Clean toys, Confident Members
Toy Cleaning Policies
We take the health of our community very seriously and we have high standards for cleanliness. The following policies are in place to ensure that every member has an enjoyable and safe experience at Rutabaga Toy Library.
Snack gunk, smudgy fingerprints, and animal hair — those are member responsibilities.
Sanitizing germs and handling general dust… that’s on us!
Member’s Responsibility
In this joint effort with our members who borrow from our library, each family signs an agreement to uphold their responsibilities. This allows the Rutabaga team to focus on disinfecting and sanitation.
Prior to Returning
Inspect for damaged or missing pieces. Give us a heads up!
This is generally never a big deal, but let us know if you’ve lost a piece or something is broken as it helps save us time trying to track down the issue.
Clean the toy thoroughly, wiping all surfaces.
Be sure to check for gunk + mess: dirt, animal hairs, food gunk, etc.
Return items the way that you'd like to receive them.
If you received items in less than desired condition, please let us know ASAP so that we know it wasn’t you.
Careful Attention
Wooden toys or toys that can trap water inside cannot be submerged in water. Doing so may cause damage.
Dry thoroughly before returning it to its bag, bin, or box. Not doing so can result in mold or other damage.
Illness in your household? Contact the toy library prior to returning the toy for guidance.
Rutabaga’s Process
As part of Rutabaga’s COVID-safe cleaning plan created using public health protocols, we follow careful steps when receiving each returned item.
Eagle-Eye Inspection
We inspect toys under a bright workstation lamp. we check for dirt in crevasses, count parts, and check for faulty toys/pieces.
Deep Clean
When needed, each toy, in fact, each separate piece, is cleaned thoroughly with the appropriate cleaner for the type of material. These steps take time, lots of time. Our hopes are that these steps are completed prior to being returned (see above).
Sanitation
All items in our library are sanitized prior to returning to the shelves for future borrowing. Our staff wears masks and uses CDC-recommended products.
We EXPECT that toys will be played with and may come back to us with some bumps and dings.
We EXPECT that toys will eventually reach the end of their life cycle and be moved out of the toy library.
We EXPECT your children to fully enjoy playing with the toys without worrying about “ruining” or “damaging” them.
Life Happens
We know life gets busy, especially with little ones. The above steps may be overlooked for a variety of reasons.
Your Options if Returns Are Dirty
If we notice that items are in an unacceptable condition during check-in and you’re on-site, you can either borrow them again or use of cleaning station to have another go at it.
If you’d rather Rutabaga handle it (or if you’re not present when we notice the issue), we will simply charge a cleaning fee of $1-4 depending on the toy’s condition.
Missing or Broken Pieces
If a piece is missing, we give you time to find it. It typically shows up! If the piece is missing for good or damaged, as long as that piece isn't essential for play, we simply charge $1. This way by the time this toy has run its course, we have the funds to replace it.
If the toy is no longer usable, we ask that you replace it with a USED toy in the same category. Hopefully, this eases your mind so kids can be kids!
We thank you for your cooperation,
it takes a village!
Cleaning Tips Based on Material/Type
Care for toys depends on the material it’s made of. Most of this is common knowledge, but we’ve included this list for easy reference.
Wooden Toys and Train Sets
Wipe over. Allow time to thoroughly dry. These toys should not be immersed or soaked.
Duplo/Lego
Wash well with hot soapy water and a toothbrush. Rinse and leave to drain overnight.
Bath Toys
Please wash after bath time use and ensure no water remains trapped in the toy.
Outdoor/Sandpit Toys
These must be cleaned well remembering that the next member may wish to use them inside. Remove all sand and dirt and clean well with hot soapy water.
Board Games and Cardboard Puzzles
Paper-based materials, such as puzzles and games, are not considered high risk for transmission and do not need additional cleaning or disinfection procedures. Please ensure that there is no animal hair or debris left in the puzzle or game box. Also clean counters and other plastic parts of a game.
Fabric Items (Dress-ups/Puppets/Dolls Bedding/Infant Soft Toys)
Hand wash or gentle machine wash with laundry detergent and hang to thoroughly line dry.
Baby Rattles
Do not immerse rattles in water as they collect water which can lead to harmful bacteria developing. Wipe the surface with a cloth.
Felt items (Anything that traps animal hair)
Spot clean and use a lint brush to remove all animal hairs.
Bikes, scooters, and other Ride-Ons
These must be wiped down, keeping in mind that Rutabaga stores them inside.
Toy Storage Bags and Bins
Wipe handles and all areas that have been touched, ensuring everything is dry before placing toys back in them.