5 ways to sanitize plastic games safely

Hygiene plastic games is essential to ensure a safe environment for children. Often they are brought to the mouth, launched to the ground or shared with others, becoming a receptacle for germs. That’s why knowing the best methods for effective cleaning is so important.

Those who live with small children know well that jungle of games that sprout everywhere: under the sofa, in the garden, between the sheets … sometimes even in the refrigerator (yes, it happens). They are colorful, irresistible, and they end up in the mouth more often than you want to admit. And so, from time to time, the fateful question takes place: “But these … will they be clean?” Better not to wait for them to become sticky or the biscuit can. A cleanliness made well – but without stress – it can also be done with few tools and a little attention. And if then those products with a “chemical 90s” perfume are avoided, even better.

Also because plastic, by dint of being washed badly, is ruined. He fades, scratching, breaks. And then it is worth doing well, without exaggerating but with criterion. Here you are 5 ways to sanitize plastic games safelywithout falling into the usual manual patterns.

Hyg it plastic games with hot water and neutral soap

Hot water and soap: two old friends who never disappoint. Futurist devices are not needed or who knows what magical potions. Just a basin, warm water (not hot, I recommend) and a delicate soap, perhaps of those for babies. The games are left inside for about ten minutes, the time to take a look on the phone or drink a coffee. Then he rubs a little with a soft brush, rinse calmly and leave everything to dry. No hairdryer or radiators: the air does its job without stressing plastic.

If there are stickers, however, it is better to go slowly: the heat makes them detach and then you remain with half a tiger and one eye.

Disinfect with natural solutions: vinegar, bicarbonate and lemon

In the kitchen there is already everything you need. Vinegar, bicarbonate, perhaps even a forgotten lemon at the bottom of the basket. These three ingredients make miracles, and not only on glass. And the beautiful thing? You don’t need to be chemicals or cleaning experts: very little is enough to get surprising results.

• White vinegar: diluted with water, sprayed on the games and left to act a few minutes. Then away, a nice rinse.
• Bicarbonate: dissolved in warm water, it is perfect for the most lived surfaces. It makes its duty without being aggressive.
• Lemon: In addition to disinfecting, it also leaves a fresh perfume not bad. One more touch, even for mood.

Easy, cheap and without risk solutions for those with children with delicate skin or animals that nibble for everything.

Steam cleaning: deep, but not always suitable

The steam has a certain charm. A jet and puff is enough, disappeared germs. But even here, not everything is suitable. Some games – especially those with holes, openings or joints – risk retaining humidity or ruining themselves.

First test on a hidden area, and never stop too long in the same point. The steam is good for hard, outdoor games, or buildings that seem to survive everything. The others? Better to leave them out.

Disinfectant wipes: quick, but to be used with criteria

The wipes are a manna from heaven when you are running. Does the game fall in the parking lot? Towel. Does it end up in the dog bowl? Towel. But not everything can be solved like this.

They are good for smooth and resistant games, those who do not absorb. But if the child then puts them back in the mouth, perhaps it is better to give him a pass also with a damp cloth to eliminate any residues. Some disinfectants, even if delicate, are not exactly ideal to ingest.

Wash plastic games in dishwasher: yes, but carefully

Strange to say, but some games can be inserted into the dishwasher. It is not science fiction. Just choose the right ones: no electronic, no parts that can swell or deform, and possibly no stickers (which then find themselves on the filter).

You opt for a short cycle, at low temperature. A drum of detergent – preferably ecological – and away. If you want to go on the safe side, it is better to put games in the upper basket or inside a mesh bag. So they do not turn into wandering bullets during washing.

In short, nothing panic. Each method has its time, and a pinch of observation is enough to choose the right one. A clean game is not only safer: it is also more beautiful to see, to touch, to use.

And after all, there is something reassuring in knowing that the dinosaur with whom your son plays every day does not host a colony of bacteria. Little things, great satisfactions.

Photo © Stock.adobe