Sanitizing Toys After Water Damage

How To Sanitize Water Damaged Toys

Water or flood damage does not choose which household item to contaminate. And children’s toys will always be vulnerable to flood contamination because apart from the fact that toys are usually just scattered on the floor, flooding is literally everywhere.

So how should parents disinfect their children’s flood contaminated toys?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a curt advice for its constituents on dealing with children’s toys and other child-related things. 

“Throw away ALL soft or absorbent toys because it is impossible to clean them and they could harm your child. Throw away ALL baby bottles, nipples, and pacifiers that have come in contact with flood waters or debris.”

The material can be downloaded here.

What to do with toys

Mayo Clinic also published in its website advice for flooded homes who may have child-related items that have been flood-damaged. 

“To keep children safe, don’t allow them to play in or near floodwater, or in areas recently flooded. Also: (1) Make sure your child’s hands are washed frequently, especially before meals. (2) Disinfect toys that may be contaminated by washing them with a solution of 2 ounces of bleach in 1 gallon of water. (3) Discard any soft toys that may be contaminated. Young children may put these items into their mouths.”

Take a look at the rest of the material here.

Disinfecting what can be salvaged

UK-Based Website Babycenter meantime came up with an article aiming to guide parents who are looking at saving whatever toys that can still be salvaged after a flooding.

“Take apart any items you reasonably can, and wash each piece carefully using clean water and soap. If your water supply isn’t safe, sterilize any washing water by boiling it for one full minute at a high rolling boil (three minutes if you live at an altitude above 1 mile. Let it cool before using it for washing. You can also decontaminate water by adding 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach to one gallon of water and letting it sit for 30 minutes. Dry each piece well and check that it is completely clean. You may have to re-wash any parts that were very dirty, or have cracks or crevices that may still contain germs and dirt. Check for any lingering moldy smell, which could mean that mold is still present. Letting items dry outside on a sunny, dry day will also help kill any bacteria or mold spores.” 

The continuation of this article can be found here.

It is important that parents are aware of what toys can be salvaged and what should be discarded for the safety of their children.

San Diego Water Damage Restoration

If you recently experienced flood damage or water damage, the team at Mighty Dry is here to help. Contact us today to get started restoring your home or business.