Bottom Line Up Front
Every ToyDash toy goes through a 7-step sanitization process between families: intake inspection, disassembly, hand-wash with baby-safe non-toxic cleaner, UV-C sanitization of non-porous surfaces, hot-wash for fabric items, air-dry + reassembly, and sealed storage. No bleach, no harsh fragrances, no essential oils. Damaged items are repaired or retired, not reshipped.
The 7 steps, in order
1. Intake + damage inspection
When toys come back from a family, every piece is logged and inspected for damage. Anything showing wear beyond normal play is pulled for repair or retirement.
2. Disassembly
Multi-part toys (stacking cups, train tracks, pretend kitchens) come apart so every surface, including interior cavities, is reachable. Skipping this step is why most at-home toy cleaning only gets the outside.
3. Hand wash with baby-safe cleaner
Each non-porous toy is hand-washed with a non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaner rated for baby products. We deliberately avoid bleach (can leave residue), essential oils (can irritate sensitive kids), and anything antibacterial beyond basic soap-and-water (overkill for household toys).
4. UV-C sanitization
Hard plastic and wood surfaces get UV-C light treatment. UV-C inactivates viruses and bacteria that survive surface cleaning alone. This is the same technology hospitals use for shared equipment.
5. Fabric hot-wash
Puppets, stuffies, dress-up, and any other fabric item go through a standard hot-wash cycle with fragrance-free baby detergent. Hot water + detergent is effective at neutralizing pathogens on soft surfaces.
6. Air dry and reassemble
Toys air dry fully — no trapped moisture. Reassembly is done by hand with a second visual inspection.
7. Sealed pack for next delivery
Cleaned toys go into sealed delivery carriers and stay sealed until they reach your door.
What we do NOT use
Bleach on toys. Residue concerns and not needed for household-level cleaning.
Harsh fragrances or “fresh scent” sprays. Kids with sensitive skin and noses don’t need them.
Essential oils. Some are skin-safe but not all kids tolerate them well; we default to fragrance-free.
Aggressive antibacterials. Overkill for toys and contributes to antibiotic resistance concerns.
What happens to damaged toys?
Damaged toys are repaired or retired, never reshipped. If a family reports a broken part, that toy comes out of rotation. Minor cosmetic damage (light scuff, tooth mark on a teether) is replaced — teethers are single-family only on any chew-damage to be safe.
Why this is safer than daycare
In most daycares, toys are shared continuously between kids during the day and wiped down on a rolling schedule. With ToyDash, toys are only with one family at a time, then go through a full cleaning before reaching the next family. You’re not sharing “in the moment” with other kids.
FAQ
Is UV-C sanitization safe?
Yes, when it happens before shipping to your home. UV-C is used in hospitals, water treatment, and professional sanitization. By the time the toy reaches you, there’s no residue or ongoing exposure — UV-C doesn’t linger.
Can my toddler still put these toys in their mouth?
Yes for age-appropriate toys. Teethers and single-piece chew-on items are single-family only if they show any chew damage. Hard-plastic and wooden toys without damage are fine for mouth contact after the cleaning process.
What if my kid has a specific allergy or sensitivity?
Let us know at signup. We can flag your preferences and ensure your toys are cleaned accordingly.