When playtime is over, the fun doesn’t have to end - but keeping toys fresh, safe, and sparkling is a must for happy little explorers. At Toybox Tales, we know that toys don’t just pick up dust - they can also carry kindy germs from little hands, sticky snacks, and busy playdates. From cuddly companions to sturdy wooden blocks, each material needs a different approach to stay clean and safe.
Here’s your go-to guide for cleaning wooden toys, silicone toys, plastic toys, rubber toys, diecast toys, and soft toys - so your child’s favourites can last through endless adventures.
🌳 Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are timeless treasures, but they’re not fans of long soaks or harsh chemicals.
How to clean wooden toys:
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Wipe gently with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
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For tougher spots, mix a little vinegar with water for a natural clean.
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Always dry immediately with a soft towel - never leave wooden toys sitting in water.
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To keep them looking new, a touch of food-grade mineral oil or beeswax polish works wonders.
Top Tip: Wooden toys are porous. Skip the disinfectant sprays - gentle cleaning keeps them strong and safe.
🍓 Silicone Toys
Teething rings, bath toys, and stackers made from silicone are tough, flexible, and easy to clean.
How to clean silicone toys:
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Pop them in the dishwasher (top rack only!) for a fuss-free clean.
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For handwashing, use warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
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To deep clean, boil in water for a few minutes - perfect for teethers.
Top Tip: Avoid bleach or harsh detergents; silicone doesn’t need much to stay fresh and safe.
🚂 Plastic Toys
From cars to building blocks, plastic toys are everyday play heroes. They’re sturdy but can harbour germs if not cleaned properly.
How to clean plastic toys:
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Wash with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
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Many plastic toys (without batteries!) are dishwasher safe.
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For electronic or battery-powered toys, wipe with a damp cloth and disinfect with baby-safe wipes.
Top Tip: Always check labels. Some plastics can warp in hot water - when in doubt, handwash.
🐸 Rubber Toys
Rubber toys - think bath squirters, balls, and chew toys - are fun but can trap moisture inside.
How to clean rubber toys:
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Wash with warm, soapy water and rinse well.
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To remove hidden mould, soak in a vinegar-water solution.
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Squeeze out excess water and allow them to fully air dry.
Top Tip: Seal up any squirting holes with a glue gun if mould becomes a recurring problem - it keeps bath toys safer for longer.
🚗 Diecast Toys
Diecast cars and figurines are childhood classics - and with all that zooming across floors, they pick up plenty of dirt!
How to clean diecast toys:
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Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
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For stubborn dirt in small crevices, use a cotton bud or soft toothbrush.
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Dry thoroughly to prevent rusting of metal parts.
Top Tip: Store diecast toys away from damp areas - moisture can dull the paintwork and cause corrosion.
🧸 Soft Toys & Plushies
Cuddly friends need extra love - and regular cleaning to stay huggable.
How to clean soft toys:
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Check the care label: many plushies are machine washable in a gentle cycle.
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Use a laundry bag to protect delicate stitching.
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For spot cleaning, use a cloth with mild detergent.
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Dry thoroughly in the sun or on low heat in the dryer - damp plushies can grow mould.
Top Tip: For quick refreshes, sprinkle with baking soda, let sit, then vacuum - it lifts odours and dust without a full wash.
✨ Quick Cleaning Checklist
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Weekly: Wipe down high-use toys like blocks, cars, and teethers.
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Monthly: Deep clean soft toys, rubber bath toys, and building sets.
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After illness: Disinfect shared toys to stop kindy germs spreading.
Why Clean Toys Regularly?
Regular cleaning doesn’t just make toys sparkle - it keeps little ones safe from germs, prolongs the life of your favourite toys, and ensures they’re always ready for the next big adventure.
At Toybox Tales, we believe playtime should always be magical and safe. With these cleaning tips, your toy collection will stay as bright and joyful as the day you brought it home.
👉 Looking for durable, easy-to-clean toys? Explore our Toybox Tales collection — because playtime memories should last forever.
⚠️ Disclaimer
These cleaning tips are general guidelines only. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning, especially for battery-operated or electronic toys. Toybox Tales is not responsible for any damage caused by cleaning methods that differ from manufacturer recommendations.