Are your toys overdue for a clean?

The good news is that wood has natural anti-bacterial properties, so germs don’t stick around as much as they may on toys made of plastic, rubber, or other materials. You don’t need to clean toys everyday, but giving them a refresher even just once a month will help keep them in good condition. Here are some easy steps to help clean and maintain some of your favourite toys.
 

1. Start with a bowl or spray bottle filled with warm water, for more severe dirt or staining you could add a small amount of environmentally friendly dish soap. If the stain is quite severe use a mix of 1 parts vinegar to 10 parts warm water solution. Spray or dab cloth onto the wooden toy (never soak or fully immerse toy in water as this will cause swelling and cracks/ damage.

2. Wipe toy down gently with cloth or sponge.

3. Place toy outside in a safe place and allow to dry (Avoid direct sunlight)

Note: Use a stronger vinegar solution for stubborn stains, If all fails use some smooth sandpaper to remove and unwanted marks (not recommended on coloured wood). We always recommend patch testing any solution

Every few months you should moisturize wooden toys, this will help extend the lifetime and preserve a nice and fresh look of the toy. The best time to do this is after toys have been cleaned and dried.

1. Simply use a washcloth with olive oil or beeswax polish and gently rub into wooden toy.
2. Allow a few hours to dry before placing back in the play area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this could crack your toys.

Note: Do not dry in direct sunlight because this can damage the fabric. Felt toys can be wet and remodelled, however colours may run.

**Growing Kind have written this as a guide only. Please patch test all methods of cleaning. We cannot take responsibility for any damage caused when cleaning, or replenishing your toys or resources. Always follow manufacturer directions

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