Looking for the most effective technique to clean wooden toys? Wooden toys are beautiful, eco - friendly and long-lasting, but to ensure they stay in excellent condition, proper cleaning is essential. Wood has inherent antibacterial characteristics, but it still requires cleaning, especially after toys have been on the floor. Wood's organic structure makes it far more porous than plastic, necessitating an entirely different cleaning process. Read this article further and you will learn Lotes Toys' Family recommendations on how to properly care for organic wooden toys.
How often should you clean your natural wooden toys?
If your infant or toddler enjoys mouthing wooden toys, you should clean them more frequently. If your wooden toys are being utilized at a daycare or childcare center, make sure you follow their toy sanitation rules. In general, you should only clean your wooden toys if your child is ill or if you see a buildup of dirt or other unknown dirty stuff.
Clean toys regularly
The simplest way to clean wooden toys is with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the cloth - just a light misting of water is enough to wipe away dust, dirt and minor stains. A mild soap mixed with water works well for sticky or heavily soiled toys. After cleaning, be sure to dry them thoroughly with a towel to prevent water from seeping into the wood. However, it is important to note that the surface of the toy will not be as smooth as before when cleaned with water or water-based products. This is because water has entered the fibers and pores of the wood. Therefore, after cleaning, it is important to restore the surface of the toy by polishing the surface with an abrasive sponge to a pleasantly smooth result. After that, we recommend covering the smoothed surface with a layer of oil to restore the protective layer of the wooden surface from the moisture of the environment. There is no need to purchase specialized lubricants or oils, as it will be perfectly sufficient to use a quality edible oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, etc. that you and your family use every day. Thus, the toy will be completely safe for your baby.
Use natural products to clean
Alternatively, the most effective method for cleaning wooden objects is to:
- Use a light soap (such as castile soap) and rinse well with a sponge or moist towel.
- To remove really obstinate filth, make a mixture of baking soda and water and scrub with a moist cloth.
- Use water-diluted apple cider or white vinegar.
Store in a dry place
It is best to store wooden toys in a cool, dry environment. Severe variations in temperature or humidity can cause the wood to expand and compress, which might result in warping or splitting. Keep them away from heaters and radiators, as well as wet spaces like attics and basements.
Avoid submerging wooden toys in water
Wooden toys should never be submerged in water or soaked; doing so might cause the wood to expand, break or warp. Wood is porous; therefore, it will absorb water and eventually become damaged, unlike plastic. Always use surface cleaning techniques to preserve integrity.
Mild soap and water for tougher stains
If the toys are sticky or heavily soiled, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Dip a cloth in the soapy water, wring it out, and then wipe the toys clean. Avoid soaking the wood, as too much water can damage it. After cleaning, dry the toys completely with a towel.
Vinegar solution for disinfecting
Combine equal parts white vinegar and water to create a mild, natural disinfectant. Toys may be cleaned with this solution to help get rid of bacteria. Allow the toys to air dry completely after using the vinegar solution. The toy will dry up and the stench will go, so do not worry.
When properly cared for, organic wooden toys may survive for many generations. You can maintain their aesthetic appeal and functionalities while also ensuring your children's safety by using natural, gentle cleaning methods and steering clear of strong chemicals or excessive wetness. If you follow these easy Lotes Toys' Family cleaning instructions, your wooden toys will always look as beautiful as the day you bought them home.