Children love playing with toys in the bath. They transform a tedious activity into an underwater world where they’re in charge of the boats, fish, ducks, and more! Bathtime simply wouldn’t be the same without plenty of plastic toys, right?
However, bath toys are notorious for harbouring water and bacteria, which can quickly grow mould if the toys aren’t looked after properly. But how can you clean bath toys properly and safely to avoid this? Let’s find out in our article below.
Key Points
- Bath toys that are not cleaned correctly can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria growth
- Buying bath toys for your children is perfectly safe as long as they are properly maintained
- To keep bath toys clean, parents should follow a few daily and weekly tasks
- You can clean bath toys with common household products like mild soap and warm water
- Some bath toys are washing machine and dishwasher-safe
- Keeping your bathroom well-ventilated is a great way to prevent mould growth
Content In This Article:
- Why Is It Important To Keep Bath Toys Clean?
- What Equipment And Supplies Will I Need To Clean Bath Toys?
- Should You Buy Bath Toys For Your Children?
- How Often Should You Clean Bath Toys?
- What Are Some Easy Ways To Clean Children’s Bath Toys?
- How Can You Prevent Mould From Growing On Bath Toys?
- How Do You Know When It’s Time To Replace Old Bath Toys?
Why Is It Important To Keep Bath Toys Clean?
Bath toys often have drainage holes to remove bath water trapped within the hollow bodies. While this is a great feature, the holes also often let more water into the toys, making it more likely that water will get trapped inside.
Once the water gets trapped, it must be removed before bacteria can harbour. This increases the likelihood of mould and mildew growing, which can be dangerous for your little one’s health.
Cleaning bath toys is essential because it can prevent mould from growing and create a harmful environment for your baby to play in. It’s challenging to keep bath toys free of mould forever, so if you see any black spots on the plastic, throw them away immediately.
What Equipment And Supplies Will I Need To Clean Bath Toys?
Cleaning bath toys with everyday household products is generally considered the safest way, as you shouldn’t expose your child to harmful chemicals. Below, we have detailed some of the best supplies to use when cleaning your bath toys:
Soap And Water
Simple and effective, soap and water will remove any grime buildup on the bath toys. Soap and water are also safe to use around children, so you can let them help clean their toys and teach them about responsibility.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that you can use for your bath toys. It kills germs and bacteria, and soaking the toys in this liquid allows it to clean the hard-to-reach areas that soap and water might not be able to find.
Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
Baking soda and lemon juice is a good alternative if you don’t have any white vinegar to hand. Mix equal parts up and let it soak on the toys for a while before cleaning off. A mixture of baking soda and lemon juice is also excellent for removing stains.
Hydrogen Peroxide
We recommend using hydrogen peroxide if you’ve tried the above cleaning methods and they haven’t worked. While most people have hydrogen peroxide in their houses, it can be dangerous when used incorrectly around children. Mix a couple of tablespoons with a bucket of water and let the toys soak for half an hour before scrubbing and rinsing them thoroughly.
Should You Buy Bath Toys For Your Children?
With everything we’ve said about bath toys harbouring germs and mould, you might be wondering if bath toys are even worth the trouble. However, we think that they absolutely are! Bath toys are an excellent way to encourage children to use their imagination and have fun while being clean. It associates bathtime with fun, encouraging them to look after themselves and learn basic hygiene.
It’s easy to keep your little one safe when you regularly clean and check the bath toys for signs of damage or mould. Keep the toys in a well-ventilated storage container when not in use to keep them dry and free of bacteria.
As long as you keep the toys clean, dry, and free of cracks or damage, we think bath toys are an excellent idea to give your child.
How Often Should You Clean Bath Toys?
You should clean your baby’s bath toys after every use, so most likely every day. The thought of cleaning bath toys every single day might be a little overwhelming, but it’s not as stressful as it sounds! Below, we’ve detailed how you can keep track of cleaning your child’s bath toys:
Daily Cleaning Habits
Get into the habit of rinsing each bath toy daily with warm, soapy water after your child’s bath. You can even enlist the help of your little one to do this once they’re dry and out of the bath! Then, leave the toys to air dry completely to prevent any mildew or mould from growing in the warm, moist areas.
Weekly Cleaning Habits
While cleaning with soap and water is good enough for daily use, you should aim to deep clean the toys at least once a week. Create a solution of either white vinegar and water, baking soda and lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide and water.
