How to Safely Sanitize Toys

Toys are a great enrichment tool, but they can also spread germs if not cleaned correctly. Proper toy sanitation helps prevent illness and protects future foster kittens.

Why Toy Sanitation Matters

Kittens chew, lick, and sleep on toys. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can survive on toy surfaces and easily spread between kittens or litters.

Cleaning toys correctly:

• Reduces disease spread

• Prevents reinfection

• Keeps playtime safe and healthy

Toy Types & How to Clean Them

👉 Hard Toys (Plastic, Rubber, Silicone)

Safe Examples

• Plastic balls

• Rubber chew toys

• Hard puzzle toys

How to Sanitize Hard Toys

1. Wash with hot water and dish soap. Scrub to remove all visible dirt and debris.

2. Soak for 5 minutes in a bleach solution that's 1 part bleach to 10 parts water

3. Rinse thoroughly until no bleach smell remains

4. Air-dry completely

Never mix bleach with other cleaners.

👉 Soft Toys (Plush Toys)

Only Use Toys That Are:

• Fully intact

• No rips, holes, or loose stuffing

• Labeled machine washable

How to Clean Soft Toys

1. Wash in the washer with kitten linens. Use hot water, regular detergent, and bleach.

2. Dry on high heat until fully dry

Do not hand-wash soft toys, machine washing is necessary for proper sanitation.

When to Throw Toys Away

Discard toys that are:

• Torn or damaged

• Have exposed stuffing

• Made of cardboard, rope, or wicker

• Unable to be fully cleaned or disinfected

• Used during severe illness and cannot be sanitized

When in doubt, throw it out.

How Often to Sanitize Toys

• Weekly during routine care

• Immediately if toys are soiled

• Daily if kittens are sick

• Always between different foster litters

Final Reminder

Safe toys are clean toys. Proper sanitation keeps playtime fun and prevents hidden germs from harming vulnerable kittens.