Spruce Up Your Tag Sale Treasures: Toy Cleaning Tips for Busy Parents

Last Updated on July 26, 2024 by ellen

Check out these toy cleaning tips and learn how to transform your tag sale finds into pristine, safe playthings for your little ones.

Toy Cleaning Tips for Busy Parents

Tag sales, also known as garage sales or yard sales, are treasure troves for parents seeking affordable toys for their young children. However, second-hand toys often come with dirt, grime, and sometimes germs that need to be addressed before they can be safely used.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of cleaning up toys from tag sales, focusing on saving money, simple cleaning tips, and recommended products for various types of toys.

I like to use a microfiber cloth when I clean. I feel it does the best overall job.

Why Clean Second-Hand Toys?

Cleaning second-hand toys is crucial for several reasons:

1. Hygiene: Toys can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
2. Allergens: Dust and pet dander can trigger allergies.
3. Appearance: Clean toys look more appealing and feel fresher.
4. Longevity: Proper cleaning can extend the life of toys.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Tag Sale Toys

1. Initial Inspection and Sorting

Inspect for Damage: Before cleaning, check each toy for damage or missing parts. Discard or repair broken toys as needed. This is one of the most important toy cleaning tips.

Sort by Material: Group toys into categories such as plastic, fabric, wood, and electronic. This will help you determine the best cleaning methods for each type.

2. Cleaning Plastic Toys

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

– Mild dish soap
– Warm water
– Soft cloth or sponge
– Toothbrush for crevices

Steps:

1. Soak and Wash: Mix mild dish soap with warm water. Soak the toys for a few minutes to loosen dirt.
2. Scrub: Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the surfaces. For hard-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush.
3. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.
4. Dry: Allow the toys to air dry completely. You can speed up the process with a clean towel.

I use these tips when I clean our water table each summer for my granddaughter.

Disinfection:

 For extra disinfection, use a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Spray the solution on the toys and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping off.

3. Cleaning Fabric Toys

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

– Laundry detergent
– Mesh laundry bag (for small items)
– Baking soda (for odors)

Steps:

1. Machine Wash: Check the care label. Many fabric toys can be machine washed. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle.
2. Spot Clean: For toys that can’t be machine washed, use a mixture of water and mild detergent to spot clean stains. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the fabric.
3. Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda on the toy and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off to remove odors.
4. Dry: Air dry fabric toys completely. If possible, place them in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to speed up drying.

4. Cleaning Wooden Toys

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

– Mild dish soap
– Water
– White vinegar
– Soft cloth

Steps:

1. Wipe Down: Dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Wipe the wooden surfaces gently.
2. Disinfect: For additional disinfection, mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Wipe the toys with the solution.
3. Dry Immediately: Wooden toys should be dried immediately with a clean cloth to prevent water damage and warping.

5. Cleaning Electronic Toys

Basic Cleaning Supplies:

– Microfiber cloth
– Isopropyl alcohol (70%)
– Cotton swabs

Steps:

1. Remove Batteries: Before cleaning, remove any batteries to avoid damage.
2. Surface Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with water to wipe the surfaces.
3. Disinfect: Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean buttons and small crevices.
4. Dry: Allow the toy to dry completely before reinserting the batteries.

Recommended Cleaning Products

1. Dish Soap

A gentle, non-toxic dish soap like Dawn or Seventh Generation is ideal for cleaning plastic and wooden toys.

2. White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, perfect for cleaning a variety of toy materials. Brands like Heinz or Bragg offer high-quality vinegar.

3. Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is excellent for deodorizing fabric toys and removing stubborn stains.

4. Isopropyl Alcohol

For disinfecting electronic toys, 70% isopropyl alcohol, available from brands like Swan or Equate, is effective and quick-drying.

5. Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags from brands like Whitmor or Simple Houseware protect delicate fabric toys during machine washing.

Money-Saving Tips

1. DIY Cleaning Solutions: Make your own cleaning solutions with common household items like vinegar and baking soda.
2. Buy in Bulk: Purchase cleaning supplies in bulk to save money in the long run.
3. Repurpose Old Toothbrushes: Use old toothbrushes for scrubbing small areas and crevices in toys.
4. Air Drying: Avoid using electric dryers for fabric toys to save on energy costs.

Use these tips to remove sticker residue from your toys.

Conclusion

Cleaning up toys from tag sales doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple toy cleaning tips and using the right products, you can ensure that your children’s second-hand toys are clean, safe, and ready for play. Not only will this save you money, but it also promotes a healthier environment for your kids to enjoy their new-to-them treasures. Happy cleaning!