Let the toys soak in your chosen solution before scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush and rinsing them. Then, allow the toys to dry completely before storing them for the next use. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to the toys if you’d like, as this is both antibacterial and antifungal.
What Are Some Easy Ways To Clean Children’s Bath Toys?
Busy parents don’t always have enough time to manually clean their children’s bath toys. While this is often the best way to keep mould growth at bay, some toys can be cleaned with household hacks instead. There are many ways to clean your child’s bath toys, and we’ve detailed some of the most popular below:
Using The Dishwasher
Most bath toys are made from plastic or silicone, making them suitable to clean in a dishwasher. Throwing them in the dishwasher is a great way to keep the toys clean and safe for your little one to play with while also saving you time.
Make sure that the toys are dishwasher safe by reading the label or contacting the manufacturer. Never go against the manufacturer’s recommendations, as this could weaken the toy and make it more likely to crack, posing a threat to your child.
Add some white vinegar solution to the dishwasher cycle to kill even more germs on the bath toys for an extra-strong clean.
Using A Washing Machine
People have been washing their bath toys in the washing machine for decades. Simply add the toys to a mesh bag or a pillowcase if you don’t have one handy, and put it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Use your usual detergent; you can even throw some clothes in with bath toys to save water.
Let the toys air dry once out of the washing machine, and voila! Your bath toys are clean and ready to be used again.
Using Boiling Water
We wouldn’t usually recommend using boiling water on plastic toys, but it’s a good option if you’re in a pinch. Fill a pot of water and bring it to a boil before turning the heat down to a gentle simmer. Place the toys into the hot water and allow them to boil for a few minutes before taking them out to cool and dry.
Once the toys are cool enough to handle, use a brush or a cloth to remove any residue. Boiling water can kill germs and bacteria instantly, so boiling water is a good option for killing mould spores or fungus.
Always make sure to check for cracks or damage after boiling them in water, as these gaps are an ideal place for bacteria to harbour and spread.
How Can You Prevent Mould From Growing On Bath Toys?
Mould is an annoying risk when using bath toys because they often have hidden areas where bacteria and water hide, making an ideal home for mould and mildew. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent mould from growing on your child’s bath toys, which we have detailed below:
- Keep Your Bathroom Well VentilatedYour bathroom should always be well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mould. High humidity is ideal for mould growth, so the bathroom is often the biggest victim. Always have a window open and the bathroom exhaust fan on when using the shower or bath, as this will prevent the humidity from sticking around and encourage mould growth on your child’s toys.
- Clean Bath Toys RegularlyRinse the bath toys after each use to prevent bacteria and soap scum from creating a good habitat for mould growth. Rinse them every day, and make sure you deep clean them every week.
- Dry The Toys CompletelyLeave the toys to air dry thoroughly before storing them after each bath. Mould will grow in moist areas, so trapped water is the perfect place for mould growth. When you let the toys dry thoroughly, you’re minimising the risk of mould finding these moist places and growing.
- Store Bath Toys In A Dry PlaceOnce the toys are dry, store them somewhere they won’t get wet again. Designated bath toy holders, such as mesh bags, shower caddies, and plastic toy buckets, are good. Ensure that your chosen storage space has ventilation holes to keep airflow moving around the toys, as this will also prevent mould growth.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Replace Old Bath Toys?
Bath toys must be replaced when cracked, damaged, or mouldy. When rinsing the bath toys daily, look for tiny cracks or breaks that aren’t supposed to be there. While you might not think a small tear is a good enough reason to throw a toy out, it can actually be very dangerous. Small gaps, such as cracks, can harbour bacteria and mould.
When you find mould inside bath toys, they should be thrown out straight away. It’s incredibly difficult to remove mould from within bath toys, so you’re better off throwing them away and getting new ones. Likewise, any toys stained with mould should be thrown away, too.
Final Thoughts On How To Clean Bath Toys
It’s essential to keep your child’s bath toys clean so that they remain safe whenever they’re around your child. Daily rinsing and weekly deep cleanings are vital, as cleaning the toys can prevent mould and mildew from growing within the toys.
There are many ways you can clean bath toys, from using soapy water to in the washing machine. Always ensure the toys are left to dry thoroughly before being stored away in a ventilated storage bucket.
While cleaning bath toys isn’t always the most exciting activity, it is vital for keeping your little one happy and healthy.