Cleanine and Disinfecting

[megs4413]

We have just gone through a nasty bug at our house and I'm trying to disinfect everything so we won't contaminate our guests! I'm wondering if using a strong cleaner on our 8 month old's things is a bad idea. I know the chemicals are harmful and DD puts everything in her mouth. What does everyone else do? I was thinking I might clean everything with a disinfectant and then go back over with warm water and soap to clean the chemicals off. Will this work? Am I overthinking it? Is it OK to just let the stuff dry and move on? Help!

[wilelm]

I always wash them with a strong cleaner then go back over it with warm water and soap. I also put completely water-proof toys (teethers, balls, etc.) in the dishwasher.

HTH,


Sheila
Mama to Miriam, 03/10/03 and
Gabriel, 12/30/04

[geochick]

We use Clorox wipes on all plastic and wood things during the winter months. I just let it dry...I don't clean it off after.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/31152.gif

[lisams]

Anything that can go in the dishwasher is good. For stuffed things, I run them on hot in the washing machine on the gentle setting. For other things that can only be wiped down I usually just use hot/soapy water solution. It's the rubbing action that kills germs, just like they are now saying that using regular hand soap is as effective as the anti-bac variety. If I'm really concerned I use rubbing alcohol or a vinegar/water mix, it's cheap and disinfects. Using toxic chemicals that leave a residue would be my last resort, especially with a baby who is mouthing them. For things like boardbooks I set them in the sun for a few hours - the UV light kills the germs.

HTH!

[icunurse]

Here's a link to a new product from Clorox that disinfects, is safe around kids, and doesn't need rinsing, etc.....
http://www.thecloroxcompany.com/company/news/2005/pr112905.html

For stuffed animals, there's a Febreze anti-microbial...
http://www.homemadesimple.com/sites/en_US/febreze/products/antimicrobial.shtml

Traci
~Connor's Mom 02/2004~
Agency paperwork completed - waiting for #2!

[1sweetpea]

As long as the cleaner you are using does not contain bleach. Strangely enough, the Clorox wipes do not have bleach in them. Another cleaner option is Method - a product that is supposed to be toxin free. I use it on our kitchen table, since most of my kids' food ends up there before it goes in their mouths.

I agree on the dishwasher/washing machine option -- again, be careful of the bleach, many dishwashing liquids have bleach. I usually just fill the sink with hot water and Ivory dish soap and wash all the toys in there that I can. Anything plush goes in the washing machine, and all toys that require batteries get a wipe of the Clorox wipes.

One more thing: I do think that Pampers makes a baby safe toy cleaner.

Hope that helps!

[Joolsplus2]

But bleach evaporates completely when it dries...it's really very safe (like, safe enough to treat human water supplies), and bugs can't get immune to it like anti-microbial soaps and wipes (what is IN those clorox wipes, anyway? I use them on my kitchen counters, though, so I'm not afraid of them, lol)

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[Tondi G]

I've been using Lysol wipes and then going over it with a baby wipe or soap and water rag! Oh and we love our Method cleaners too!

This reminds me I need to do a thorough cleaning of my house/toys too... both boys are finishing up a round of ABX!

Good Luck

~Tondi

[lisams]

Yep! The only bi-product that is left after a bleach solution dries is basically salt. Daycares use a bleach/water solution to disinfect toys. It's actually much safer (and more effective at killing germs and bacteria) than the clorox wipes which do leave a toxic residue behind (which is why on the back they say to not use on food preperation surfaces, or to rinse it off thoroughly). In order for the clorox wipes to actually disinfect the surface you're cleaning must stay wet for 5 minutes, which never happens when I use them, although I do love using them too!

A danger with bleach is the strong fumes, I think it would be best to clean with it when the kiddos aren't around.

[Joolsplus2]

Well, since I've never read that clorox wipes label (shame on me!)... I'd probably be better off using cheap baby wipes on my countertops :D
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx