Cleaning toys

Ok- what do you use to clean off toys that the twins may share with each other or that other children may play with when they come over? So many cleaners have chemicals in them that I don't want to expose the twins to. Any suggestions?

 

I use Seventh Generation all purpose cleaner - sprayed on a paper towel. It doesn't have any chemicals in it or dyes or perfumes. You could also use a vinegar/water solution.

 

QUOTE(Trishandthegirls @ Jan 20 2008, 09:53 PM) [snapback]581657[/snapback]
I use Seventh Generation all purpose cleaner - sprayed on a paper towel. It doesn't have any chemicals in it or dyes or perfumes. You could also use a vinegar/water solution.


i use a vinegar/water solution. i figure it's all natural so in case some stays on, it will gross them out but not harm them.

 

Hard toys (small chewing toys etc) I put in the dishwasher...soft toys (stuffed animals that might be sucked on) I put in the washing machine.

For things like the L&L playhouse or learning table (basically anything to big to put in the dishwasher) I use a vinegar/water solution.

 

I found some pampers cleaner and wipes at Toys R US. I also use Clorox anywhere spray on the high chair etc. Oh and i put the stuffed animals in the washer about once a week...

 

I am SO glad you posted this because I really feel like I have the perfect solution. In a squirt bottle I have tap water, a little squeeze of biodegradable dish soap, some plain white vinegar and a couple of drops of tea tree oil. Completely non toxic and works like a charm. Tea tree is a natural anti-septic/anti-fungus, vinegar is a great anti-bacterial, soap and water removes dirt... and the combination keeps all of my kids toys, high chairs, counter tops, even my hard-wood and tile floors clean as a whistle. Non-toxic cleaners are my hobby. I know that sounds sad! But I have learned a non-toxic alternative for pretty much every chemical cleaner I used to use. I feel that chemical cleaners are dangerous, unhealthy, over-sanitizing and will probably eventually be linked in some way to the statistical increase in allergies, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and asthma in our society. I'm not a hippy, but I'm passionate about this one thing.

 

If they can be washed, I put the in either the dishwasher or washing machine. If they can't be washed I spray them with Clorox anywhere spray.

 

QUOTE(**Diane** @ Jan 20 2008, 10:32 PM) [snapback]581733[/snapback]
Hard toys (small chewing toys etc) I put in the dishwasher...soft toys (stuffed animals that might be sucked on) I put in the washing machine.


Ditto!

For big toys (exersaucer, jumpy thing, walker, push toys, etc), I wash with hot soapy water and a towel and then rinse with plain water. But I rarely have other kids over to play with my girls so I don't worry too much about germs spreading.

 

QUOTE(CHJH @ Jan 21 2008, 09:49 AM) [snapback]582132[/snapback]
I am SO glad you posted this because I really feel like I have the perfect solution. In a squirt bottle I have tap water, a little squeeze of biodegradable dish soap, some plain white vinegar and a couple of drops of tea tree oil. Completely non toxic and works like a charm. Tea tree is a natural anti-septic/anti-fungus, vinegar is a great anti-bacterial, soap and water removes dirt... and the combination keeps all of my kids toys, high chairs, counter tops, even my hard-wood and tile floors clean as a whistle. Non-toxic cleaners are my hobby. I know that sounds sad! But I have learned a non-toxic alternative for pretty much every chemical cleaner I used to use. I feel that chemical cleaners are dangerous, unhealthy, over-sanitizing and will probably eventually be linked in some way to the statistical increase in allergies, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and asthma in our society. I'm not a hippy, but I'm passionate about this one thing.


I'm totally going to steal your idea!!! Can you post how much tap water to vinegar? Can you buy tea tree oil (which smells great!) at a drug store or health food store?

What is your non-toxic alternative for something to clean bathroom shower tiles?! Thanks!!!

 

i might try that idea as well..

 

QUOTE(Leighann @ Jan 21 2008, 10:25 AM) [snapback]582211[/snapback]
I'm totally going to steal your idea!!! Can you post how much tap water to vinegar? Can you buy tea tree oil (which smells great!) at a drug store or health food store?

