Home >> Toys >> Backyard Toys

How to Clean and Sanitize Playground Equipment

Backyard play equipment like slides, climbing systems and playhouses can provide endless hours of fun and healthful exercise for young children. Over time, however, dirt and debris can build up on the equipment, making you cringe at the idea of sending your children out to crawl and climb over the grimy surfaces. Fortunately, with just a few common household items, you can clean up your children's backyard structures and feel comfortable about playtime once again.

Things You'll Need

Bucket
Large sponge or rag
Household dish soap
Water
Hose
Sanitizing solution (or bleach)

Instructions

- 1
  Mix a bucket of soapy water. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of household dish soap per gallon of water; fill the bucket with water before adding the soap to avoid creating excessive suds.
- 2
  Dip the sponge or rag in the soapy water and use it to thoroughly wash all dirt and grime from the playground equipment. Be sure to wash in crevices and along the underside. Pay special attention to handholds and railings, where children touch most frequently.
- 3
  Rinse all soap from the playground equipment, using a hose. A spray nozzle is usually helpful for this task, but not entirely necessary.
- 4
  Dry the equipment with a towel or allow to air dry.
- 5
  Kill germs after and between cleanings. Use a kid-safe sanitizing product (such as Clorox Anywhere Sanitizing Spray) or a solution of 1/4 cup of household bleach to 1 gallon of water. Spray solution onto equipment, allow to sit for 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Backyard Toys