How to Clean and Care for Wooden Teethers: A Simple Guide
Wooden teethers are a beautiful combination of nature, safety and simplicity. Parents adore them for their non-toxic factor, and babies enjoy the tactile feel when teething. However, like any baby item, cleaning and caring for wooden teethers is essential in order to keep them safe, durable and hygienic.
If you’ve just purchased a wooden teether, or are considering a wooden teether, this is the ultimate guide to keeping your wooden teether clean, without losing it's natural goodness.
Why Choose a Wooden Teether?
Before we look at the cleaning preparations, let's quickly recap what is so appealing about wooden teething toys to the modern parent:
Non-toxic and free of chemicals: Wooden teething toys do not contain BPA, phthalates or other chemicals that have ill effects.
Durable and biodegradable: Wood is more durable than silicone and plastic, and it's also a sustainable product for the planet.
Naturally antibacterial: Wood, especially neem wood, has antibacterial properties.
Stylish and timeless: They look great and feel even better in little hands. Lightweight and compact. Available in several adorable shapes.
Whichever teether shapes you have, ensuring proper care of the wooden teething toys will help keep them clean and safe for your little one.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Wooden Teether
1. Wipe, Don't Soak
Never soak wooden teethers in water. Unlike silicone, wood can absorb moisture and prolonged exposure to water may result in swelling, warping and cracking. Use a soft damp cloth and wipe the surface gently.
2. Use Natural Cleaners
Just don't use harmful detergents. A simple combination of lukewarm water and a little vinegar or lemon juice works just as well. Vinegar is an antibacterial agent and safe on wood.
Simply:
- 1 part vinegar/lemon juice to 4 parts water.
- Dampen the cloth in the solution and wipe the teether thoroughly.
- Rinse with the clean water then wipe with a dry cloth.
- Let it air dry completely.
3. Dry It Correctly
Allow wooden teethers to air dry naturally in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or using heat (including hair dryers), as this may dry out the wood too quickly and cause cracking.
How Often Should You Clean Wooden Teething Toys?
It’s all about balance. You don’t need to scrub your baby wooden teether daily, but it should be cleaned:
- After your baby has been sick
- If it’s dropped on an unclean surface or outdoors
- Once every few days during frequent use
A regular gentle clean keeps bacteria at bay without harming the wood.
Restoring and Maintaining Your Wooden Teether
Over time, wood can become dry or lose its sheen. Here’s how you can nourish your wooden teether and keep it fresh:
1. Use a Food-Grade Oil
Apply a small amount of food grade oil (organic coconut oil, olive oil etc) to condition the wood. These oils are baby-safe and help maintain the teether’s smooth texture.
Steps:
- Rub a small amount of oil onto the wood with a soft cloth.
- Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.
- Wipe off any excess oil.
- Repeat it on a monthly basis or as needed.
This not only protects the teether from cracking but also gives it a soft, warm finish.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Wooden Teething Toys
When you buy wooden teethers online, you’ll often find general cleaning instructions. Keep these DON'Ts in mind:
- Don’t put them in the dishwasher
- Don’t boil or steam-sterilize
- Don’t use bleach or alcohol-based cleaners
- Don’t leave them wet or in humid environments for long period
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll preserve both the safety and longevity of your wooden teething toys
Why Parents Trust Babbles Toys for Wooden Teethers
At Babbles Toys, every wooden teether is crafted with baby-safe, sustainably sourced wood and designed with both function and style in mind. Our range includes:
- Minimalist teething rings
- Animal-shaped wooden teethers
- Star, moon shape combo teethers
- Gift sets for new parents
Each piece is sanded smooth, free of sharp edges and naturally antibacterial—perfect for tender gums and curious hands.
We understand that as a parent, safety is your top priority. That’s why all our baby wooden teethers are tested for quality and child-safe finishes.
Ready to Buy Wooden Teether Online?
Want a safe, long-lasting and eco-friendly product for your baby? Purchase wooden teethers online from Babbles Toys and give your baby the chemical-free and soothing comfort he/she deserves. And you can feel good about a teething toy that is adorable, durable and plastic-free!
Buy now at Babbles Toys for unique, handcrafted wooden teething toys that encourage safe, stylish and eco-friendly play.
In Brief!
Wooden teethers are more than just toys, they are teething allies. If washing and occasional caring is kept up, wooden teethers can last through your baby's teething process and even into their next developmental learning phase! Babbles Toys strives to support you with great products that can be trusted and with the plastic-free experience that makes parenting just a little easier.
So clean gently. Care about each piece firmly. And let your baby teeth happily!