Caring for Wooden Toys

How to Keep Your Wooden Toys Beautiful and Long-Lasting

At Bueno Blocks, we believe that beautifully crafted wooden toys deserve to last a lifetime (if not more!). But like all natural materials, they need a little love and care to stay in tip-top shape. Whether it’s keeping them dust-free, managing humidity, or dealing with the occasional mold spot—we’ve got you covered with this detailed care guide.

Here’s how to keep your wooden toys looking gorgeous and ready for play for years to come! 💛

 

Official Care Guidelines from Brand Owners

To ensure your wooden toys last as long as possible, follow these official routine care instructions straight from the brand owners:

  • Occasional Wipe Down: Wipe the wooden blocks with a damp soapy cloth to remove dirt and grime. Make sure to dry thoroughly afterwards to avoid moisture buildup.

 

  • Dust Removal: If the blocks are dusty, you can gently immerse them in water for about 5 seconds to remove dust. Ensure they are dried thoroughly to prevent water damage.


Unofficial Guidelines by Bueno Blocks

Disclaimer: The guidelines below are not endorsed by the brand owners. Bueno Blocks is not liable for any damage caused to the wooden toys as a result of following these unofficial guidelines.

 

Why Unofficial Guidelines?

You might be wondering, “Unofficial guidelines? What’s going on?”

 

After years of operating Bueno Blocks and chatting with our amazing community, we’ve received reports of mold occurrence on wooden toys, especially in hot and humid climates like Malaysia and Singapore. Heavy rains, particularly during monsoon seasons, can expose wooden toys to high humidity for prolonged periods, making them more susceptible to mold.

 

If you live in a tropical climate or experience high humidity, these guidelines are for you! We’ve gathered tried-and-tested preventative and corrective measures to help you keep mold at bay.


Preventative Measures

 

Reduce Humidity Exposure to Prevent Mold Growth

1. Display in a Well-Ventilated Area

Good ventilation is key! Make sure the play area is well-aired to reduce humidity buildup around the toys. This helps prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, which can lead to mold.

2. Control Humidity with Air-Conditioning

Where possible, use air-conditioning for at least 1 hour daily in the room where wooden toys are displayed. This helps maintain a dry environment, reducing the risk of mold growth.

3. Store Smartly for Long-Term

  • Avoid Ground Floor Storage: Humidity can seep through floors, especially if they are uncarpeted or made of concrete. Store toys on higher shelves or in well-ventilated areas.
  • Use Silica Gel Packets: Place silica gel packets in storage containers to absorb moisture and keep humidity levels low.
  • Rotate Toys Regularly: If you practice toy rotation, this shouldn't be much of a concern since the toys are regularly aired during play. However, if you don't rotate your toys, be sure to air them periodically to prevent any moisture buildup.

4. Periodic Cleaning

  • Routine Cleaning: Follow the official guidelines laid out above for your routine care.
  • Removing light stains: Dilute 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water and fill the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the wooden toy with the solution and wipe with a clean cloth before allowing to air dry completely.

 

Corrective Measures

What to Do If You Find Mold on Wooden Toys

Don’t panic—mold spots don’t mean the end of your beloved wooden toys! Here’s how to safely remove mold while preserving the natural beauty of the wood.


Before You Start: Gather These Supplies

  • A well-ventilated space (preferably outdoors or with a fan and opened windows)
  • Hand gloves (to protect your skin from irritation)
  • Food-grade plain white vinegar (natural and safe for wooden toys)
  • A bucket (large enough to fully submerge the toys)
  • Dry cloths (for wiping off excess vinegar and moisture)


Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mold

1. Fill the Bucket with White Vinegar

Pour enough vinegar into the bucket to fully submerge the affected wooden blocks.

2. Immerse the Affected Blocks

Completely immerse the moldy blocks in the vinegar for about 30 seconds. Avoid leaving them in for too long to prevent water damage.

3. Dry Off Excess Vinegar

Remove the blocks from the vinegar and wipe off excess liquid with a dry cloth.

4. Allow the Blocks to Dry Completely

Place the blocks in a well-ventilated area with good airflow to dry completely. This step is crucial to prevent any residual moisture from causing more mold.

Optional: Sanding the Spots

If mold spots are still visible after drying, you can gently sand the affected areas. Sanding also smoothens the wood but may slightly alter the appearance.

 

 

Important Safety Notes

  • Ventilation is Key: Always perform this process in a well-ventilated area. The smell of vinegar can be overwhelming, and good airflow helps it dissipate faster.
  • Protect Yourself: Wear gloves to protect your hands from irritation due to prolonged exposure to vinegar.

 

Why This Works

White vinegar is a natural mold killer due to its acidity, which breaks down mold spores without the use of harsh chemicals. We believe that the vinegar’s acidity also leaves behind a protective layer, reducing the chance of mold recurrence.

By following these steps and preventive measures, you’ll help ensure that your wooden toys stay mold-free and beautiful for longer!


Got Feedback or Questions?

We’re constantly learning and improving, and your feedback helps us help other parents! If you have any additional tips or questions about caring for wooden toys, reach out to us at: care@buenoblocks.com

Happy playing! 💛