How to Effectively Disinfect Toys to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Spread

How to Disinfect Toys After Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious illness that commonly affects children under the age of five. It is caused by a virus that can spread easily through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated objects, such as toys. Keeping your child’s toys clean and disinfected is essential to prevent the spread of HFMD and other infections. In this article, we will discuss how to disinfect toys after hand, foot, and mouth disease.

First Steps to Take

The first step in disinfecting toys after your child has been diagnosed with HFMD is to isolate the toys that may have been contaminated. This will help prevent the virus from spreading to other toys and surfaces in your home. Once you have identified the toys that need to be disinfected, follow these steps:

1. Remove any loose dirt or debris from the toys using a damp cloth.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the toys.

Methods of Disinfection

There are several methods you can use to disinfect your child’s toys after HFMD. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Hot Water and Dish Soap: Soak the toys in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) mixed with dish soap for at least 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse the toys thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry.

2. Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket. Soak the toys in this solution for at least 10 minutes. Then, rinse the toys with clean water and let them air dry.

3. Bleach Solution: Mix one tablespoon of household bleach with one gallon of water to create a bleach solution. Soak the toys in this solution for 10 minutes. Be sure to wear gloves when handling bleach, as it can be harmful if it comes into contact with skin. After soaking, rinse the toys with clean water and let them air dry.

4. Disinfectant Wipes: Use disinfectant wipes specifically designed for toys. Wipe down all surfaces of the toys with the wipes and allow them to air dry.

Additional Tips

To ensure the effectiveness of the disinfection process, keep in mind the following tips:

– Disinfect toys regularly, especially if your child is in a childcare setting or has been in contact with other children who may have HFMD.
– Clean your child’s hands and face frequently to prevent the spread of the virus.
– Avoid sharing toys with other children, especially during the outbreak of HFMD.
– Wash your hands after handling toys that have been disinfected to prevent cross-contamination.

Disinfecting toys after hand, foot, and mouth disease is an important step in protecting your child and others from the virus. By following these steps and using the appropriate methods, you can help prevent the spread of HFMD and keep your home a safe and healthy environment.