Sterilization 101

[kindertime]

I too use the bathtub for the submersibles. And as for the drying, well that's what the weekend is for! lol. I don't do this every week, as a result. For disinfecting, mostly, I use diluted rubbing alcohol. Bleach and other chemicals are toxic and leave residue that you have to rinse off. Alcohol kills all and then evaporates away. Board books are wipe able. Paper books usually have plasticized covers you can wipe too. You washed barbies in the machine? Aren't they submersible too? Ok. Stuffed animals and soft dolls, sure, actually, it is soon time for that for me because I like to hang these out to dry on the line in warm weather.

[AmandaKDT]

I have a spray bottle with bleach solution - 1 cup water to 1 tsp bleach. Then I can spray down things that can't be submerged in water. The solution needs to sit for at least 1 minute, preferably let it air dry if you want it fully sanitized Then you can wipe with a wet cloth to remove any residue.

But any stuff I wash in the bathtub I just lay it out on bathtowels until everything is dry.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I use diluted rubbing alcohol. Bleach and other chemicals are toxic and leave residue that you have to rinse off. Alcohol kills all and then evaporates away.

This very interesting. I never considered this option.

[Lee-Bee]

Yes, the sterilizer is just a dishwaher looking machine that super steams everything. I suppose I can how a dishwasher isn't as good as a sterilizer. I don't run the toys with any dishes...just toys not sure if that would make a difference.

But, as far as I'm concerned if we lick the dishes that come out of the dishwasher then the toys are lick-able too! They come out clean but not sterilized.

Pretty sure bleaching toys in a bath doesn't result in completely sterilized toys either. There would be many points of contamination while taking them out and drying them. I just like to get the snot off the toys!

I don't believe we NEED to sterilize toys. The kids are in contact all day if they have something that contagious, odds are the kids are exposed before we have a chance to completely sterilize the toys.

But hey, I'm the parent that lets my kid eat food that fell on the floor, roll in mud and just get plain old filthy while exploring. We've never sterilized anything for her and she's only really been sick once.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Yes, the sterilizer is just a dishwaher looking machine that super steams everything. I suppose I can how a dishwasher isn't as good as a sterilizer. I don't run the toys with any dishes...just toys not sure if that would make a difference.

But, as far as I'm concerned if we lick the dishes that come out of the dishwasher then the toys are lick-able too! They come out clean but not sterilized.

Pretty sure bleaching toys in a bath doesn't result in completely sterilized toys either. There would be many points of contamination while taking them out and drying them. I just like to get the snot off the toys!

I don't believe we NEED to sterilize toys. The kids are in contact all day if they have something that contagious, odds are the kids are exposed before we have a chance to completely sterilize the toys.

But hey, I'm the parent that lets my kid eat food that fell on the floor, roll in mud and just get plain old filthy while exploring. We've never sterilized anything for her and she's only really been sick once.

I agree with you. All of us staff members didn't see an issue with it so we did it (toys separately at the end of the day but I don't think it made a difference) However, the health and safety inspector didn't approve of it.

A tub is probably even less sanitary haha. The health and safety person would probably die knowing that's how some of us clean LOL

Yes, most things are spread before the symptoms even appear unfortunately

I'm like that too!! When we eat our snacks and lunch outside...it ain't the cleanest food that makes it to their mouth sometimes! haha