GENERAL CLEANING
Wooden toys can be disinfected using a bleach-water solution. Use one part household bleach 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.
An alternative to bleach is vinegar, if you prefer.
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 soap and water (we recommend Murphy's Oil Soap, but mild dish soap will do). 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 (we use a special blend of orange oil and pharmaceutical mineral 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.
CLEANING STAIN & LAQUER FINISHES
Toys that are in good repair can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth, then dried thoroughly. However, if the paint or lacquer is damaged, it is best to refinish the toy.
If the damage is minimal, you don't need to remove the entire layer of lacquer. Lightly sand the entire surface to refinish. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust. Apply one or two coats of varnish or paint according to manufacturer's instructions.
If the finish is cracking, peeling, or as is the case in older toys, a lead hazard, it is best to strip the toy with paint stripper or lacquer thinner and begin with a fresh finish. Apply two or more coats of varnish or paint according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow to dry in a well-ventilated, dust-free area. Be sure to select a paint or varnish that is toy-safe, *many finishes require a 30 day curing period before being put into use.
Our Recommendations:
Rather than using paint on children's toys, there is a penetrating colored stain available through woodworking stores called Woodburst (won't chip!).
Cleaning Heirloom or Wax Finishes
To clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth.
To maintain the lustre of the toy, periodically reapply paste wax, such as Briwax, according to manufacturer's instructions.
Br>
If damage penetrates the wax or wood, sand the damaged area until the damage is removed. There is no need to strip the finish from the entire toy. For Heirloom Finish toys, reapply natural Danish Oil, and then paste wax.
|
|
more Talk to the Toymaker articles about:
|
|
|
|
