It’s no secret we at Oh Goodie Goodies love our wooden toys. Not only do they look retro-cool, but they are also less likely to end up in landfills, with many toys being handed down through families generation after generation. Here’s how to clean and take care of your kiddo’s wooden toys, so that their favorites will be in great condition long after they’ve outgrown them.
How often should you clean wooden toys?
Some folks are a lot more fastidious than others, cleaning every single toy once a week. This may be your style, but at a minimum, we recommend cleaning wooden toys every few weeks, with your baby’s absolute favorites getting a clean once a week (especially if they’re in the mouthing stage).
Make a note to also give all toys a thorough clean after your little one has been sick (for example, from a cold or upset tummy), as well as after a play date, or when other children have mouthed your baby’s toys.
3 easy methods to clean wooden toys
1. Spray the toy with a gentle, toxin-free anti-bacterial liquid or cleanser, then wipe off with a sponge or cloth lightly dipped in some water. Let the toy air dry.
2. Use a simple vinegar and water mixture – 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Either spray the toy, or dip a clean cloth into the mixture, and wipe toy down, making sure to get into any grooves and little spaces. Wipe off with a clean, damp cloth (the vinegar smell will disappear in a few minutes) and leave to air dry.
3. Another option is to squeeze some gentle, toxin-free liquid cleaner into a bowl of water, mix well, and dip a cloth or sponge into it to thoroughly clean the toy. Give it a good wipe afterwards with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, and let air dry.
OGG Tips
Don’t:
Use harsh chemicals
Soak a wooden toy in water, or you’ll risk damaging or warping it
Do:
Air dry wooden toys after cleaning.
Keep wooden toys in tip top condition by going over them with beeswax polish, or a washcloth dipped in olive oil (never a nut oil), every once in a while. Allow the oil to penetrate for about an hour (see manufacturer’s instructions), then wipe excess off with a clean cloth.
Sand down any parts that become chipped, splintered or stained. If the toy has been oil-preserved, give it another oiling after sandpapering.
