How to Clean and Repair Toys

Keep the toys in your classroom clean and in good repair.

1. Clean toys by using a moist cloth dipped in baking soda.
2. Brush stuffed toys with rug shampoo.
3. Set up bins with sudsy water and have "baby doll bath day."
4. Shake stuffed toys in a bag with cornstarch. Remove the toy and brush away the cornstarch and dirt.
5. Seal holes in inflatable toys with clear nail polish.
6. Restore misshappen plastic toys by soaking them in hot water first.
7. Fix torn books with clear contact paper.

Tips:

• Don't hesitate to throw away a toy that, even when repaired, could continue to pose a hazard to young children

Copyright 2004 ~Joni Levine