How To Clean Bath Toys Easily And Quickly
Gallery
Playing with toys in the tub can make bath time fun but whilst rubber ducks and plastic boats might look clean on the outside, they can be hiding a nasty surprise on the inside.
Mould in bath toys and bacteria build-up are an all too common occurrence as the toys fill with the soapy, used bathwater and are left in the humid bathroom environment once bath time is over. Pair this with a lack of air circulation and it makes for the ideal breeding ground.
Don't worry though, we have compiled some tried and tested methods for cleaning bath toys so that you never have to fear when your little ones reach for their favourite bath time plaything.
Why Mould Is A Problem
Mould is problematic for a variety of reasons. It can cause respiratory issues, provoke allergies and cause eye and ear infections.
While mould can affect anyone of any age, it can be more serious for those with weaker immune systems such as children. As children also tend to place bath toys in their mouths and squirt water from the toy that can already be carrying bacteria, it is best to tackle mould as soon as you spot it.
Preventing Mould
They say prevention is better than cure, and that is certainly the case with keeping bath toys clean. To stop mould forming in the first place, we have a few top tips that can keep toys clean with minimal effort.
Many bath toys, especially squeaky ones, feature a tiny hole on the bottom which although fun to squirt water out of, provides the perfect entry point for murky water to get into the toy. This water is difficult to remove and creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow.
One way to stop water getting into bath toys is to simply plug the hole with hot glue to create a watertight seal.
After a bath, storing toys correctly can also really help keep mould at bay. Take each bath toy out of the tub and squeeze as much water out as you can.
Dry each one thoroughly and then make sure you leave them with the hole facing up in a netted bag or a slatted storage tub to allow water to evaporate. You can even make this a fun part of the bath routine and get your children to join in!
Removing Mould
If your rubber duck has greying feathers or you have a mermaid with a discoloured tail, then this is indicative that mould has already started growing inside the toy. All is not lost, however, as there is a range of natural ingredients and cleaning solutions that you can use to get them back to being mould free bath toys.
Bleach: As a known mould buster, bleach is an effective bath toy cleaner. All you need to do is leave the afflicted toys soaking in a bleach bath overnight and this allows the bleach time to get inside.
Use four teaspoons of bleach for every litre of water, ensure that you rinse the toys thoroughly several times after bleaching, and leave to dry before their next use.
Vinegar: If you don't want to use bleach, white vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent. Mix approximately 120ml vinegar into 4.5 litres of water and leave the toys soaking for about an hour. Then, scrub them to loosen the mould before rinsing and leaving to dry.
Using Appliances
You might be wondering how to clean bath toys using your household appliances, but there are ways! Popping them into the dishwasher kills mould and bacteria lurking inside to leave them sanitised and clean. It is recommended you place them on the top rack and use your regular detergent.
You can also use your washing machine to clean bath toys. Place the toys you want to clean in a mesh laundry bag, ensuring they have enough room to move and then run a standard cleaning cycle. Make sure that the temperature isn't too hot though - no one likes melted ducks!
When To Clean Bath Toys
How to clean bath toys, and how often to do so depends on how much they are used but a general rule of thumb is to give them a clean once a week. A key aspect of keeping them clean, however, will be making sure as much water as possible is removed from each toy after use.
The best way to clean bath toys will be down to personal preference but with the tips and tricks you now have up your sleeve, we are sure it will be a quick and simple task.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Master of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design
Jade ScottMaster of Science specializing in Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice/Police Science, PCGE in Primary Education, Professional Diploma in User Experience Design
Hailing from London, Jade now calls Lincolnshire home and enjoys the serene countryside that surrounds her. She has a wealth of experience as a primary school teacher, possessing a strong understanding of the curriculum, games, activities, and learning opportunities for children aged between 3-11. Jade is constantly on the lookout for new outdoor adventures and educational attractions to share with her two nephews. Her interests in science and crafts also enable her to provide fun, engaging, and educational activities for children to enjoy on rainy days. With a passion for discovering new experiences, she is always seeking out the latest deals and attractions to ensure a memorable time for all.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
