How to Keep Wooden Toys Squeaky Clean
Wooden toys are a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly choice for play, but they also require a little extra care to keep them clean and safe. At LudoLudo, where toys go from one loving home to another, we’ve developed a gentle, effective cleaning routine that keeps our wooden toys in top shape. Whether you're part of our circular toy library or simply want to care for your own collection, here’s how we clean, sanitize, and prepare wooden toys for safe, happy play.
Gentle Daily Cleaning: Less Is More
Wood is a natural, porous material, so it’s important to avoid soaking it or exposing it to too much moisture. For everyday cleaning, we follow the recommendations of trusted wooden toy makers like Grimm’s and Grapat:
Use a lightly damp cloth with warm water and a drop of mild soap.
Gently wipe down the toy’s surface.
Avoid submerging toys in water or placing them in a dishwasher.
This approach removes everyday dirt and dust without compromising the toy’s finish or structure.
Natural Disinfection Between Families
When toys come back to us, we go one step further to ensure they’re safe for the next family. Our disinfecting method is effective yet natural, using a diluted white vinegar solution:
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water.
Lightly spray or wipe the toy with the solution.
Let it air dry completely.
White vinegar is a powerful natural disinfectant that kills most common germs while remaining non-toxic and wood-safe. It’s a method we trust for its balance of safety and sustainability.
What We Never Use
There are some cleaning products that just don’t mix well with wood or with little hands. We always avoid:
Bleach or harsh chemical disinfectants
Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads
Commercial wet wipes, which often contain chemicals that can damage or dry out the wood
These products can strip away the toy’s natural oils, wear down painted finishes, or leave behind residues that aren’t child-safe. Our priority is keeping both the toy and the child safe and happy.
Drying and Final Inspection
After cleaning and disinfecting, we let toys air dry completely in a well-ventilated space. This prevents any residual moisture from causing mold or warping.
Before a toy is ready to rejoin our collection, we do a final inspection:
Is it clean and dry?
Are all pieces intact and safe?
Is it still in great shape for imaginative play?
Only once we’ve checked all the boxes do we send it out for its next adventure.
Keeping Toys Clean = Keeping Play Safe and Sustainable
Our cleaning process is an important part of how we give toys a longer life while ensuring they remain safe and joyful for every child who uses them. Whether you're renting from LudoLudo or caring for your own toys, these tips help you maintain the quality of your wooden toys, without compromising on safety or sustainability.
Want to learn more about how we care for our toys or join the LudoLudo community? Explore our toy catalogue here!