A favourite tricycle, scooter or ride-on is a treasure to a child, and a broken wheel or rusty chain becomes a real tragedy. Yet most wheeled toys are not killed by breakage but by dirt, moisture and rust.
Sand in the bearings, spring puddles and storage on a balcony all take their toll. Regular washing and a little protection for the metal parts bring back smooth running and an almost-new look, without buying a new toy.
What you will need
Important: Do the treatment with no children nearby, outdoors or in a ventilated room. Keep products off handlebars, seats, brakes and tyres, and always wipe off any excess. Do not use on toys a toddler puts in their mouth.
Step 1
Gather everything you need
Put the bucket, sponge, soap, brush and cloths in one place. It is easiest to work outdoors where you can use a hose.
Remove anything that does not like water: battery compartments, sound units and fabric covers.
Step 2
Wash it twice
First rinse off sand and mud with clean water so the grit does not scratch the plastic when you sponge it. Then go over it with soapy water.
Children usually love this part, so feel free to let them help.
Step 3
Scrub and dry
Sponge the frame, wheels and mudguards, and use the toothbrush on gaps and spokes. Rinse off the soap and wipe the toy with a dry cloth.
Leave it to dry completely, ideally in the sun. Moisture left inside the frame tubes and axles is the main cause of rust.
Step 4
Treat the metal against rust
Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to the metal parts: inside the frame, fixings, screws, springs and chain. It drives out remaining moisture and loosens dirt. The Smart Straw makes it easy to reach into holes.
Wait a few minutes, scrub any rust spots with the toothbrush, then wipe dry. There is no need to wash the toy again: the thin film stays on as protection.
Step 5
Lubricate axles and bushes
Wheels that squeak or turn stiffly need their axles lubricated. Apply a small amount of WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the axle next to the hub and spin the wheel a few times.
This thick grease lasts a long time and is not washed off by the first puddle. Wipe off the excess so it does not collect sand.
Tip: In winter, store wheeled toys indoors somewhere dry rather than on an enclosed balcony: temperature swings cause condensation and you will find rusty bolts in spring. Give the metal parts a spray of
WD-40 Multi-Use before storage.
What next
Wash wheeled toys monthly during the season and after every puddle-splashing outing, and grease the axles every few months. That way a tricycle will outlast not just the older child but the younger one too.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».