Children’s toys can harbor more than just imagination—they can also carry an alarming amount of germs. Studies show that toys in childcare centers can host up to 3,000 bacteria per square inch. Viruses that cause the common cold, flu, and stomach bugs can live on hard plastic toys for up to 72 hours. While cleaning toys is important, many parents unknowingly use disinfectants that leave behind toxic residues dangerous to little hands and mouths. Thankfully, there’s a safer and smarter way.
The Hidden Problem with Conventional Disinfectants
Most household disinfectants contain harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds (“quats”), and synthetic fragrances. The World Health Organization has warned that these chemicals may act as hormone disruptors and can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even developmental issues in children.
Fortunately, Sol-U-Guard Botanical® 2× Disinfectant offers a proven, plant-powered alternative. It uses citric acid and thymol (from thyme oil)—two natural ingredients shown to effectively kill 99.9% of household germs, including E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Influenza A. No toxic residues, no harsh fumes—just clean, safe playtime.
Step-by-Step: Safe Toy Sanitizing Routine
What You’ll Need:
Sol-U-Guard Botanical® 2× Disinfectant Concentrate
Tough & Tender® All-Purpose Cleaner (for pre-cleaning)
Warm water
Soft cloth or sponge
Bucket or spray bottle
For Hard Plastic or Metal Toys:
Pre-clean: Mix 1 tablespoon Tough & Tender in 2 cups warm water and wipe down toys to remove visible dirt.
Disinfect: Dilute Sol-U-Guard Botanical 2×—use 4 fl. oz. concentrate per 16 fl. oz. of water in a spray bottle. Spray each toy thoroughly.
Wait: Let the surface stay wet for 10 minutes to ensure full disinfection.
Rinse and Dry: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth or rinse under warm water, then air-dry completely.
For Soft or Fabric Toys:
Check the care label first.
Machine wash with MelaPower® 9× Detergent and MelaBrite® Plus Oxi Color-Safe Whitener.
Air-dry in the sun if possible—the ultraviolet light naturally helps kill lingering microbes.
For Electronic Toys:
Unplug or remove batteries.
Lightly spray a cloth (never the toy directly) with Sol-U-Guard Botanical® and wipe surfaces.
Dry immediately with a clean towel.
A Few Smart Habits
Sanitize teething toys daily.
Wash bath toys weekly to prevent mold buildup.
Store clean toys in open bins to reduce moisture accumulation.
Replace toys that have cracks or absorbent damage—they can harbor hidden bacteria.
Good to Know
According to The Melaleuca Wellness Guide, using Sol-U-Mel® 3-in-1 Cleaner can also help remove sticky residues, crayon marks, and odors from toys before disinfecting. Its natural solvent power, derived from tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), safely dissolves grime without harming plastic surfaces.
~ Richard M Barry
Ask Mela AI
Ask Mela AI how to keep your child’s toys germ-free using Melaleuca products. It can give you exact dilution ratios and step-by-step cleaning tips.
Try asking:
“How often should I disinfect bath toys?”
“What’s the best way to clean stuffed animals with MelaPower?”
“Can I use Sol-U-Mel on teething toys?”
“How do I remove crayon marks from plastic toys?”
“What’s the safest way to sanitize toys after a playdate?”
