How to Care for Heirloom Wooden Toys
During my decade-long career as a mom, I have thrown out numerous plastic toys. Meanwhile, I have only thrown away one wooden toy that my dog had chewed up. (Poor ducky!) The fact that most wood toys can be repaired and restored to look nearly new is a beautiful thing both from an environmental standpoint and an economical one. It's not by chance that wooden toys, especially handcrafted ones, become heirlooms!
Read on to learn how to remove mould, fix wooden toys, and restore them.
How to fix a break in a wooden toy
Put a thin layer of glue on the pieces, then close them tightly. Wipe away any excess glue. Use rubber bands, a small clamp, or even gravity to hold the pieces firmly in place overnight.
I repaired these beautiful toys for a Kindergarten teacher. Can you see the breaks? (Note: These toys were made by another maker.)
Tip: Use Titebond II or III wood glue. This non-toxic glue is often used for wooden cutting boards.
How to remove mould from wooden toys
Gross! That's what I thought when I found a wooden peg doll that was forgotten in a damp bath container. My first instinct was to throw it away, but then I remembered how much I had spent on it. It's possible to salvage mouldy toys.
Wood is naturally antibacterial and only needs to be wiped clean with a damp cloth to stay germ-free. But what happens if your toy gets mouldy? Don't throw it away just yet. To remove mould from wooden toys:
If it's unpainted, sand to remove the stains.
Wash with soap and water.
Let it dry on cookie racks for 1-3 days, depending on the thickness of the wood.
Repeat this process 2-3 times.
Tip: Skip the bleach, as it doesn't work on a porous surface like wood. (Source: Healthline)
Tips for mould prevention:
Store wooden toys in a dry area in a container that allows airflow.
Fix leaky faucets or other issues related to water.
Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Did you know that unpainted wooden toys make great bath toys? Just prop them up to dry to prevent any mould growth!
How to restore faded wooden toys
Are your wooden toys looking a little too well-loved? For toys that are unpainted, apply a bit of cutting board oil or wax to condition the wood and remove small scratches.
For painted pieces, the following are child-safe paints that can be used to touch up your wooden toys:
Acrylic: It's easy to use, durable and versatile. It can be used to paint intricate details or watered down for a stained look.
Watercolour: A greener option than acrylic. The paint soaks into the wood and spreads, creating beautiful but unpredictable results. Use less water to minimize bleeding. Make sure your paints are non-toxic; my favorites are Stockmar water colors.
Milk Paint: Eco-friendly and made from natural ingredients. It can be opaque or transparent, depending on how much water is added. It can be pricey.
Tip: Looks for the AP symbol on paint packaging to ensure the paint is non-toxic.
Would you like to learn more about restoring or even making your own wooden toys? Check out my DIY guide on Instagram.
This post contains affiliate product links that are used in my home and workshop. Affiliate links help me buy wood, paint and other supplies to make wooden toys!
