Three Crucial Maintenance Tips for Wooden Toys
Posted on: 8 October 2019
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Wooden toys are quite different from plastic and metallic ones. Parents know how oddly comforting it is to play with wooden toys. Wood helps kids develop their sensory skills and refine their motor skills. Wooden toys are also safe and durable. To gain these benefits for your child, you will have to start by investing in the right toys. Additionally, understand that the durability of the toys depends on how well they are maintained. Here are three top tips in wooden toy maintenance.
Deciding between Finished and Unfinished Wood
Wood has natural antibacterial properties; this means that bacteria do not grow on it easily as they do on plastic surfaces. The upside here is that you will not need to clean the toys a lot after daily use. Wooden toys are normally left unfinished because kids eat toys a lot and finishing such as paint would be harmful. When finishing is done, beeswax and other natural and edible products are used for the safety of the kids. It is advisable to clean polished wood differently from unpolished wood as this will determine how long the toy lasts.
Daily Cleaning
Daily cleaning of wooden toys is quite easy. You gently wipe the surface with a piece of dry cloth. If the surface is finished, then you can use mild soap and warm water to clean the surface. Ensure that you pat the surface dry to remove any excess moisture. Air drying the toys also helps remove moisture. Note that when moisture is left on the surface of the toy, it could lead to the wood getting mouldy, rotting and disintegrating. After cleaning, you can apply a fresh coat of finish to keep the toy looking new.
Sanding the Wood
With time and use, wooden toys chip and get rough on the surface. The rough edges could hurt a child's hands and mouth. It is advisable to sand down the wood every few weeks with low-grade sandpaper. This gently restores wood's smooth and clear finish. You can apply a light coat of edible varnish after sanding to enhance smoothness.
Additionally, always remember to keep your wooden toys away from the dishwasher and any other cleaning method that will need you to submerge the toy in water. Also, avoid harsh chemicals and detergents when cleaning wood. Finally, note that the toy is only as good as its original quality. Buy toys from trusted and reliable suppliers for quality and durability.
For more information, contact a wholesale wooden toy supplier.