How to clean and care for wooden and silicone toys…
Discover non toxic ways to clean wooden and silicone toys, helping to keep your baby toys safe, hygienic and long-lasting with our simple care tips.
Wooden and silicone toys are both popular choices for many families, and if you’ve already chosen them for your little one, you’ve made a great investment in safe, eco friendly and durable playtime and developmental essentials. Unlike plastic toys, these materials are more sustainable and built to last and with the right care they can provide years of play. Knowing how to clean your wooden toys and silicon toys properly can keep them clean, safe and hygienic for those little curious hands and mouths. Here’s our guide on the safe ways to clean baby toys.
Wooden toy care guide/tips
Wooden baby toys are timeless classics, long lasting and naturally beautiful. Because wood is porous it can absorb moisture if not treated carefully. Toys made from wood therefore only require gentle cleaning in order to avoid damaging them.
- How to clean wooden toys-
Wipe with mild soap and water – Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water and a tiny amount of a child safe or other mild soap to wipe the surface of your wooden toys. Never soak or submerge them in water, as the porous nature of the wood means it can absorb water, so exposing it to too much can cause it to swell or crack
Dry thoroughly – After cleaning, dry your toys straight away with a towel, then leave them to air dry completely before using them again or putting them away. This prevents mold growth and warping and helps prolongs the life span of your toys.
Disinfect naturally – If you would like to give your toys an extra deep clean you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Just mix equal parts (1:1 ratio) of water with the vinegar and use a cloth to wipe the solution over the toy. This gently disinfects your toys and is a natural way to clean them without the use of harsh chemicals. Never use sterilizer or antibacterial sprays on your wooden toys.
Condition the wood – An extra step you can take to care for your wooden toys is to apply a small amount of food-grade oil, like beeswax polish or coconut oil, to them occasionally. This helps to keep the wood nourished and smooth.
Storage – If you can, try to store your wooden toys in a cool, dry place, out of any direct sunlight to prevent them from fading or cracking.
Silicone toy care guide/tips
Silicone toys are popular with parents as they are soft, durable and super easy to clean, making them a perfect choice for teething babies or messy play. Silicone isn’t porous, it therefore doesn’t absorb liquids like wood so it can handle a deeper clean than wooden ones can.
-How to clean silicone toys-
Soap and water – Silicone toys can be washed in warm soapy water. Rinse them well and then leave them to air dry. Unlike wooden toys, you can submerge silicone toys in water to clean them.
Dish washer – Most silicone toys can be safely washed on the top rack of a dishwasher for a thorough clean. But, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions beforehand, to check that the toy is suitable for doing this.
Sterlise naturally – For silicone teething toys you can sterlise them by boiling them in water for a few minutes. This helps to keep them hygenic and safe for little mouths. But again always check the manufacturers guidance before doing so. Avoid using bleach or other strong cleaning chemicals, as they are not necessary and can reduce the lifespan of your baby silicone toys.
Inspect regularly - Silicone is strong, but it is always best to check it regularly for signs of any tears or other signs of wear, especially on teethers that get used often. Always replace them straight away if they are damaged to keep your little on safe.
Final Thoughts
Looking after your wooden and silicone toys doesn’t take much effort, but a little care goes a long way. With the right cleaning routine and storing, you will help them to last longer, but more importantly, ensure that they stay safe and hygienic for your little one. Plus, for little ones that are that little bit older, teaching them to look after and care for their toys helps them to learn the value of looking after the things they love. A good early life lesson for them all wrapped up in play time. So whether it cleaning wooden toys with vinegar or popping silicone toys in boiling water, or just keeping your toys dry and stored away, these simple steps can help to ensure that your little ones play times stays fun, safe and hygenic!