Tips to Store Outdoor Toys in Winter - Kids love winter because it brings fabulous seasonal festivities. From delicious beverages to exciting snow activities, especially throwing snowballs and making a cute snowman in the garden, winter is the most-awaited season for children. But what about their favourite outdoor toys? Fret not! We have come up with some tips to store outdoor toys in winter like a pro, ensuring they stay safe, perfect and ready for the next season. More to come!
As we know, UK weather remains unpredictable. The snow, ice, wind and rainfall can all drastically affect the quality of the outdoor play equipment. That’s why it is essential to store your kid’s outdoor toys in winter in the right way to protect them from harsh elements, maintain their quality and boost their lifespan. This blog will uncover some practical and easy tips to store outdoor toys in winter that parents can follow to make sure the outdoor toys remain safe and sound until the warmer and moderate months return.
Tips to store outdoor toys in winter - “Store Them Right and Keep the Fun Alive"
Enlisting the Tips to Store Outdoor Toys in winter :
Let’s explore!
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Clean and Dry
It’s the first and one of the most essential tips. Before storing the outdoor toys in winter, make sure you clean and dry them properly. Thoroughly cleaning and drying the outdoor toys will help to prevent dirt, germs or moisture that cause damage during storage.
Methods to clean outdoor toys :
With Vinegar:
Add 2 cups of vinegar, warm water and lemon juice in the bucket. Use a brush or sponge to clean the toys and then rinse them off and let them dry.
With Baking Soda:
Make a gentle paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the toys with this paste and rinse them off. It will not only remove the most grime but will also help to get rid of odours. You can also scrub this paste with a damp cloth to remove stubborn dirt on wooden toys.
With Dish Soap:
You can also use the mild-dish soap to clean the plastic toys. Dry the toy with a clean cloth. Do not use bleach-based dish soaps, as these can damage the protective layer of the toy.
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First Prioritise, then Organise
Go through your kid’s outdoor collection and prioritise which ones need to be stored with extra -attention. Toys like scooters, electric cars, bicycles, swing sets, etc. need to be stored carefully rather than simpler and smaller items.
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Store in shelter
As we have already discussed, the elements like snow, ice, rainfall, freezing temperatures, and wind can damage outdoor toys. That’s why if possible, try to store outdoor toys in a sheltered area such as a shed, basement, or garage to protect the toys from the above harsh elements and prolong their lifespan.
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Storage Containers
Consider using durable storage containers to store outdoor toys. Utilising storage bins will help to keep the outdoor toys protected and clutter-free. Write down the name on each container for easy identification when it’s time to install or use them again.
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Disassemble Large Outdoor Toys
For large outdoor playing equipment like a trampoline, swing set, slide sets, playhouse, etc. dismantle them into manageable pieces for an easy storage process. It will help to cover less space and minimise the risk of damage from harsh winter elements.
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Wrap with care
Use bubble wrap, old bedsheets, or other materials to wrap the outdoor toys. It not only protects outdoor toys from damage and dirt but also enhances their durability.
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Hang It Up:
Install hooks or racks to hang bicycles, skateboards, small bikes, garden tools, etc. It will help to save space on the ground to store other toys and keep the place clean and organised.
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Check for pests
Before storing the outdoor toys in containers, check them for any signs of pests or insects as they are more likely to attract in warm spaces during chill days. Take preventive actions on time to keep them away from the toys.
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Regular Maintenance:
Your job for outdoor toys has not ended yet! After storing the outdoor toys, make sure you inspect them periodically throughout the winter. This will help to tackle any issue such as moisture buildup, pest attack, rust, etc. on time and take specific measures against them to protect toys from damage.
Winding Up!
So that was a wrap of Tips to store outdoor toys in winter. By following these tips, storing outdoor toys in cold months will not seem like a challenging deal. No doubt, cleaning, organising and storing the toys takes time, but it will be worth it. So, say goodbye to winter worries and let your little ones enjoy their favourite outdoor toys which look new and fresh as they were in the previous season!
Important FAQs on The Tips to store outdoor toys in winter
Q1: Can we leave plastic toys outside in winter?
Ans; Plastic toys can be stored outdoors in winter, but to keep their appearance and quality in a sound state, it is advisable to cover them with a weatherproof material, or better store them in sheltered areas.
Q2: Does cold weather damage wooden toys?
Ans: Wood can shrink in the winter due to atmospheric changes and moisture content.
However, if the wooden toys are constructed with sturdy timber then they can stay for a long time even in the chill days. Titan Toys' range of Go-Wild wooden sets is designed with extra-hard timber that can easily combat harsh weather conditions and ensure top-notch durability.
Q3: Can we use baking soda or vinegar to clean the wooden toys?
Ans: Of course, you can use a gentle soap, or wood cleaning solution to clean the wooden toys. Moreover, the paste of baking soda will also work well.
Q4: How to store ride-on cars in the winter?
Ans: Clean the ride on cars, ensuring it is free of dirt, dust and debris.
If required, remove any parts like wheels, and cover the ride-on car with high-quality material to protect them from damage.
Store the toy in a sheltered area like a garage, shed, basement or spare room.
