Ditch The Chemicals & Use This Natural Ingredient To Clean Your Kid's Playset Instead

So you finally got the outdoor playset of your kid's dreams — and now you have to keep it clean. Playground equipment can quickly get grimy and unsanitary as it comes into contact with dirt, dust, water, leaves, and pollen. It can also harbor mold or mildew. To keep it clean, you need something powerful enough to cut through build-up but ideally not too expensive for regular use. You also need something gentle and kid-safe, and a chemical-filled outdoor cleaner isn't ideal. So what should you use to get your playset spotless? Enter white vinegar. Vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool that's used for everything from wiping surfaces to scrubbing bathtubs, and playsets can also be cleaned with this ingredient.

Vinegar's acidity allows it to cut through stains and build-up, and it has antimicrobial properties due to its acetic acid content. Because of this, vinegar could potentially remove mold and mildew and prevent its growth in the future. It's also a completely natural ingredient, which is helpful if you don't want to worry about any harmful chemicals that could be in standard store-bought cleaners. You may even have some vinegar in your pantry already, making this a cheap and convenient solution. Here's how to use vinegar to clean your outdoor playset effectively. 

Ready to try vinegar out? First, use a broom and a garden hose to remove as much debris from the equipment as possible. Then, you can go in with your vinegar cleaning solution. To make this, mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice or lemon essential oil, as lemon is another DIY cleaning ingredient with antimicrobial properties and a fresh scent. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Use this solution like you would any other cleaning spray: just spray the playset down and wipe it with a rag. Use a sponge or brush to scrub any especially gunky areas. A final hose-down may be helpful afterward.

However, before you use any vinegar on your outdoor playset, check the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations to make sure that it's safe. If your playset is made of finished wood, vinegar may break down the finish over time. Also, be careful before combining vinegar with other cleaning ingredients. Vinegar and lemon juice are dangerous when mixed with bleach, for instance.

If you're not sold on vinegar or don't have it on hand at the moment, there are other natural ways to get your children's playset clean without using intimidating chemicals. One option for standard cleaning is to use a mild soap or detergent made with natural ingredients. Many cleaners are available for purchase that use enzymes, baking soda, plant-based surfactants, and other ingredients found in nature. These can be used similarly to a vinegar cleaning spray by combining it with warm water and using a rag. A scrub or brush could also help remove any stuck-on debris.

Vinegar or soap will get rid of some of the germs on your playset in addition to the grime, but not all. If you need to fully sanitize the surface, you'll want to turn to a true disinfectant. A household bleach solution (4 teaspoons of bleach to 1 quart of water) is one effective disinfectant that you could use. Ensure you rinse off the surface after cleaning with bleach and allow it to fully dry as well. Again, check your playset manufacturer's recommendations and always avoid mixing bleach and vinegar when cleaning.