Speed-Clean Your Playroom

Corral books, stray toys, art supplies, clothing, and games. Set aside anything that needs cleaning, and return other objects to their proper homes.

Toss dirty stuffed animals in the washing machine. (For specific laundering instructions, check labels.) Place dishwasher-safe plastic and metal toys on the top rack and wash on the hottest setting.

Wipe wooden toys with a soft, dry cloth. For all others, clean with a soapy sponge, then dry with a cloth. For an item that has been in your toddler’s mouth (a teething ring, a rattle), wash it with soap and water, then disinfect by soaking it in a bowl containing a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 quart warm water. Or, for a bleach alternative, use Eco Clean All-Purpose Cleaner.

Tackle wooden surfaces with a cloth dampened with dusting spray.

Use disinfecting wipes to wipe down remaining surfaces and germ hot spots, like light switches, television and gaming remotes, and doorknobs (including those on the dollhouse).

Dampen a Magic Eraser sponge and lightly rub any food splatters, fingerprints, or crayon self-portraits from walls. (Using this product on glossy paint or rubbing too hard with it can fade color.)

Remove toys from the soaking solution (see Minutes 6 through 9), rinse, and let air-dry. Run a sweeper over the floor (whether carpeted or bare), then empty the wastebasket and spritz with a disinfecting spray.

Put everything back in its place…for now.