Every household has The Favourite – the one toy that cannot be retired without a scene. Regular care keeps it presentable and play-worthy far longer than luck does.
Rope and fabric toys
Cold machine wash in a laundry bag, air dry completely. Skip fabric softener – it coats the fibres – and skip the dryer, which loosens knots and melts squeaker housings.
Rubber toys
Warm water, a drop of dish soap and a bottle brush handle most weeks. A top-rack dishwasher run once a month resets textured toys that have seen serious mileage.
The retirement inspection
Once a week, squeeze and stretch each toy. Loose parts, exposed squeakers or chunks gone missing mean the toy retires today – a beloved toy is not worth a swallowed piece.
Rotation is free enrichment
Keep half the toys in a drawer and swap the sets weekly. Old toys come back interesting, and the favourites get a rest that lengthens their careers.
