How to Clean Wooden Blocks

Co-authored by Melanie Garcia

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Wooden blocks are a popular toy for children, as they are durable and easy to play with. Wooden blocks can last for years as long as you care for them properly. You may wonder how you can clean wooden blocks to remove bacteria and germs. You can try using white distilled vinegar, soap, or a commercial cleaner to clean wooden blocks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Vinegar

1
Combine one part vinegar and two parts water. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant and is non toxic. You can use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this cleaning method.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Expert Interview. 10 October 2019.} Mix the vinegar and water together in a spray bottle or a bowl.^{[2]
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- If you dislike the strong vinegar smell, you can add five to ten drops of lavender or lemon essential oils to the cleaner.
2
Apply the cleaner to the blocks. Spray the vinegar cleaner on the blocks. You can also dip a dry cloth into the bowl with the cleaner. Give them a good wipe down to remove bacteria, germs, and dirt.^{[3]
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- Never immerse the blocks in water or cleaner as this can damage the wood.
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3
Let the blocks air dry. The vinegar smell should dissipate as the blocks dry. Once they are dry, they are safe to use.^{[4]
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- Do not put the toys out in direct sunlight to dry, as this can cause them to crack. Instead, let them dry indoors in a room with indirect sunlight.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Blocks with Soap

1
Mix mild soap and water together. Mild soap with antibacterial ingredients is a good cleaning option for wooden blocks.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Expert Interview. 10 October 2019.} Combine ¼ cup liquid soap and four cups water. Pour the cleaning solution in a spray bottle or in a wide bowl.^{[6]
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Research source}
- If you want to add a pleasant scent to the cleaning solution, you can add ten drops lavender or lemon essential oil.
2
Use a cloth to clean the blocks. Spray the cleaning solution on the blocks or dampen a clean cloth with the cleaning solution. Then, wipe the blocks down, cleaning them well.^{[7]
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- Do not get the blocks too wet or submerge the blocks in the cleaning solution, as this can damage them.
3
Wipe the blocks to remove any remaining soap. Once you are done wiping down the toys, use a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Wipe the blocks well with the damp cloth so there is no soap left on the blocks.^{[8]
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4
Allow the blocks to air dry. Place the blocks indoors in indirect sunlight to dry. Once they are dry, they are safe to use.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using A Commercial Cleaner

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Use bleach cleaners with caution. Bleach is effective at killing germs and bacteria on wood. However, it can be toxic if ingested and harsh on wood, possibly damaging it. If you do use a cleaner that contains bleach, or make a bleach cleaner at home with one part bleach and ten parts water, apply it to the wooden blocks with caution.
- Always wipe down the blocks really well with a damp cloth after applying the bleach cleaner. Let the blocks air dry to ensure there is no remaining bleach on the blocks.
2
Apply an all natural wood cleaner. You can find non toxic, all natural commercial wood cleaners at your local hardware store or online. Most commercial wood cleaners come in a spray bottle that you then apply to the blocks.
- Make sure you wipe the blocks down with a clean damp cloth after you apply the cleaner. Let the blocks air dry.
3
Do not use furniture polish on the blocks. Furniture polish contains harsh chemicals that can damage the wooden blocks and be toxic if ingested. Never apply furniture polish to wooden blocks, especially if they are going to be handled by children as toys.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I disinfect wooden blocks?

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Melanie Garcia is the Co-Owner of Oranges & Lemons, a small, family cleaning business based in Downtown Los Angeles, California (DTLA) in operation for over 40 years. Oranges & Lemons operates while partnering with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand: Domestic Employers Network.

Melanie Garcia

Professional House Cleaner

Expert Answer

You can use a vinegar and water mixture to clean the blocks. Just spray the blocks with a solution that's half vinegar and half water.