Members are required to return toys and containers in a clean condition. Here is a quick guide to cleaning our toys:

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How To Clean

Step 1:

Wipe the toy thoroughly with a cloth damp with either a pH neutral detergent (such as diluted dishwashing detergent) or a 2-in-1 cleaner/disinfectant (most multipurpose sprays available at the supermarket). If using a 2-in-1 multipurpose spray, the solution must be sprayed onto the cloth until it is quite damp. You can use something like a toothbrush or a cotton bud to get into hard to reach places. 

Step 2:​
Dry the toy with a tea towel or leave to dry overnight. Please make sure the toy is perfectly dry before returning it to its bag or box. Do not submerge toys in water as they can trap water inside them or in the case of wooden toys, they can get too wet to effectively dry.
Step 3:

​If anyone in your family has been unwell (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory infection) please disinfect the toy before returning. This can be done with antibacterial wipes or spray. Please don’t soak in disinfectant as this can remove the colour from some plastics.

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Cleaning Tips

• Baby Rattles – Do not immerse rattles in water.  Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

• Wooden Toys and Train Sets – Wipe over with a damp cloth. Allow time to thoroughly dry. These toys should not be immersed or soaked

• Toys with Batteries – Do not immerse in water.  Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

• Duplo/Lego – Wash well with hot soapy water and a toothbrush.  Rinse and leave to drain overnight.

• Water/Bath Toys – Please wash after using and ensure no water remains trapped in the toy.

• Outdoor/Sandpit Toys – These must be stored inside or undercover, and must be cleaned well remembering that the next member may wish to use it inside.  Remove all sand and dirt and clean well with hot soapy water.

• Board Games and Cardboard Puzzles – Paper-based materials, such as puzzles and games do not need cleaning unless visibly dirty. Please clean counters and other plastic parts of a game.

• Costumes - will have cleaning instructions on the tag. Some can only be spot cleaned, others can go in the washing machine (Hand wash or gentle machine wash with laundry detergent). Hang to thoroughly dry.

• Bikes, scooters and other ride-ons – These must be washed, keeping in mind that the next member may wish to use them inside.

• Toy storage bags and boxes – Wipe handles and all areas that have been touched, ensuring everything is dry before placing toys back in them

 

Care of Toys

• Please do not leave ride on and outdoor toys outside in the rain or hot sun.

• Please ensure indoor toys remain indoors while you are borrowing them.

• There are cleaning agents and cloths and cleaning sprays available at the toy library for last minute clean ups.

• It’s a good idea to set aside time to clean toys before returning them to the Toy Library. Many families do this the night before and put the toys away from the children.