Toy Cleaning Information & Handy Tips
What you will need
- A cleaning formula which removes grease:
- Spray and Wipe
- Tri-Nature (environmentally friendly)
- bicarb soda and vinegar (environmentally friendly and non-toxic)
- A damp cloth
- An old tooth brush
- Satay/kebab skewers and cotton wool, to make fine cotton buds (commercial cotton buds are too thick)
How to do it
- Where appropriate, wash toy with hot soapy water and/or use grease-removing formula. Use a toothbrush or “cotton bud” to clean nooks, crannies and edges.
- Rinse
- Dry toy thoroughly
Child or household infection
If your child or other member of the household has been sick, ensure toys have been cleaned as per guideline, and inform the coordinator as further cleaning may be required.
Tips for cleaning
Baby Rattles: Do not immerse these in water, as water can get in, and cannot be removed. Rinse baby toys well of all soap and detergent; bicarb soda is preferred.
Wooden Toys: Wipe all over with a damp cloth. Do not soak.
Duplo/Construction Sets: Wash in hot soapy water using toothbrush to get into all the grooves. Rinse. Drain overnight on a tea towel.
Bath Toys: These do need cleaning, and more thoroughly than other toys. Any toy used in the bath must be dismantled, cleaned in hot soapy water, and dried immediately. Use grease-removing formula if necessary.
Outdoor/Sandpit toys: Immerse toys in hot, soapy water. To remove all sand, keep rinsing them under hot running water using a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies.
Ride-Ons: Do not leave outside overnight, in the rain, or in the hot sun, as colour will deteriorate.
Dress-Ups: Allow time to wash and dry. If soiled (e.g. blood, vomit), rinse soiled area thoroughly and then wash in hot soapy water. To get the wrinkles out of a tutu after washing, turn it inside out and hang upside down in the bathroom with steam from the shower.
Wooden Puzzles: Wipe all over with a damp cloth.
Board Games/Cardboard Puzzles: Wipe all over with a damp cloth, cleaning all pieces.