Toy Care & Cleaning

• Wipe, don’t soakA damp cloth is all most toys need
• Mild soap onlySkip bleach and harsh sprays
• Air-dry fullyNever use heat to speed it up
• Check monthlyA quick look for wear keeps play safe

Everyday cleaning

Wooden toys don’t need much. For sticky fingers, snack crumbs and everyday dust, this is all it takes:

1. WipeDampen a soft cloth with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Wring it out well and wipe each piece.
2. RinseWipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove any soap.
3. DryPat dry with a towel, then let pieces air-dry, spaced apart, until completely dry.
4. ReturnPut toys back on the shelf only once they’re fully dry.

A deeper clean

After a cold, a playdate or a trip outside, you may want a more thorough clean:

• Vinegar wipe. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water. Wipe the toy with a cloth dampened in the mix, wipe again with clean water, then dry.
• Disinfecting. If you need to disinfect, choose a product labeled for use on the surface, follow its directions exactly, then wipe with clean water and let the toy dry completely before play.
• Stubborn marks. Gently rub natural, unfinished wood with a soft cloth or very fine sandpaper, following the grain. Don’t sand painted or coated surfaces.

What to do and what to avoid

Caring for different finishes

• Painted toys. Wipe gently and don’t scrub. Small marks at edges are normal over time; chipping or flaking paint means it’s time to take the toy out of play.
• Clear-coated toys. These wipe clean easily. Dry them right away so water doesn’t sit on the surface.
• Natural, unfinished wood. If the wood starts to look dry, you can rub in a thin coat of a wood conditioner made for wooden toys, or a food-grade oil. Wipe off the extra and let it cure as the product directs before play. Skip nut-based oils because of allergies, and never oil painted or coated surfaces.
• Fabric, felt and cord. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry.
• Metal parts. Keep bells, screws and xylophone keys dry so they don’t rust. Wipe them dry after cleaning.

Check toys for wear

Every month or so, and whenever a toy takes a big tumble, take a quick look:

• Cracks, splits or splinters in the wood
• Rough or sharp edges
• Loose, wobbly or missing pieces, wheels or axles
• Chipping, peeling or flaking paint
• Frayed cords or knots coming undone
• Magnets that are no longer fully sealed in place

If you find any of these, take the toy out of play. On a new toy, email us a photo; our damaged, defective or wrong items policy explains how we make it right. If you think it’s a safety issue, see safety notices & recalls.

Storing wooden toys

• Keep them dry and comfortable. Store toys at room temperature, away from heaters, damp rooms and long hours of direct sun, which can fade paint and dry out wood.
• Give them room. Open shelves, trays and baskets let wood breathe and make tidy-up easy.
• Rotate a few at a time. Keeping a handful of toys out and the rest put away keeps play fresh and toys in better shape.
• Keep small parts contained. Store 3+ toys with small pieces in a closed container, out of reach of younger children.

Toy care questions

Can I put wooden toys in the dishwasher?

No. The heat and water can swell and crack wood, lift paint and loosen glued joints. Wipe them by hand instead.

Can I use baby wipes on wooden toys?

In a pinch, an unscented, alcohol-free wipe is fine. Wipe with a cloth dampened in clean water afterward and dry the toy right away.

What if a wooden toy gets soaked?

Towel it dry, separate any pieces and let it air-dry at room temperature. Don’t use heat. If the wood warps, cracks or the paint lifts, take the toy out of play.

How often should I clean wooden toys?

Wipe toys whenever they look or feel dirty, and after someone in the house has been sick. A quick check for wear every month or so is a good habit.