Plastic Toys & Slides: Soap, Water, Bleach Dilution
CDC sanitizes toys with 1 Tbsp bleach per 1 gal water, soak 2 min, no rinse; Little Tikes & Step2 specify mild soap only, no bleach (as of 2026-10-07).
Plastic toys and outdoor play equipment (molded slides, swings, playhouses) including pool furniture
What soap-and-water and bleach-dilution directions do the CDC, Little Tikes, and Step2 publish for cleaning built-up grime off plastic toys and a plastic slide?
| Surface | Soil | Method | Don'ts | Product | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nonporous plastic toys and infant feeding items | mouth-contact germs | Clean with soap and water first, then sanitize by submerging completely in a solution of 1 tablespoon unscented bleach per 1 gallon (16 cups) water; soak at least 2 minutes; air-dry on a clean, unused towel | Do not rinse after sanitizing | - | CDC |
| hard nonporous surfaces (toy and play-equipment surfaces) | general germs | Mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per 1 gallon room-temperature water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per 1 quart water; apply and keep the surface visibly wet for a 1-minute contact time | Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners | - | CDC |
| plastic toys not damaged by water | dirt and germs | Place in a dishwasher or washing machine on the hot-water setting, or scrub with warm, soapy water; then disinfect with 1 teaspoon bleach per 1 gallon cool water or an EPA-registered disinfectant | - | - | NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene |
| toys damaged by water (electronics, windup toys, books) | dirt and germs | Wipe with alcohol wipes containing at least 70% alcohol | Soaking or washing in water | - | NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene |
| toys children put in their mouths | germs | Clean with a product that removes germs, then rinse the toy with clean water and let it dry | - | - | NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene |
| Little Tikes molded plastic play equipment (slides, swings, playhouses) | dirt and grime | Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry | Abrasive cleaners or solvents | - | Little Tikes |
| Step2 plastic toys, planters and playsets | light dirt and debris | Wipe with a mild soap-and-water solution, or spray a 50/50 vinegar-and-water mix, let sit 2-3 minutes on stubborn areas, wipe with a clean damp cloth, then dry | Harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive pads | - | Step2 |
| Step2 pool furniture | algae, biofilm and tough stains | Rinse with fresh water, wash with mild dish soap, warm water and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge; use a melamine foam eraser sponge on tough stains, then rinse and dry | High-pressure spray held too close to the surface | melamine foam eraser sponge | Step2 |
FAQs
What does the CDC say about cleaning and disinfecting children's toys with soap, water and bleach?
For mouthed/nonporous toys in early-care settings, wash with soap and water, then submerge in 1 tablespoon unscented bleach per 1 gallon water for at least 2 minutes, do not rinse, and air-dry on a clean towel.
What bleach-to-water ratio does the CDC use for toys versus for general hard surfaces?
Toy sanitizing: 1 tablespoon bleach per 1 gallon water, 2-minute soak, no rinse. General surface disinfecting: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per 1 gallon water (or 4 teaspoons per quart), 1-minute contact time.
What are Little Tikes' instructions for cleaning a plastic slide with soap and bleach?
Little Tikes manuals direct wiping the slide with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinsing thoroughly, and air-drying; they list avoiding abrasive cleaners or solvents and do not specify a bleach dilution.
Does Step2 recommend bleach for cleaning its plastic toys?
No; Step2's cleaning guide tells users to avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive pads and instead use mild soap and water or a 50/50 vinegar-and-water solution.
Resources
- CDC - How To Clean and Disinfect Early Care and Education Settings
- CDC - Cleaning and Disinfecting with Bleach
- NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Toy Cleaning Poster
- Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug 'n Secure Swing Instruction Manual
- Step2 - How to Clean Your Step2 Toys, Planters & Pool Furniture
- Step2 - In-Pool Furniture Maintenance & Cleaning Instructions