
Place washable items in the washing machine and use a mild, baby-safe laundry detergent that is free of harmful chemicals.
Finally, tumble dry the items before you put them back on the furniture frames.

For Wooden Surface

Firstly, use a cleanser that is safe for the surface. A small amount of mild soap and water is usually harmless.
Then, scrub dirt buildup or other stubborn stains with soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging some furniture surfaces including wood.
Rinse the furniture thoroughly. You can also spray the items once more with a disinfecting spray and wipe with a dry cloth.

Read Also: How To Clean Car Seat Straps Vomit

Toys

Bath Toys

Firstly, make a solution of ¾ cup bleach to 1-gallon water in a bucket.
Then throw the toys into the solution. Try Clorox Regular-Bleach.
Now suction fluid up into your baby hollow toys like rubber ducks.
Now shake vigorously, squeeze the liquid out.
Rinse thoroughly with hot water and air-dry.

Teething Toys

First, soak the toys in a bowl of hot water with a mild liquid detergent for a few minutes.
Then, in another tub or bowl, mix distilled white vinegar and warm water and soak the teething toys for 15 minutes.
Wash and then rinse in cool clean water.

Wooden Toys

Firstly, prepare a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water in a spray bottle. Spray blocks with the solution.
Then wipe blocks with a dry microfiber cloth. However, if a spray bottle is not at your disposal, mix vinegar and water in a bowl.
Then put a microfiber cloth in the vinegar/water solution, wring out the microfiber cloth, and then wipe the wooden blocks.

Read Also: How To Clean Squishy Toys?

Crib Mattresses

Firstly, wipe your baby waterproof crib mattress with a baby wipe.
However, if your mattress is fabric-covered, mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 tsp. dish soap.
Dip a sponge into the solution and wipe the mattress gently.
Finally allow the mattress to dry before use.

High Chairs

Most parents we spoke with agree that this one’s a toughie because many high-chair straps aren’t removable. However, you can get your baby high chair seat cushion out and wash them.

Firstly, Scrub the straps and the places where they attach to the chair with an old toothbrush.
Then mix 50 percent of vinegar with water mix.
Finally, rinse thoroughly with water and leave the chair to dry under the sun.

Dolls

Firstly, wipe the doll with a cotton ball soaked in soap and water.
Then use a cotton swab for the crevices.
Finally, use a dry cloth or towel to dry the doll.

Potty Chairs

After a pee, simply rinse with a mild detergent or soap and warm water.
Alternatively, spray with Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner and Bleach.
Allow it to sit for 30 seconds, and then thoroughly rinse with water and dry.

Sippy Cups

If your kid’s cup develops a bad odor or smell, simply put these pieces in a container, bury them with baking soda, and leave them overnight.
Remember, soak all the pieces in equal parts white vinegar and water (enough to cover) for up to 12 hours.
Finally, use a bottle brush to scrub the cup and top, and rinse with clean water.

Plastic Diaper Pails

Spot-clean with an all-purpose household cleaner.
However, to beat odor-causing bacteria, simply make a solution of 2 cups water to 40 drops lavender essential oil.
Then, spray your pail all over with the solution for good fragrance.

Baby’s Clothes

How To Hand Wash Baby’s Clothes?

It is best advised that you hand wash your baby’s clothes rather than washing it in a washing machine. To do this, simply follow these few steps to make sure you properly hand wash your baby clothes.

Disinfect and clean your hands before handling your baby’s clothes.
Always check the temperature of the water to avoid your baby clothes getting rip or tear.
Ensure you use eco-friendly and non-chemical detergent to avoid damages or any allergic reaction to your baby’s skin.
Soak for about 30 minutes before wash, and after that soak in warm water.
Finally, take them outside to air dry.

Here is a video showing you how to hand wash baby clothes

How To Machine Wash Your Baby’s Clothes

While it is best advised to hand wash your baby’s clothes, it can be time consuming and exhausting. Therefore, for parents who are finding it difficult to hand wash their baby’s clothes here are a few tips to machine wash your baby’s clothes.

Wash the baby’s clothes before washing yours.
Pre-soak with soap for about 30 minutes.
To ensure the soap is fully removed from your baby’s clothes and the bacteria is washed off, run the rinse cycle two times.

Remember, it is highly important to ask your medical provider how to wash baby clothes in the washing machine for more references and guidelines.

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with great ideas on how to clean used baby stuff. Remember, by adhering to the care instructions from the manufacturer, you can clean your baby used stuff without damaging them.

If you have any questions or would like to share some other tips and experiences with cleaning baby stuff, drop your comment or suggestion down below. We would love to hear it