How to Safely Clean Wooden Toys

The great news is that wood has naturally occurring antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that certain types of wood, such as pine and cedar, contain natural compounds that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes wood a perfect  choice for toys. This means that unlike plastic toys wooden toys don’t require as frequent cleans and we can avoid toxic chemicals completely to clean our timeless pieces.

For general cleaning combine 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water. Dampen your soft cloth with the solution. Remember, wooden toys should never soak in water, as this can cause them to warp. Use gentle strokes and clean thoroughly.

For toys that are very dirty, you can increase the concentration of your solution to 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water. In some cases, a soft brush may be needed to scrub stubborn dirt. Scrubbing should be done with great care though, as it can scratch or cause damage to the paint.

Make sure that you dry the toys as soon as possible. You can pat off the excess water with a microfibre cloth and then allow to dry in a well ventilated room with non-direct sun.