I’m a cleaning expert – my trick to get your kids’ grotty outdoor play equipment clean in a flash
WE all love it when the weather brightens up, and it’s an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors and get some fresh air.
But while our kids’ love the opportunity to dig their garden toys out of the garage, if they aren’t properly maintained they can also have the ability to put them at serious risk of infection.
So to ensure the only thing your garden toys are spreading this spring is happiness, follow these simple steps…
Get the (play)house in order
The playhouse is undoubtedly a garden staple for any child as it plays host to visitors whenever the sun is out.
Thankfully, the task of keeping it clean and free from germs may not be as laborious as it seems.
Sophie Herrmann, spokesperson at Jeyes Fluid, says: "The playhouse is a piece of equipment that can get quite dirty over the winter months.
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"Mix a solution of dish soap with warm water, get a pair of rubber gloves and scrub down the playhouse using a bottle brush.
"The full bristles on the brush and its ability to hold product will simplify the task. Rinse and leave to dry in the sun."
The full bristles on the brush and its ability to hold product will make the task a doddle.
Jump for joy
Larger outdoor items like trampolines and slides might seem daunting to clean, but they don't have to be.
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Sophie says: "To tackle the slide, sweep away loose dirt, debris and leaves using a broom or a dustpan and brush.
"Then, at a time when it’s dry, blitz the slide with until the surface is completely wet with the product and leave to act for 15 minutes.
"Rinse with clean water, making sure you’ve rinsed it thoroughly before allowing children to play on it.
"The trigger spray can get rid of dirt, mould, limescale and soap residues on hard surfaces such as wood, metal, glass and plastic."
Making a splash
The paddling pool is sure to be the star of the show on warmer, sunny days.
Sophie says: "Paddling pools need some proper TLC after being out of action all winter.
"To deep clean, rinse thoroughly with water.
"Then, clean the inside of the pool with a solution of water and vinegar.
"Wash it down with soapy water and another round of clean water.
"If you know you’re not going to be using your pool for a few days, use a fitted sheet as a cover to keep out leaves and bugs."
Banish mould and mildew
Save yourself a chore and load non-electronic toys, such as small water pistols, onto the top rack of the dishwasher.
The solution of hot water and soap will help sanitise and clean toys, and the dishwasher is also a good way to prevent mould and mildew over time.
Quick tip: your dishwasher may have built up extra limescale and grime, so throw in an to give it a deep clean before washing your toys.
Concoct a cleaning cocktail
Use vinegar and water to make a cleaning cocktail for wooden toys such as swings or those with batteries can't handle any type of soap or water.
Pour the solution, which should be made up of equal parts of water and vinegar, into a spray bottle and use to sanitise toys and get rid of any odd smells.
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For any mould that’s spread through the damp winter, try mixing a quarter teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water and it will work wonders with a brush and some elbow grease.
Lastly, Sophie adds: "Expose all parts of outdoor equipment to strong sunlight to keep it dry and keep away mould and algae, even if it means turning them on their side or upside down if it’s safe to do so.”
