School has been in session for a couple of months now, play dates are moving indoors, and the littlest two attend the child-watch at the gym weekly, which means my kiddos are bringing home those kid germs, like it’s nobody’s business. With three kids, at least one of them always has a runny nose or another one of those pesky cold symptoms.
That’s why it’s especially important to try and keep their toys clean and germ free as much as possible. I have found, that with many of their toys and especially their Barbies, I can easily wash them all in either the dishwasher or with a cleaning spray.
We try and keep our cleaning solutions healthy and safe for not only our girls, but our dog too. Plus, you got to keep it “green” for environment, right? It’s so simple, just to use vinegar.
Over the weekend, we took a trip over to Walmart. We needed to pick up a few things, including some more vinegar, since we ran out of our last bottle. You can see our fun shopping trip pics over on my Google+ page.
Anyways, they had quite a selection to choose from, but what really stood out to me was Heinz Cleaning Vinegar.
What I like about vinegar, is that it is safe. You can use it throughout your home to clean laundry, surfaces, and even your produce.
Since going Paleo, we have been buying a ton more produce, and I have found that it is easiest to come home from our shopping trip, and wash all of it in the sink with vinegar and water.
Heinz Cleaning Vinegar is a cost-effective alternative to harsh cleaners and chemicals, which is also important. Especially if you like to clean often. Which I really don’t, but with having children, I still do.
Have you ever tried using vinegar to clean your children’s toys?
It’s really quite easy. You load up the dishwasher with anything that is plastic or rubber. Make sure not to put anything that uses batteries though. Then just add in 1 1/2 – 2 cups of vinegar and wash.
That’s it!
For those toys that can not be put into the dishwasher, you can create a Citrus Infused All-Purpose Cleaner. It can easily be used to spray and wipe down the bigger toys, or wooden ones.
Either way, it helps to clean your toys periodically, to eliminate germs in the home and keep our kiddos from getting sick.
Do you use vinegar at home? If so, what for?
As a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community, I am compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and HEINZ. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric
About Hanan Webster
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2013/05/03
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I love cleaning with Heinz Cleaning Vinegar! Love that you can use the dish washer to clean toys, great tip!
Jenny F recent post: Big Pumpkins
Interesting article on the power of Vinegar as a natural cleaner, I didn’t know you could use it in your dishwasher .. the items not only come out hygienic cleaned but smell of Chips
Such a great idea. I tend to forget about what a great cleaner vinegar is for all sorts of things.
Barbara recent post: Pictures From The Pumpkin Patch
Love the dishwasher, I am always using wipes to clean the toys.. never thought of using the dishwasher.. Woot! Thank you for sharing
This is good information to know! I love using the dishwasher to clean things, but never thought of using vinegar!
Bridget A recent post: My Nutrisystem Weight Loss Journey: Week 13
That dishwasher full of toys rocks. Thank you for being so awesome!!!
That is a brilliant idea! I just learned about the Heinz Cleaning Vinegar and it’s on my shopping list to pick up next time I’m at the store.
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired recent post: Honda Odyssey Review
Huh, never would have thought of putting toys in the dishwasher. I want to try this new cleaning vinegar though.
Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom recent post: Free Halloween Decorations and Printables at the HP Creative Studio!
I love cleaning with vinegar, and I love Heinz products!
Lolo recent post: Rice Krispies Surprise Pumpkin Treats
Maybe this is a dumb question, but how to you put the vinegar in the dishwasher? That much certainly wouldn’t fit in the soap holder. Do you just pour inside on the bottom?
Not dumb at all! Yes, just pour it in the bottom right before you start it.
Thank you for the reminder! I need to clean JDaniel’s toys!
JDaniel4′s Mom recent post: Taking Time to Play: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
I wish that my Walmart carried the Heinz cleaning vinegar, so far it’s just the regular kind. I make due, though, I just mix it with water.
Jenn @therebelchick recent post: How Do You Unwind After a Rough Week?
What a great tip to use the dishwasher to clean the toys with vinegar!
Samantha @ A Little Simplicity recent post: Scentsy Warmer & Bar Giveaway
Hi there!
I love this tip, so easu and quick. I am pinning and sharing it on my FB page. Thank you for sharing!
Desiree @the36thavenue.com recent post: DIY Flower Pin Tutorial
Thanks Desiree!!
Do the toys smell like vinegar afterwards? I have been looking at ways to clean all the toys easier and this looks perfect. How often do you wash the toys?
I think it depends on your dishwasher, but ours doesn’t.
I use vinegar and baking soda in the potty– (let it set for a few, give it a swish, and flush!) I microwave a cup of vinegar for 2 minutes to create “vinegarry” steam in there… then stuck on gunk just wipes away. I have a spray bottle of vinegar, dawn dish soap, & water in the shower for quick spraydowns after a shower to keep it fresh and scum free. There’s not much the magical stuff can’t do!
Deborah recent post: Etsy kicks Target’s ass…
So true! Thanks for the tips!!
Quick question – do you put the dishwasher on hot wash or just normal wash?
Hot! Hot water helps sanitize as well.
I use a combo of regular vinegar and water to clean my kitchen cabinets. It also works well on leather furniture. Take a slightly dampened rag and wipe down sofas or other leather furniture.
Do you put the vinegar where you usually put the dish detergent?
Yes, but you can also just throw it in there!