Bath toys provide plenty of fun during bathtime and help you bond with your child. However, some bathtime toys can harbour mould and mildew when not stored correctly. Bath toys tend to have drainage holes that allow the toys to store water, which can sit and create a harmful environment when storing bath toys for your little one.
Keep reading to learn the most straightforward bath toy storage solutions for homes of any size!
Key Points
- Bath toys can encourage thinking, motor skills, independent play, and bonding
- Bath toys always need to be properly cleaned and stored
- Storage bins with drain holes are a good way to store your bath toys safely
- Toys that sit in water for too long can grow mould and mildew
- Toys that are broken or mouldy should be thrown away
Content in this article:
- 8 Ways To Properly Store Bath Toys
- Why Is It Important To Properly Dry Bath Toys?
- How To Clean Children’s Bath Toys Correctly?
- How Do You Know When You Should Throw Out Your Baby’s Bath Toys?
- Should You Buy Bath Toys?
8 Ways To Properly Store Bath Toys
Properly storing your kid’s bath toys is a great way to keep them clean and fresh, allowing your little one to enjoy them for longer. However, leaving them in the bottom of the bathtub to use again tomorrow is not enough. Proper care of the bath toys will prolong their life and keep your child healthier, thanks to the fact they won’t be exposed to mould. We’ve detailed eight ways you can create the best bath toy storage system below:
- Use A Plastic Bin With Drainage Holes
A plastic bin with drainage holes will give the kid’s bath toys somewhere safe to dry between bath times. The water drains through large draining holes in the bottom of the plastic container, keeping the water away from the toys and reducing the likelihood of mould growing. The bin will also keep the toys looking tidier, so there’s less mess around your bathroom.
- Hang A Mesh Bag
A mesh bag is another way to store toys neatly where the water can be quickly wicked away from the toys. Mesh fabric bags are often better than plastic storage baskets or bins as they have more holes for moisture to escape. However, mesh fabric is more complex to clean than plastic bins.
- Utilise A Drying Rack
A drying rack gives the bath toys space to dry without being crowded. This gives the toys better air circulation, preventing mould growth. The only downside of bath toy storage ideas with drying racks is that they often hold fewer toys.
- Place A Suction Cup Storage Basket On The Tiles
A storage basket with suction cups is ideal for sticking the toys onto the tiles next to the bath. This keeps all the toys within reach and allows the water to drain back into the bathtub. The suction cups also make cleaning the basket or tile easier whenever it gets dirty.
- Store The Bath Toys In An Old Laundry Basket
You can use this as your toy storage if you don’t want to buy a new bath toy storage option and have an old laundry basket lying around. The only issue with this is that it might be too big to house all your kids’ toys – unless you have endless rubber duckies!
- Use A Toy Hammock
A toy hammock is similar to a toy mesh bag or caddy. Again, it offers plenty of room for airflow around the toys and holes for the water to escape.
- Utilise A Corner Shower Caddy
A spare tub or shower caddy can store your bath toys next to the bath or shower. Again, this is a great way to repurpose your old bathroom decor items without buying a new item.
- Use A Shower Curtain With Pockets
Some shower curtains can be purchased with pockets, ideal storage solutions for smaller bathrooms. They often don’t have drainage pockets, but you could add some by cutting little holes in the pockets. As long as the holes are smaller than the toys, they won’t fall out!
Why Is It Important To Properly Dry Bath Toys?
When it comes to any toys you have for your baby, you need to ensure they’re clean and safe. Bath toys are constantly exposed to humidity and water, which makes them the perfect breeding ground for mould, bacteria, and other harmful substances. Your baby being exposed to mould can lead to allergies and illnesses.
It’s challenging to prevent bath toys from growing mouldy. Still, you can prolong their lifespan for as long as possible by cleaning them regularly and storing them correctly with lots of ventilation and airflow.
How To Clean Children’s Bath Toys Correctly?
We’ve detailed some cleaning tips to keep your baby safe and happy below:
- Empty Out All The Water
Squeeze as much water out of the toys as possible using the drainage holes. Doing this after every use would prevent the water from sitting within the plastic toys for too long.
- Use A Mild Detergent
Use a mild, non-toxic detergent to clean the toys. Add a few drops of the detergent to a bowl of warm water and then dip the toys in the mixture. Remember, proper drainage is critical, so thoroughly squeeze out the water again once they’ve been cleaned.
- Scrub The Toys
Use a soft brush to scrub the toys to remove dirt, scale, or mould. You could use an old toothbrush or a gentle cleaning scrubbing brush. Rinse the toys with clean water.
- Dry The Toys
Use a soft, clean cloth to dry the toys.
- Store The Toys Properly
Store the toys in a dry area to prevent mould or mildew from growing.
How Do You Know When You Should Throw Out Your Baby’s Bath Toys?
Nothing lasts forever, even when you store your kids bath toys perfectly. Below, we’ve detailed a few things to look for regarding your child’s bath toys. When you spot any of these indicators, consider throwing the toy out:
- The toy is cracked, discoloured, or mouldy
- The toy has been broken or features any sharp edges
- The toy has been sitting in water for long enough to turn it slimy
- The family pets have chewed on the toy
- The toy has been exposed to household cleaners or chemicals
- The toy has been stored in a humid place for a long period
- The toy has been exposed to outside elements
- The toy has been exposed to high temperatures
Should You Buy Bath Toys?
You might be wondering whether bath toys are worth all of this effort. But many children look forward to bathtime to play with their ducks, boats, and bubbles! Buying bath toys has plenty of benefits and drawbacks, so the decision ultimately comes down to the parent.
The benefits of bath toys include keeping your child entertained and engaged throughout the bath. They can improve motor and cognitive skills and give an excellent opportunity to bond with your little one. Some bath time toys can even be educational!
But what about the drawbacks? When not stored correctly, bath toys can harbour mould and mildew. This can become a health hazard, creating an unsanitary environment in your bathroom.
There is nothing wrong with allowing your child to use bath toys; take the necessary steps to ensure the bathtub toys and stay clean and dry.
Final Thoughts On How To Store Bath Toys
Bath toys can be an excellent idea for children, just as long as they’re correctly stored to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. The best way to store your kids bath toys is with a plastic basket or mesh fabric, as the holes provide plenty of ventilation. This keeps the airflow around the bath toys and gives the excess water somewhere too quickly.