At Cleaner-Kenya, we prioritize child safety in every cleaning task, especially when handling children's toys and play mats. These items accumulate dust, germs, food residues, and allergens daily, posing health risks to young ones. Our professional approach combines thorough inspection, safe materials, and proven techniques to restore hygiene without damaging delicate surfaces. We follow strict protocols tailored to Nairobi's urban environments, where humidity and pollution intensify contamination.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
We begin with a detailed inspection of all toys and play mats. Soft toys like stuffed animals receive a gentle shake outdoors to dislodge loose dirt. Hard toys—plastic blocks, wooden puzzles, or metal cars—undergo visual checks for cracks or wear that could harbor bacteria. Play mats, often foam or rubber, get examined for tears, stains, or embedded debris.
Preparation involves segregating items by material: plastics, fabrics, woods, and electronics. We don protective gear, including gloves and masks, to prevent cross-contamination. Workspaces clear of clutter ensure efficient processing. In homes or daycares across Nairobi County, we lay down drop cloths to contain dust and moisture.
Cleaning Hard Plastic and Wooden Toys
Hard toys demand mild, non-toxic solutions. We mix warm water with a teaspoon of dish soap or white vinegar per liter, avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach that erode surfaces. Submerge washable plastics in this solution for 5-10 minutes, then scrub gently with soft-bristle brushes. For intricate shapes, like Lego pieces, we use a net bag for soaking and agitation.
Wooden toys receive spot-cleaning only. Dampen microfiber cloths with the vinegar solution and wipe surfaces, ensuring no excess moisture seeps into wood grains, which could cause warping. We air-dry everything on racks in well-ventilated areas, leveraging Nairobi's breezy mornings for quick evaporation. Electronics, such as battery-operated toys, get surface wipes with alcohol-free disinfectant sprays, bypassing openings to protect internals.
Handling Soft Toys and Fabrics
Fabric-based items like plush toys and cloth books require vacuuming first. Our HEPA-filter vacuums capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, removing dust mites and pet dander common in Kenyan households. For machine-washable soft toys, we use cold water cycles with hypoallergenic detergents, stuffing them into mesh bags to maintain shape.
Non-washable plush toys undergo steam cleaning. Professional steamers at 100°C kill 99.9% of bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus, without chemicals. We brush off loosened dirt post-steam and fluff toys to restore loft. Play mats with fabric tops follow similar vacuuming and steaming, focusing on high-traffic zones like edges and centers.
Deep Cleaning Play Mats
Play mats cover large areas and trap spills effectively. We vacuum both sides thoroughly, then apply a baking soda-vinegar paste to stains: sprinkle baking soda, spray diluted vinegar, and let fizz for 15 minutes before scrubbing. Foam mats roll up for transport to our facility if needed, where industrial extractors pull out embedded grime.
For EVA foam mats popular in Nairobi playrooms, we use enzyme-based cleaners that break down organic residues like urine or food. These biodegradable products align with eco-regulations in Kenya. Mats dry flat under fans or sunlight, preventing mold in humid conditions. We test a small patch first to confirm colorfastness.
Disinfection and Final Sanitization
Disinfection elevates cleaning to medical-grade standards. We employ child-safe sanitizers certified by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), such as hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds diluted to 0.1-0.5%. Spray lightly on toys and mats, allowing 10-minute contact time before wiping or rinsing.
UV-C light chambers provide chemical-free sterilization for small batches, exposing items to 254nm wavelengths that deactivate viruses like norovirus. In daycare settings, we schedule quarterly deep cleans, documenting processes with photos for client records.
Drying, Inspection, and Storage Tips
Proper drying prevents bacterial regrowth. Toys air-dry fully—typically 2-4 hours—before repackaging. We inspect each item for residue-free shine and structural integrity. Clients receive care guides: store toys in breathable bins, rotate play items weekly, and spot-clean spills immediately.
Our methods reduce allergen loads by up to 95%, as verified by post-clean air quality tests. Cleaner-Kenya serves Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos with mobile teams equipped for same-day service.
