Wood is safe, natural, and durable but also porous. Cleaning wooden toys process completely differs from cleaning plastic or metal. However, wood is not as susceptible to germs as plastic toys because of its natural antibacterial properties.
How to Clean Wooden Toys?
Do not immerse wooden toys in the water. They may swell, change shape, or lose color. For basic cleaning, use a cloth and warm water to wipe the wooden toy, then air dry it or wipe it with a dry cloth.
You can use mild soap, rinse well with a sponge, and clean painted or polished wooden toys. Disinfect wooden toys using white vinegar or apple cider diluted in water, then air dry or dry well with a cloth.
Depending on the type of wood, you can also use olive oil to moisturize the wooden toy.
Finally, never use wood furniture cleaners or disinfect wipes to avoid infection. These products are toxic to your child.
The best way to safely clean and disinfect wooden toys is to use 100% eco-friendly vinegar diluted in water.
Wooden toys can have a very long life if properly cared for. Remember to wash often because you know you can get it in your child’s mouth. Then you don’t have to worry.
Heirloom Wood Toy Preservation
If the block is stained, use a stronger vinegar solution of vinegar 1 water 1 and scrub with a sponge to remove it. Then put it in the sun for a little bleaching.
If the stain cannot be removed, it can be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper (unpainted toys only). Like other wooden household items, natural wood toys require regular hydration.
After cleaning, lightly rub the olive oil with a soft cloth. Or treat your wood surface with natural beeswax that nourishes, regenerates, and protects. Children’s wooden toys usually bite, so don’t use toxic wood polishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need to clean Wooden Toys?
From an early age, children develop a natural desire to put everything in their mouths, tasting toys. This delicious toy will go hand-and-mouth on the ground. Well this is a natural behavior. We’ve all been through this because that’s how children explore the world.
Young children have no idea what is dirty and clean. You will learn the concept of hygiene through participation and growth in daily chores. Cleaning children’s toys are important because we want to protect our children from germs and dust.
Can I wash wooden toys with soap and water?
Wooden toys require gentle cleaning. In most cases, you can clean wooden toys with a damp cloth. For very dirty toys, you can use a solution of water and soap. Mild dishwashing detergent or Castile soap. All you need is a drop or two of soap in a bowl or sink.
Remember that wooden toys should never be immersed in water as they can warp or deform if submerged in water. If you have a lot of dirty toys, for example, wooden blocks, you can soak them in the sink for a while. Put all the blocks in the sink and shake them to and fro in the water to remove any dirt.
Sometimes, you may need a soft brush to scrub stubborn dirt. However, care must be taken as rubbing can scratch or damage the paint.
Whatever method you use to clean your wooden toys, ensure they dry as quickly as possible. You can dab the extra water to let it dry naturally on a drying rack or towel. As soon as it is completely dry, your child can play with it again.
How to grease a wooden toy?
It is normal for wooden toys to play with love to wear out over time. You may notice that your wooden toys are starting to look dry or dull. Occasionally, they need to be hydrated with non-toxic, safe oils to bring them back to life.
You can use coconut oil, linseed oil, olive oil or walnut oil. It doesn’t require a lot of oil. Just rub it gently with a towel.
Conclusion
Cleaning wooden toys are really easy. And with proper care, toys will last for generations to come. Those sticky lunchtime fingers will no longer knock fear into your heart!
