How To Clean Wooden Toys? Effortless & Natural Way!

Wooden toys are a classic choice for kids, and they can last for years with proper cleaning.

This post will discuss the best ways to clean your child’s wooden toys and keep them looking new. We will also explore different ways to get rid of any stains or marks that may occur.

Table of Contents

Why Is It Necessary To Keep Your Child’s Toys Hygienic?

It’s no secret that kids can be messy – especially when it comes to their toys. Whether they’re playing outside in the dirt or snuggling up with fabric toys or being challenged by the well-loved wooden blocks, keeping their toys clean is important.

Not only will this help to keep them healthy, but it will also extend the life of their toys.

Here are a few reasons why it’s necessary to keep your child’s toys clean:

Decrease Microbial Load

First of all, studies have shown that kids who play with dirty toys are more likely to develop respiratory infections.

In addition, dirty toys can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful microbes.

A study conducted in 2015 revealed the following:

“Although cleaning toys and disinfection of toys every two weeks can decrease the microbial load in nurseries, it does not appear to reduce sickness absence among nursery children.”

Toys can harbor bacteria and viruses, which can cause your child to become sick. As mentioned in the study above, it can decrease the microbial load and hence decrease the probability of getting sick.

Allergies

Keeping their toys clean is essential if your child is allergic to dust or other allergens. This will help minimize their exposure to these allergens and lessen the chance of a reaction.

Sensitive Skin

If your child has had some skin reactions before, they may be more prone to rashes and other skin irritations.

Keeping their toys clean will help to prevent any irritation.

How To Clean Wooden Toys? Effortless Ways!

Wood toys are a classic choice that can last for generations, but they require extra proper care to keep them looking their best.

Here are a few easy steps for cleaning natural wooden toys:

Step 1 – Dusting The Wooden Toy

Begin by dusting the toys with a soft cloth to remove any surface dirt.

Step 2 – Washing The Wooden Toy

If the toys are filthy, you may need to wash them with a mild soap and water solution.

Do NOT use any product with harsh chemicals, it can cause the wood to dry out. Use only natural materials such as white vinegar and warm water (make diluted vinegar solution in a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water).

Step 3 – Drying The Wooden Toy

Be sure to dry the toys entirely after using the soapy water. Allow the wooden toys to air dry.

You can also expose them to direct sunlight for a short time to increase the possibility of killing more harmful bacteria and speeding up the drying process.

Under no circumstances should your child’s wooden toys fall into the water for an extended period of time, as the wood is porous and absorbs the water into it.

Once the wood absorbs water into it, its shape will contort, the paint may be damaged, and toy-like wooden blocks will not be able to stack on top of each other.

In addition, if the wood absorbs too much water, it will not be able to dry properly and begin to accumulate bacteria.

On the other hand, using a soft, high-quality clean cloth will prevent the wood from getting too wet and allow maximum cleanliness, and keep the wooden toy in good condition for a long time.

Step 4 – Polishing The Wooden Toy

To protect the wood and keep the toys looking shiny, apply a thin layer of furniture wax. You can also use baby oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or mineral oil.

Step 5 – Tough Stain or Marks

If the toys have any paint or varnish, you will need to use a mild solvent such as denatured alcohol. Apply the solvent with a gentle cleanser and rub it in a circular motion until the paint or varnish is removed.

If you have a stubborn, tough stain or marks, we recommend taking the toy to a professional for restoration.

Tip

You can create a “clean zone” for your children’s toys, where they are only allowed to play with clean, disinfected toys.

The Crux

It’s important to keep your children’s toys clean for their health and safety. Wooden baby toys require a bit of extra care, but with these simple tips, you can easily keep them looking new.

Be sure to clean wooden toys naturally, dust the toys regularly, wash them with mild dish soap and water solution, and apply a thin layer of furniture wax to protect the wood.