Playfully Clean

If you’re feeling a little urge for spring cleaning around now (after all, clutter is one thing we can control in these uncertain times), you might be thinking of tackling the kiddos’ much loved but often a bit grotty toys. You’re not running a daycare, so no need to rinse everything down with bleach every week, but a quick clean once in a while is a good idea, especially after the kids have been sick or if you have a little ‘mouther’ in the house. We’ve got the savvy scoop on the kinder, gentler, greener and toy-appropriate ways to get all those toys clean.

The Plush Challenge: Getting It Back by Naptime
Many ‘stuffies’ these days are machine-washable (just check the label) so your best bet here is to encourage them to fall in love with a ‘main squeeze’ that is. Washable plush toys can be hand-washed or placed in a pillow case in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, with a mild detergent. Air dry or machine dry on a low heat and then use a hairbrush to fluff up the faux fur. (Brush gently—that hair is not going to grow back!) Avoid washing stuffed toys with joints, internal stiffeners, very firm filling (or it won’t be firm for long) or attached clothing/accessories if at all possible. For non-washable toys that are in need of a little freshening up, or for emergency work on smelly critters that can’t be missed for a whole wash cycle, pop them in a plastic bag with a few spoonfuls of baking powder, shake, leave for about half an hour (or as long as possible) and then shake or gently vacuum off the powder.

The Plastic Challenge: Managing the Volumes
As green as we are all trying to be, there still seems to be an overwhelming amount of plastic toys in most homes, but the good news is that cleaning them can be as easy as putting on the dishwasher. Many toys like Lego are dishwasher safe so you can fill up the cutlery basket with them and just press start. For other items, fill a large sink, a bucket or even the bathtub with warm water and a little dishwashing detergent and give the toys a quick soak. Rinse and then lay everything out on a towel to air-dry. For battery-operated toys, which can’t be submerged, or larger items like play kitchens, mix up a solution of vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio (it’s a better choice than commercial cleansers as it is safe to go in the mouth and has natural antibacterial properties), spray on the toys and then wipe off with a dry cloth. For plastic toys needing more of a scrub, mix up a paste of baking soda and water. Its abrasive properties will help you get gunk out of cracks and crevices (and no need to worry about chemicals as it is totally edible).

The Metal Challenge: Avoiding the Rust Belt
Metal toys don’t like getting too wet, or else they may rust and parts stop moving, so the key here is to just use a small amount of the water/vinegar solution and then wipe to dry immediately.

The Wooden Challenge: Not Taking the Plunge
With more and more wooden toys on the market today, these are becoming more common in the playroom (thankfully, because we love wood’s natural antibacterial properties). Wooden toys should not be submersed in water as this can affect the grain and surface of the toy. They will absorb whatever is on them, so again the best bet for this kind of toy is a quick spray with the vinegar/water solution and then a wipe dry. Make sure wooden toys get a chance to air-dry before you put them away.

The Bath Challenge: The ‘What’s the Black Stuff ?’ Question
Here, prevention really is the best medicine. Try to avoid using toys with holes in them. They never dry out inside and become breeding grounds for bacteria. Also, make a game at the end of bathtime of rinsing toys and placing them in an open weave plastic basket or other container to dry. But if you notice that your little yellow rubber ducky is looking a bit green around the gills (and if he will be sorely missed if you just toss him), combine half a cup of white vinegar with four litres of water in a pail or large bowl. Wearing gloves, immerse the toy in the mixture, squeezing it to expel the gunk from inside and allowing it to fill with the vinegar mixture. Let soak for 15 minutes, and expel the vinegar mixture. Repeat if necessary.

Just like the rocking horse in The Velveteen Rabbit said “When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but really loves you, then you’ve become Real.” So show your kids that taking care of the things they love (even if they are just plastic and wood to you) is important.