Toy Cleaning SUMMARY
Updated 11/03 |
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Introduction
Toys are selected and cleaned in the approved manner to prevent
the spread of infection. Toys should have hard surfaces which can
be thoroughly cleaned and dried. These include plastic, rubber,
vinyl, varnished or painted wood and metal.
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Procedures
General Handling
All toys should be examined before and after use for safe construction,
small parts, breaks and cleanliness. If a toy is broken or unable
to be thoroughly cleaned it should be discarded. After use, all toys that have
been used in patient rooms, have been soiled with body fluids, or handled by a
child who has respiratory symptoms or places hands in diapers will be placed
in the dirty toy box for cleaning and inspection. Stuffed animals brought into
the hospital must be new, and then may only be handled by one child and taken home with them upon discharge.
Wall-mounted or table-mounted toys should be cleaned weekly and when obviously
soiled, utilizing a soap and water wash followed by clear water rinsing and air
drying and/or use of appropriate disinfectant spray.
Toys for Isolation
Toys should be disinfected with the appropriate disinfectant after use in an isolation
room. Toys should ideally be cleaned immediately. If not they should
be put in a bag to indicate they still require cleaning. Books may
be taken into isolation rooms for children over age 4, assuming
they are not "mouthing" them. After use, the cover should be wiped clean
with prepared bleach solution. If a soiled book cannot be cleaned, it must be discarded.
Clean and Disinfect
The toy should be scrubbed in warm, soapy water, using a brush to
reach crevices. Rinse the toy in clean water, then immerse in bleach
solution and soak for 10 minutes. Rinse with clear water, air dry/
dry with clean towel.
Bleach Solution
0.05% (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Add 1 oz bleach to 49 oz tap water (1:50 dilution). If used in an
open basin, mix daily. The solution can be mixed monthly if the container
is opaque and has a tight lid. Label "1:50 bleach solution"
and write an expiration date of 1 month. Store in a cool place out
of direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
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