FAQ
From little kitchen helpers to much-loved playroom favourites, wooden toys deserve thoughtful care. Start with the instructions for your exact toy: materials, finishes and accessories can have different care requirements.
This guide takes its lead from the care instructions on our Limited Edition wooden washing machine and fridge: clean only the surface with a damp cloth and avoid soaking. It is not a substitute for the manufacturer's instructions.
How should I clean a wooden toy?
Check the product page and the manufacturer's care instructions first. Where damp-cloth cleaning is specified, gently wipe the surface with a soft, lightly damp cloth rather than washing the toy in water. Wipe away remaining moisture promptly with a dry cloth, and let the surface dry before returning the toy to play or storage.
Can wooden toys go in the dishwasher?
Do not put toys labelled for surface cleaning only or with instructions to avoid soaking in the dishwasher. Our Limited Edition Wooden washing machine and Limited Edition Wooden Fridge both specify damp-cloth surface cleaning and no soaking. For other wooden toys, follow their own manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming they are dishwasher-safe.
Can I soak a wooden toy in the sink?
Not when its care instructions say to avoid soaking. For the two wooden play appliances linked above, clean the surface only with a damp cloth. Their pretend-play washing and kitchen features are not instructions to use real water.
Should I add soap, disinfectant or a homemade cleaner?
The product descriptions for these two toys do not approve a cleaning chemical or disinfecting method. Keep to the stated damp-cloth method. Do not add detergents, bleach, alcohol, vinegar, essential oils or other treatments unless the manufacturer explicitly approves them for your exact toy.
What should I do after a spill?
Wipe up the spill promptly, then follow the toy's approved surface-cleaning instructions. Remove remaining surface moisture with a dry cloth and allow the toy to dry before putting it away. Do not soak it to tackle a mark.
Do the same instructions apply to every accessory?
Do not assume that they do. Check any separate instructions supplied for accessories or removable pieces. If no separate care method is provided, ask the manufacturer before machine-washing, immersing or using a cleaner on them.
What if a mark will not come off, or the toy needs disinfecting?
Do not move on to stronger cleaners or soaking. Contact the manufacturer for a method approved for the toy's material and finish. Damp-cloth surface cleaning should not be treated as a disinfecting method.
Where can I check the product-specific care advice?
See the descriptions for the Limited Edition Wooden washing machine and Limited Edition Wooden Fridge. Both currently advise surface cleaning with a damp cloth and avoiding soaking. Always check the instructions supplied with your own toy before cleaning.