To prevent the spread of germs

(HealthDay News) -- Children's toys can harbor plenty of bacteria and viruses. To reduce the spread of illness, children's toys should be regularly disinfected.

To disinfect washable, color-safe toys, the Mississippi Department of Health says you should wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water. Then fully rinse the toys of the soap-and-water solution.

Next, soak the toys for five minutes in a solution of 3/4 of bleach diluted in one gallon of water. Be sure to rinse the toys thoroughly, then dry.

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