Every parent knows bath time can be both fun and educational… if you have the right toys. There are all sorts of benefits to bathtub toys, but there’s also at least one challenge to overcome. Over time, bathtub toys can collect mold, mildew and bacteria – all things that can pose health risks to children.
Dirty bathtub toys might present a challenge, but there’s a simple solution. Regular cleaning can make all the difference, and there are a few quick and easy ways to do it. Keep reading to learn how to clean different types of bathtub toys and how to prevent future contamination.
Why Clean Bathtub Toys Regularly
Bathtub toys often trap water inside, so they can be a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, soap scum, and mildew. All of these can be harmful to kids’ health – especially if they have allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
In fact, regularly cleaning bathtub toys addresses a few different possible issues, including:
- Mold Growth: Mold thrives in warm, damp environments like bathrooms. Bathtub toys often trap water inside, creating a breeding ground for mold. If unaddressed, mold can be harmful to children’s health.
- Bacteria: Bathtub toys can also harbor bacteria from soap residue, skin cells, and dirty bathwater. Some bacteria – like E. coli – can cause dangerous infections.
- Soap Scum: Toys can develop slimy layers of soap scum. This can trap dirt and bacteria. Dingy-looking toys are also less appealing for play.
- Safety Concerns: Children – especially babies – tend to chew or suck on toys during bathtime. Dirty toys could introduce harmful germs into their mouths. Regularly cleaning ensures a safe bathtime environment.
Basic Cleaning Method
How do you clean bathtime toys? There are a few different methods, and some depend on the type of toy you’re cleaning. As a general rule, you can clean most bathtub toys with soap and water.
Start by filling a bucket or basin with warm water. Then add a few drops of mild, child-safe soap. Scrub the toys with a sponge or soft brush, focusing on crevices where grime can build up.
Rinse each toy thoroughly under running water to wash away soap and residue. Once the toys are clean, just dry them completely to avoid water collecting inside, thus causing more mold.
Now that the bathtub toys are clean, you can keep them that way by runsing them with clean water after every bath. That way you’ll remove soap, dirt, and any lingering bathwater. Dry the toys by shaking out excess water, then leave them to air dry on a clean towel or drying rack.
If you make it a habit to rinse and dry bathtub toys after each bath, you’ll reduce future buildup of grime and mold.
How to Clean Moldy Toys
If your child’s bathtub toys are moldy, you’ll want to clean them before future use. You can clean moldy toys in two ways: with vinegar or with bleach. Unless it’s an extreme case, vinegar is the safer solution.
Vinegar Solution
The most common way to wash moldy bathtub toys is with a vinegar solution. It’s a safe, non-toxic option for cleaning children’s toys.
Start by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water in a bucket or spray bottle.
Soak the toys in the vinegar solution for 30 minutes. The natural disinfectant kills mold and bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals. You can remove mold from the toy’s surface and inside crevices by using a scrub brush.
Once the toys are scrubbed clean, you can rinse them with clean water. Finally, dry the toys before storing them.
Bleach Solution
For extreme mold situations, you might need to resort to a bleach solution. It’s a strong but effective way to remove tough mold. Just be sure you are cautious about using it on toys that are frequently in children’s mouths.
While not ideal, you can safely clean the bathtub toys by mixing one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water.
Soak the toys for no longer than 5 minutes. Make sure the bleach doesn’t stay on the toy for too long. Also, make sure you thoroughly rinse each toy with water to remove any traces of bleach. Always let the toys dry completely before letting your kids play with them again.
How to Clean Toys with Holes or Squeakers
Cleaning bathtime toys with holes and squeakers can be particularly challenging since water can easily become trapped inside. You can address this issue in three different ways.
1. Seal the Holes
Before using squeaky toys in the bath, seal the holes with a small amount of hot glue. That way, water can’t become trapped inside. Without water entering the toy, mold is unlikely to form inside. It’s best to take this step as soon as you purchase the toys.
2. Clean the Inside of Squeaky Toys
If water did get trapped inside your child’s squeaky bathtime toys – allowing mold to grow – you can clean them out. If water has already entered the toys with squeakers or holes, create a cleaning solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Submerge the toy in the solution. Then squeeze it several times to draw the mixture inside the toy.
Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes. That way, it kills any mold and bacteria inside the toy. Next, you’ll squeeze out the solution and rinse out the toy with clean water. Repeat as necessary until the mold is gone. Finally, leave the toy in a well-ventilated area to thoroughly dry.
3. Alternative Tip: Replace the Toys
In some cases of severe contamination, you might not be able to clean the toy enough that it’s safe for bathtime. You might be better off replacing the toys. Consider replacing water-squeezing toys with solid rubber or plastic toys. These are easier to clean and less likely to trap moisture.
Toy figurines are a great option that won’t trap water inside. Safari Ltd. features a variety of figurines, including Good Luck Minis and Toobs. Kids can embark on their own adventures, making bath time enjoyable as well as productive. Those are only a few of the mold-resident bathtub toys you can find at Safari Ltd.
Dishwasher Safe Toys – Can You Clean Them in the Dishwasher?
Can you clean bathtime toys in the dishwasher? Is it safe and effective? How do you know which ones are dishwasher safe?
Dishwashers are actually great for cleaning toys in certain circumstances. The high heat and water pressure can remove stubborn grime and thoroughly sanitize toys. It’s a great time-saving option for busy parents.
Check for Dishwasher-Safe Labels
Some bath toys are marked as dishwasher safe, so it’s important to check the labels. Such toys are generally durable enough to handle the heat and water pressure they encounter in a dishwasher.
Safe Dishwasher Cleaning
If your bath toys are dishwasher-safe, you can start by placing them on the top rack. That way, you avoid direct contact with the appliance’s heating element, which could damage the toys.
Wash the toys using a gentle cycle that avoids hot heat settings. Otherwise, high heat might warp or degrade the toy’s material.
Never dishwash toys with electronic components, small parts, or squeakers that might trap water inside.
Drying and Storing Bathtub Toys
Unless you properly dry and store your child’s bathtub toys, they won’t stay clean for very long.
After each bath or cleaning, make sure to shake off excess water. Allow the toys to air dry after every bath. You might even use a drying rack or a clean towel to dry the toys more quickly. By preventing water from becoming trapped inside the toys, you help prevent mold and mildew.
You can properly store bath toys using mesh bags or open baskets in a well-ventilated area. Good air flow prevents moisture buildup. Avoid storing toys in closed containers or bags that trap moisture, which can encourage mold growth.
Make sure you periodically assess the stored toys for signs of mold. Always discard any toys that are damaged or too dirty to clean.
Clean Bathtub Toys Promote Health and Safety
Clean bathtub toys are important for continued health and safety in children. Fortunately, parents can make sure their child’s bath toys remain pristine by following a few easy tips and tricks. Cleaning bathtime toys doesn’t have to be a tedious task – just make it part of the regular bath time routine.
Check out all the great bath toys available from Safari Ltd. From figurines of wildlife, historical figures or fantastical creatures, there are toys to suit every child’s interest.