Got Sick Kids? Let Them Play With Wooden Toys!
A frazzled parent told us she loves our wooden toys. But she doesn't let her children play with them when they're sick because she doesn't know how to sanitize them!
She says she throws her kids' plastic toys in the dishwasher overnight, and in the morning, the plastic toys are ready for another day of play. But she can't throw Uncle Goose blocks in the dishwasher because they'll get ruined!
The Good News and the Better News
Well, we have some good news and some better news! The good news is that you don't need to sanitize wooden toys! Not at all!
Phew! That's one more thing off your to-do list! Wooden toys are extremely low maintenance!
The better news? You probably don't have to sanitize any toys, plastic or wooden. This means you don't need to put any toys in the dishwasher, ever!
After all, sanitizing everything a child touches is unnecessary. A little dirt might be just the thing children need to develop a robust immune system. Who knew?
When Your Blocks Need a Little More Love
But let's say you've got a sick child on your hands. How do you clean wooden toys without high-pressure water jets, steam, or harsh chemicals?
Nighty Night, Blocks. Give your wooden wonders a break at night. Pop them into a well-aired storage space while you catch some much-needed Zs. In the morning, your wooden toys will be ready for a new day of play.
Dust Dance. If you feel super ambitious and fancy, dust your blocks with a feather duster. Otherwise, start playing with your toys. Any dust will fall off on its own.
Gentle Wipe-Down. If your blocks have faced the occasional drool or sneeze attack, no worries! Gently wipe them down with a damp cloth. Let your blocks air dry like little wooden sunbathers.
Embrace the Rustic Look. Wooden toys get better with age. Enjoy the rustic, lived-in look. A few minor imperfections tell tales of love and adventure!
Two Quick Tips for Caring for Wooden Toys
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No Soaking, Please! Blocks aren't bath toys! And they aren't teething toys, either. Keep your wooden toys dry, and they'll stay in tip-top shape.
- Say No to Bleach! Harsh chemicals are a no-no. Skip the bleach; it's a horror show for wooden toys.