Cleaning Up Your Child’s Toys, Gear, and More
Kids will be kids, so expect to encounter a whole lot of messes, spills, drips, and stains throughout your kid’s childhood. However, the next time you’re doing laundry, remember that your washer isn’t just for getting the grass stains out of your child’s pants. Your washing machine can actually be a very valuable cleaning tool for common things like teddy bears, backpacks, and even bath toys. Here are a few great tips on how to clean up your child’s toys, gear, and more:
Backpacks:
Wash these alone in your front-loading machine on gentle with cold water an an all-purpose detergent. Don’t wash multicolored packs as they may bleed. If you have any doubts about it’s washability, check the tags and follow the instructions. Some bags may be hand wash only.
Car Seat Covers
Use warm water and 1 1/2 capfuls of all-purpose detergent to get rid of the ground-in soils on cloth covers. Dry on low for 5 to 10 minutes, then air dry to finish.
Bath Toys
Rubber duckies sometimes need a bath, too. Use warm water and all-purpose detergent for bath toys. To remove the slime, throw in a hand towel as you wash.
Stuffed Animals
Wash all cloth toys on gentle in cold water with mild detergent. Dry on low for 5 minutes then air dry to finish.
Sports Equipment
Basketball nets, shin gards, and other sports gear can be washed on gentle in warm water with an all-purpose laundry detergent. Just remember to air dry only.
