Toys made from natural wood will warp and become rough if dunked in water; instead, wipe them with a clean, lint-free cloth dipped in either a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water or mild soapy water (think dish soap, hand soap, or a baby variety). Follow soapy cleansers with a towel dampened with plain water to remove residue (water and vinegar evaporate cleanly). "Tackle very dirty spots or stains with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and then wipe with a damp cloth after," suggests Novak.
