How to Clean Wooden Toys
How to Clean Wooden Toys
Wooden toys should be regularly cleaned to remove dirt, dust, saliva, nasal secretions and other grime that accumulates over time. Soak or immerse wooden toys carefully in water as this may cause their wood fibers to expand or contract, damaging any paint or finish on their surfaces.
Simply spray (mist) wooden toys lightly with your preferred natural cleaning solution, rinse, and wipe clean with a cloth. Drying in direct sunlight speeds up the process while simultaneously killing germs.
1. Diluted Vinegar
Wooden toys need regular cleaning and disinfection to remain in good condition for use by toddlers or for teething purposes, since unlike plastic they do not protect against germs that build up, which could potentially lead to infection. Luckily, wooden toys can be cleaned using natural solutions like vinegar mixed with water or mild soap and water mixture. It is best to avoid submerging wooden toys completely in water as this could cause their surface to expand, deplete its natural oils and damage it permanently. Also avoid harsh cleansers as this can damage their surface as well as deplete their natural oils from their pores - two elements that should never happen when dealing with wooden toys!
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar makes an excellent natural cleaner and disinfectant. For daily maintenance of wooden toys, simply wipe down with dampened cloth or sponge dampened in cleaning solution or use all-natural antibacterial soap suitable for children or non-toxic all-purpose cleaner available from most grocery stores.
Once your toy has been thoroughly cleansed with its chosen cleaner, allow it to air dry either indoors or outdoors (indirect sunlight preferred) before placing back in storage. Allowing it to air dry in direct sunlight may add extra germ-killing power while speeding up drying time.
For tough stains, mix together a more concentrated vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) before spraying or dabbing this over the area of concern on the toy. Unpainted toys may benefit from being quickly sanded to loosen any debris build-up; quick sandpaper scuffings may also help.
Once your toy has been thoroughly cleaned, it is essential to add an organic moisturizer such as olive oil or beeswax for rejuvenating its wood. Regular application will extend its lifespan while making them look brand new! Doing this on an ongoing basis will keep them looking their best!
2. Baking Soda
Wooden toys are beautiful and natural, but they do need to be regularly maintained in order to remain beautiful and natural. As children play with them they can pick up dust, dirt and germs which collect in their hands or mouth. Cleaning wooden toys using child-safe, natural cleaning solutions is easy!
A simple mixture of water, distilled white vinegar and mild soap will effectively disinfect toys while killing germs. Toys with removable parts should first be disassembled to allow each piece to be washed separately before applying the cleaning solution with a spray bottle to your toys - taking special care with wooden toys that may contain water-soluble paints as this step may also contain these.
Never soak wooden toys as this could cause them to expand or crack, and neither should you place them in a washing machine or dishwasher. When cleaning wooden toys it is also important to use non-toxic cleaners suitable for children's skin as harsh chemicals could damage or irritate them further.
If you need to disinfect a collection of wooden toys, try mixing hot water, dishwashing liquid and vinegar together in a sink filled with warm, soapy water. Rinse well after each step; allow toys to dry completely before storing.
Another way to revive wooden toys for your children is by applying coconut or olive oil sparingly as a moisturizer, to keep them from becoming overly brittle and as an organic alternative to chemical-based moisturizers. Once applied, use with caution; wipe down after every application with a damp cloth or washcloth.
If your wooden toys are more heavily damaged, baking soda may help remove stubborn stains and restore their look. Be sure to scrub any stained areas using a coarse cloth or brush prior to wiping down with this mixture; otherwise commercial wood polishes or furniture cleaners might be an alternative solution.
3. Dish Soap
Wooden toys may require more work to keep clean than plastic or rubber toys, but they can still be safe and sanitary when properly maintained. The key is using natural cleaners and disinfectants which won't dry out the wood - anything from vinegar and water (1 part vinegar per 10 parts warm water) or mild, eco-friendly soap with some warm water will work fine as a daily care method.
Wipe your toy down with a damp cloth and your chosen cleaning solution, taking special care not to soak wooden toys, as this could cause them to expand too much and crack, damaging paint or finishes on its surface. Allow it to air-dry completely afterwards - sunlight helps faster drying times while simultaneously killing more germs than artificial methods of drying can!
Baking soda is an excellent natural cleanser and disinfectant that can be used to eliminate dirt from a wooden toy in a few steps. Simply mix some baking soda with warm water or nontoxic, mild dish soap for best results, until it forms a thick paste that you can then use with soft bristled brushes or toothbrushes to scrub at affected areas before leaving it for three to five minutes before rinsing with clean cold water and repeat if necessary.
For stubborn stains, use a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and water or lightly sand the area with sandpaper (don't forget your protective gloves!). If the stain persists after this approach, applying mineral oil or beeswax might do the trick, though always consult the manufacturer's care instructions first before doing this.
Wooden toys can be extremely sensitive to sudden temperature and humidity fluctuations, so storing them somewhere that does not get too cold or hot would be ideal. Furthermore, leaving them outside overnight or exposed directly to sunlight for long periods can lead to fading or cracking of their surfaces if left outside overnight or exposed for too long periods of time.
4. Water
Wooden toys are durable and sturdy, but they do require regular care to remain attractive, playable and safe for your little one. A natural cleaner diluted with water should suffice; simply spraying on some natural cleaner and wiping it down will keep them in tiptop condition!
Wood toys that have become heavily soiled may require soaking. Be wary, however, as wood is porous and could warp under too much liquid exposure; this could result in swelling, cracking and other forms of surface damage to painted surfaces.
Clean a wooden toy in the best way with a soft cloth or sponge that has been lightly dampened, using vinegar, mild soap or non-toxic cleaner diluted in water as needed. Never use harsh chemical-based cleaners, as this could damage it and leave residue behind.
Natural cleaners like vinegar and water may work to effectively remove stains on toys; alternatively, you could try rubbing it gently with sandpaper before setting it outside in the sun to help fade it further. If stains persist after this treatment has been tried, more concentrated solutions could also help bleach out their pigmentation faster.
Always rinse and dry wooden toys after cleaning to prevent germs from growing in moisture-laden environments, and store them away from direct sunlight which could cause them to swell and crack over time.
Teething rings and rattles that are frequently played with or placed directly in the mouth will require regular cleanings. Babies and toddlers tend to put everything they come across into their mouths, making regular sanitising of these toys especially important.
how to clean wood toys