How to clean wood toys?

[Wabi Sabi]

**Moderators- Sorry if this isn't the right forum, I am unsure of where to post this question.**

How do you clean them?

I have some painted wooden toys that are beginning to peel from repeated washings.

But, my biggest problem is with the unfinished wooden toys that are getting grimy. I have some gorgeous (and costly!) handmade toys that I don't want to ruin, but with lots of sticky little hands playing with them they're getting icky.

Ant suggestions?

TIA!

Jenny.

[IslandMamma]

Try using a super fine grit sandpaper, and then re-seal if need be with a natural oil.

[wemberly]

Hi--I helped run the Lekotek center when I lived in Bloomington. To clean our wooden toys, we would use babywipes soaked in alcohol or peroxide to both clean off the grubbies and disinfect. Stray marks on wooden toys are easily cleaned with Goo Gone. It's impossible to do the bleach soak recommended by the NAEYC--it ruins the wooden toys, but I know that hygiene is definitely something to be concerned with in a classroom setting. Your website is beautiful by the way!

[tnrsmom]

Moving this to the Natural Home forum.

[Sustainer]

Got this off the internet:

GENERAL CLEANING

Wooden toys can be disinfected using a vinegar -water solution. Use one part vinegar to ten parts water. Dip or sponge the toy, rinse with plain water and dry thoroughly. Sand any rough areas. Should it become scratched, chipped or splinter, simply sand with fine sandpaper. Oil-preserved toys should be re-oiled after this process.

NEVER use household cleaning preparations on wooden toys as the chemicals can be absorbed by the toy.

CLEANING OIL-PRESERVED WOOD

Using a stiff brush, work quickly with mild dish soap and water. Rinse, and allow toy to dry thoroughly. Be aware that wood is very vulnerable to water. You will probably find that after washing the toy, the wood has a rough feel. This is simply open grain as a result of water absorption. Simply allow to dry, then sand lightly with a fine sandpaper to desired smoothness. Preserved wood should be re-oiled. Many toys (particularly teething toys) can be finished with food-grade oils, such as canola or orange oil. Avoid nut oils which can trigger allergic reactions. Allow oil to penetrate for about one hour (or according to manufacturer), then wipe excess with a clean, soft cloth. Repeat if wood has a "dry" appearance. A word of caution: some finishes (such as Danish oil) must be allowed to cure for 30 days before they are considered child-safe.