You can make sure the toys you build for your kids are safe in more ways than just checking that the wood is undamaged. The best glue and other strong chemicals, surface preparation before to gluing, and thorough cleaning of the toys are all essential steps. By adhering to these guidelines, you may create wooden toys that your kids will cherish.
Cleaning and Priming the Surface to Receive Adhesive
The quality of the binding between an adhesive and its substrate can be greatly improved by proper surface preparation. Among these are solvents, chemical treatments, and abrasives.
The most typical substrate is wood. In some cases, the wood's surface will be too rough for an adhesive to properly adhere. The adhesive's capacity for absorption may be evaluated with a water drop test.
Substrates made of metal are also widespread. The material is challenging to deal with because to its high cutting and shaping resistance. Metal glue works best when applied to a flat, smooth surface. It should be used in a room with plenty of fresh air. Keeping the glue in an airtight container is also recommended.
One more popular substrate is plastic. The plastic surfaces should be pretreated using liquid solvents. There is a wide variety of adhesives available. Different types of substrates have different optimal working conditions, with some being smoother than others.
Not Using Toxic Substances
When making wooden toys, it's best to use natural cleaning instead than toxic ones. These disinfectants won't hurt your child or the planet.
Choose wooden toys with care, and make sure they come from well-managed forests. Make sure the timber is either FSC- or PEFC-certified. With this seal of approval, you know the wood came from a lawful source.
If you want to use organic textiles on your wooden toys, you may get them online. Wood can also be finished with a natural oil like jojoba. Paints containing formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds should also be avoided. The skin, eyes, and respiratory tract can all be irritated by these substances, and they have been linked to cancer.
Lead is another widespread pollutant in plastics and painted surfaces. Toy metals and paints both contain lead. Lead exposure is linked to infertility, decreased intelligence, and impaired nerve function.
Cleaning
Your child's health depends on you keeping their wooden toys sanitized and germ-free. As a natural antibacterial, wooden toys survive longer without the risk of mold and mildew than their plastic counterparts.
You should give your wooden toy a thorough cleaning once in a while to preserve it in pristine shape. Washing it in warm water with a gentle dish detergent will do the trick.
Vinegar may be used as an alternative cleaning solution. Vinegar may be used to clean wooden toys and remove stains without damaging the wood. A quick and easy remedy is only a 1:1 vinegar-to-water mixture.
Aromatic oils can also be used to give your cleaning product a pleasant aroma. If you don't have a clean cloth handy, a spray bottle will do.
Make sure to clean the wooden toy before putting it away for storage. It shouldn't be submerged for too long. The wood will dry out and could split or distort as a result of this.
Taking Care to Maintain Their Cleanliness
To prevent the spread of disease-causing germs and mold, wooden toys should be kept clean. Toys made of wood, which are porous, are a breeding ground for germs. Soaking the toys in water or using strong chemicals might remove the wood's natural antibacterial characteristics.
Vinegar or warm water can be used to clean wooden toys. Vinegar is an all-natural deodorizer and stain remover. Cleaning solutions enhanced with fragrant oils are a viable option. These fragrant oils give your wood a lovely scent without any harmful chemicals.
You may also use a mix of water and organic dish soap to clean toys if you don't want to use vinegar. Get rid of dust and debris using a brush that has gentle bristles. Sandpaper can also be used to eliminate blemishes.
Adding a layer of beeswax might prevent your wooden toys from drying out and splitting. Mineral oil may also be used to bring back the luster of wooden toys.
