| Author | Cleaning Up:  Cleaning old wooden blocks to be played with  |  | 
              
                | FebruaryVioletTrue Blue Farmgirl
 
      4810 Posts
 
 Jonni
 Elsmere 
                Kentucky
 USA
 4810 Posts
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                      |  Posted - May 24 2010 :  08:39:06 AM   
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                      | We were given a wonderful assortment of older wooden blocks (vintage and antique) and I wanted to clean them up so that Violet can play with them.  What's the best way?  The thought of polishing all of them is a little daunting, but they do need a good scrub.  What about Murphys Oil soap?  How much water? 
 She's all about putting things in her mouth, so I want to make sure they're at least somewhat clean
   
 
 
 
 Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/
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                | graciegreeneyesTrue Blue Farmgirl
 
      3107 Posts
 
 Amy Grace
 Rosalia 
                WA
 USA
 3107 Posts
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                      |  Posted - May 24 2010 :  08:46:36 AM   
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                      | I would probably try vinegar - apple cider vinegar works on wood floors, and I know vinegar kills mold better than bleach.  What a cool gift! Amy Grace
 
 Farmgirl #224
 "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
 
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                | FebruaryVioletTrue Blue Farmgirl
 
      4810 Posts
 
 Jonni
 Elsmere 
                Kentucky
 USA
 4810 Posts
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                      |  Posted - May 24 2010 :  08:55:02 AM   
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                      | Thanks, Amy...I have some in the cabinet, so I'll try that when I get home.  They are a really wonderful...and very cool--couldn't be any less because they came from a super-cool Farmgirl! 
 Thanks again for your help!
 
 
 Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/
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                | MaggieAnnieFarmgirl in Training
 
   15 Posts
 
 maggie
 or
 USA
 15 Posts
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                      |  Posted - May 24 2010 :  8:19:18 PM   
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                      | my only thought is check the paint...we were given a wonderful assortment of blocks from dh's grandparents but they turned out to have lead paint. 
 MaggieAnnie
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                | katalindTrue Blue Farmgirl
 
    177 Posts
 
 Kathy
 Chapin 
                SC
 USA
 177 Posts
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                      |  Posted - May 25 2010 :  03:29:56 AM   
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                      | After cleaning them up I'd use a food grade wood oil on them like the one used on butcher blocks. One that I use is by Howard Butcher Block Conditioner Food Grade mineral oil & Natural waxes. It's a specialized wood care for not just butcher blocks, but cutting boards wooden bowls and utensils. I don't see where it would hurt the blocks, it may even help them. It says on the bottle that the quality of the food-grade mineral oil along with the water resistant traits of beeswax and carnauba wax rejuvenates the wood and prevents drying and cracking . The naturally antibacterial waxes help repair any marks and protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and moisture out, so I think it might help preserve the blocks. But I definitely use a food grade oil since your little one will be playing with them. |  
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                |  | Cleaning Up:  Cleaning old wooden blocks to be played with  |  |