Toy cleaner
What you’ll need
- Bicarbonate of Soda
- Bucket or bowl for mixing
- Microfibre Cloth, Sponge Cloth or Sponge
- Rubber Gloves
Method
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Bicarbonate of Soda with 250 ml of hot water in a container until it’s fully dissolved.
- Use a Sponge or Microfibre Cloth soaked in the solution to spread it over the toys.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the toys with warm water, ensuring that all traces of Bicarbonate of Soda are removed.
- Dry them with a Microfibre Cloth or leave them outside to air dry. Avoid drying the toys under direct sunlight.
Use for:
To effectively clean dirty toys.
Glass:
Despite being a mild abrasive cleaner, Bicarbonate of Soda has the potential to scratch glass and mirrors, so it‘s best to avoid using it on these surfaces.
Aluminium:
When using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean aluminium surfaces like pans, it can cause oxidisation over time, which turns the surface brown. If you must use Bicarbonate of Soda on aluminium pots and pans, make sure to rinse them immediately after.
Natural Stone:
Avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on natural stone surfaces like quartz, marble, and granite. Repeated use can damage the sealant and leave scratches on the stone.
Sealed Wood::
Bicarbonate of Soda can damage or wear away the finish or sealant on wood furniture, leaving a dull appearance, so it‘s best to avoid using it on wooden surfaces.
Antique Silver:
While Bicarbonate of Soda can quickly remove tarnish from silverware, it‘s too abrasive and can cause it to lose its patina and tarnish more quickly over time.
Gold-Plated Items::
Gold is a soft metal, so using Bicarbonate of Soda to clean gold-plated utensils or dishes can scratch and ruin the finish. Prolonged use can cause the plating to wear off, so it‘s best to avoid using Bicarbonate of Soda on these items.
Store Bicarbonate of Soda sealed tightly, in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children and pets.
While Bicarbonate of Soda is generally considered a very safe cleaning agent, it is always a good idea to wear rubber gloves if you have highly sensitive skin to prevent dryness. Alternatively, rinse your hands thoroughly after use and avoid contact with your eyes as it can cause redness.
B&M Pro-Tip:
Avoid using fragrances or Essential Oils on any toys that children might put in their mouths, especially young ones under the age of 7. If you want to use Essential Oils for cleaning toys, opt for gentler oils like lavender and lemon for safety. Strong oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint can affect their breathing.Â