What is your non-toxic alternative for something to clean bathroom shower tiles?! Thanks!!!



9 parts water to 1 part vinegar seems to work well. The tea tree is available at Health Food stores. It's so powerful that you literally just need 2 drops.

For our bath tub I usually just use biodegradable dish detergent. If it's particularly dirty I might use some Borax mixed with warm water and maybe a little dish soap on a sponge around the "ring" that we sometimes get. Baking soda is good as a bit of an abrasive. You can mix it with some lemon juice to make a paste for tough stains. On the tiles I use the spray I mentioned earlier and if I feel they need an extra special cleaning I like the bathroom cleaner by Method. It's non-toxic, biodegradable and so effective I wonder why I ever used the harsh stuff. It's only about $4 a bottle, which is a good price because some of the non-toxic cleaners are expensive.

 

QUOTE(CHJH @ Jan 21 2008, 09:49 AM) [snapback]582132[/snapback]
I am SO glad you posted this because I really feel like I have the perfect solution. In a squirt bottle I have tap water, a little squeeze of biodegradable dish soap, some plain white vinegar and a couple of drops of tea tree oil. Completely non toxic and works like a charm. Tea tree is a natural anti-septic/anti-fungus, vinegar is a great anti-bacterial, soap and water removes dirt... and the combination keeps all of my kids toys, high chairs, counter tops, even my hard-wood and tile floors clean as a whistle. Non-toxic cleaners are my hobby. I know that sounds sad! But I have learned a non-toxic alternative for pretty much every chemical cleaner I used to use. I feel that chemical cleaners are dangerous, unhealthy, over-sanitizing and will probably eventually be linked in some way to the statistical increase in allergies, cancer, auto-immune disorders, and asthma in our society. I'm not a hippy, but I'm passionate about this one thing.



do you have measurements i could use? (how much of ea?) for toys
ty

 

QUOTE(CHJH @ Jan 21 2008, 02:49 PM) [snapback]582132[/snapback]
Non-toxic cleaners are my hobby. I know that sounds sad! But I have learned a non-toxic alternative for pretty much every chemical cleaner I used to use.



What do you use for carpet stains, laundry stains, and dishwasher detergent? I've just switched to Seventh Gen. all-purpose cleaner (thanks Trish!) for most household cleaning and I love it... but I've heard some people weren't satisfied with their dishwashing products. I've been using oxy for laundry and carpet and would like to switch to something more eco-friendly and safer for the kiddos.

 

QUOTE(bigeyes @ Jan 21 2008, 02:51 PM) [snapback]582628[/snapback]
do you have measurements i could use? (how much of ea?) for toys
ty


In a spray bottle put 9 parts water, 1 part plain white vinegar, one squirt of biodegradeable dish soap (my Method, Seventh Generation, Ecover, etc.), and 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil. Can be used to clean plastic toys, your high chairs, kitchen counter tops, hard-wood floors (I dilute more for hardwood and use very warm water in a bucket), ceramic tiles, etc.

 

QUOTE(ceb023 @ Jan 21 2008, 03:18 PM) [snapback]582676[/snapback]
What do you use for carpet stains, laundry stains, and dishwasher detergent? I've just switched to Seventh Gen. all-purpose cleaner (thanks Trish!) for most household cleaning and I love it... but I've heard some people weren't satisfied with their dishwashing products. I've been using oxy for laundry and carpet and would like to switch to something more eco-friendly and safer for the kiddos.


I use the Ecover dish washer powder (also available in little cubes) and I find it better than Seventh Generation and even any of the harsh brands (like Palmolive, etc.) that I used to use.

 

I put soft toys in the washer, hard toys in the dishwasher and spray everything else with diluted Basic H. If it's particularly dirty I use either a capful of bleach to a sink of water or a cupful of bleach to a full bathtub and soak or use it to wipe stuff down. I might eventually get some tea tree oil, that stuff sounds handy.