A little care goes a long way with well-made toys. Here's how to keep yours clean, safe, and lasting through every stage of play.

Wooden Toys

Wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap if needed, then dry immediately with a clean towel. Avoid soaking wooden toys or putting them through a dishwasher – standing water can cause warping or splitting over time. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, which can dry out and crack the wood. If the surface starts to feel dry, a light coat of food-safe mineral oil (for unfinished/unpainted pieces only) can help.

Foam & Building Blocks

Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then leave to air dry fully before storing or packing away. Don't machine wash or tumble dry foam pieces – it can break down the material faster than normal wear would.

Soft Toys & Fabric Play Mats

Check for a care label first, as fabrics vary. Most soft toys and play mats can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth, or hand-washed in cold water for a deeper clean. Air dry flat rather than tumble drying, which can damage stitching and stuffing on plush items.

Bath Toys

Rinse after every use and squeeze out any water trapped inside before storing, to avoid mould or mildew building up. Every few weeks, a quick soak in a mild vinegar-water solution helps keep them fresh, followed by a thorough rinse and full dry.

Electronic Toys (Piano, Microscope, and similar)

Wipe with a dry or barely-damp cloth only – never submerge or run under a tap. Remove batteries if the toy won't be used for an extended period, to avoid corrosion. Keep away from spills and bath time.

Storage Tips

• Store toys somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight
• Sort by type or age range so the right toys are easy to find as your child grows
• Storage baskets or bins make tidy-up time faster and protect toys from dust
• Let anything damp (bath toys, outdoor toys) dry completely before putting it away

Still Not Sure?

If you're unsure how to care for a specific product, just ask – email hello@bambelou.me and we'll happily point you in the right direction.