It’s a fact of life that toys, including train sets, get dirty. They collect dust and grubby fingerprints and saliva and anything else your little cherubs manage to get hold of while they are playing.
The great thing about wooden toys is that they are natural, safe and non-toxic, meaning you don’t have to worry about you kids exploring their toys with their hands as well as their mouths. However, if your kids are still at the mouthing stage you’re going to want to keep their toys as clean as possible.
Wooden train sets, while durable and timeless, do require proper care to ensure they last for generations. Cleaning them properly can help maintain their appearance and function. Here’s an informative table outlining how to clean a wooden train set:
| Steps/Methods | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Gather Supplies | – Mild dish soap – White vinegar (for disinfecting) – Clean cloths or sponges – Soft-bristled brush (for track crevices) – Clean water |
| 2. Remove Loose Dirt | – Use a dry cloth or soft brush to gently dust off any loose dirt or debris from the train pieces and tracks. |
| 3. Spot Cleaning | – For minor spots or stains, dampen a cloth with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild dish soap. – Gently rub the spot until it’s clean. – Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. – Dry the spot with a soft cloth. |
| 4. Deep Cleaning | – If the entire set needs cleaning, prepare a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl. – Dip the cloth into the solution, wring out excess water, and wipe down each piece. – Use a soft-bristled brush to clean crevices in the tracks or intricate parts of the train. |
| 5. Disinfecting | – Prepare a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. – Dampen a cloth with the solution and wring out excess. – Wipe down each piece of the train set to disinfect. – Let the pieces air dry or wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth. |
| 6. Drying | – Lay the train pieces and tracks on a towel and let them air dry. – Ensure they are thoroughly dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew. |
| 7. Storage | – Once clean and dry, store the wooden train set in a cool, dry place. – Avoid humid areas or direct sunlight, which can damage the wood or fade the paint. |
Note: It’s essential not to submerge wooden train pieces in water or allow them to remain wet for extended periods. This can cause swelling, warping, or damage to the paint or finish. Always handle wooden train sets with care during the cleaning process to ensure their longevity and safety for play.
Cleaning wooden train track
In general, the track pieces of a wooden train set are made of unpainted, unvarnished wood. Because wood is naturally absorbent you shouldn’t submerge it when you clean it as this can lead to warping or cracking.
However despite the fact that you can’t just chuck your wooden train track in the dishwasher, cleaning wooden toys is a remarkably simple process. All you need is your chosen cleaning solution and a clean cloth
Cleaning your wooden train set in 3 easy steps
Cleaning toys, especially something like a train set with so many pieces, can feel like a massive task but once you get your head around it it’s actually very simple. Set yourself up with everything you need including a towel to lay clean toys on to dry. You can even get the children to help (provided you’re not using bleach or other chemical cleaners).
Step 1: Brush off any dust and get rid of any obvious bits of food or other dirt.
Step 2: Dampen a clean cloth with your chosen cleaning solution and wipe over the toys. If you are not using a natural cleaner you may wish to wipe again with a clean damp cloth.
Step 3: Let dry completely. If it’s a sunny day the sun will speed up the drying time and add extra cleaning but don’t leave in the sun too long as this can have a bleaching effect.
Cleaning solution options for wooden toys
1. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for wooden or plastic toys, simply dilute with an equal amount of water. If you don’t like the smell you can add a couple of drops of essential oils although the smell will dissipate as the toys dry.
2. Cleaning with hot/warm soapy water is another great way to clean toys. Choose a natural non-toxic dish soap and wipe over with a clean damp cloth before leaving toys to dry.
3. Bleach probably wouldn’t be the first choice for cleaning wooden toys as you wouldn’t want your child to accidentally ingest it. However, if you need a particularly deep clean, for example after illness, then bleach can be a good option. Dilute 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Discover the benefits of playing with trains here and inspire yourself to keep your wooden train set in the best condition for generations.
