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Get Answers: How can I safely clean my child’s toys and play area?
Janelle Sorensen
Friday, July 23, 2010
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QUESTION: How can I safely clean my child’s toys and play area?
ANSWER:
In your own home, many clean-up duties can be handled by water alone. If your child’s been sick (or someone else in the house has been), you may prefer something stronger.
A homemade disinfectant cleaner can be made with:
I teaspoon of borax
2 tablespoons of white vinegar
1/4 cup liquid soap
2 cups hot water
Mix in a refillable spray bottle and you’re good to go! If you opt for a solution like this, be sure to use when your kids aren't present and rinse off surfaces. Borax is a naturally effective antimicrobial that also inhibits mold and fungus - but it can pose risks if used incorrectly.
Plain baking soda will remove stains (make a paste by adding a bit of water) as well as deodorize (sprinkle around, leave for 15 minutes, and then vacuum). Browse our website for easy recipes for cleaning products.
Learn more about cleaning specific items like unfinished wood toys and stuffed animals by reading Keeping Toys Clean to Make Playtime Pure.
You may also be interested in watching our Healthy Byte video “How Do I Clean My Scummy Bath Toys?”
Posted by Farrah Rose on 07/23/2010 at 12:09 PM
Borax [boric acid] can cause serious health problems, including death. People who work with Borax are instructed to wear protective clothing, such as gloves, and in some instances surgical masks to protect workers from inhaling Borax. Borax is an acute eye and respiratory tract irritant, and is quite toxic when ingested. If using Borax for cleaning or pest control, it’s important to remove all traces. ... http://www.avianweb.com/nontoxiccleaningproducts.html
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Posted by mom's best bets on 08/04/2010 at 11:28 PM
A safer alt. to using borax would be vinegar, water, and an essential oil or lemon mixture. Also Clean Well and Seventh Generation makes natural wipes that disenfect. I advertise these products on my website-they are great. I also make my own. www.momsbestbet.com