Bath toys can gather mold and collect germs floating around in bathwater. To keep your toys clean and your kids healthy, learn how to clean bath toys properly.
It’s a common myth that you need bleach to do a deeper clean of items that can get moldy, such as bath toys. However, if you don’t create a mix that is strong enough, you probably won’t actually kill the bacteria – and in the process this bleach will remain on the bath toys, which could end up exposing your child to potential chemical burns or poisoning. It’s best to opt for natural cleaners, as they are a more environmentally- and child-friendly way of getting things clean.
How to Clean Bath Toys Using Vinegar
It’s easy to assume that bath toys are getting cleaned during bath time due to the soap and hot water in the tub. However, that’s not the case. On a weekly basis you should take all the toys out of the bathroom and give them a good and thorough clean.
White vinegar, a household staple, should be the first thing you reach for, thanks to its proven track record as a natural cleaning agent. It is able to dissolves soap scum and gets rid of stains, making it ideal for cleaning bath toys and safe for children who may end up with bath toys in their mouths. Here’s how to clean bath toys with vinegar
- Add equal parts vinegar and warm water to a large bucket. Optional: add a couple of drops tea tree or lemon oil for a fresh scent and added cleanliness.
- Submerge the bath toys in your cleaning solution and let them soak for at least an hour.
- Once done, properly rinse each toy under some warm tap water and allow them to air dry or place them in the sun to dry properly.
Cleaning Bath Toys With Hot Water
The easiest way to actually sterilize bath toys is with high heat, so the best option in the home would be to run the toys through a cycle in the dishwasher. To avoid damaging the toys, place them on the top shelf where the heat isn’t so intense. Use biodegradable dishwasher detergent and run a cycle with just the toys inside.
Of course if you don’t have a dishwasher, you can simply sterilize bath toys in the sink. Learn how to clean bath toys with hot water using the following steps:
- Fill a basin or clean sink with the hottest water possible and add a few drops of biodegradable dish soap.
- Submerge the toys in the hot water (using kitchen gloves to protect your hands) and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. Occasionally move them around so their surfaces are evenly exposed to the hot water and dish soap.
- Once done, dry the bath toys off with a clean sponge or cloth, rinse them under some warm water to remove any soap still on them and place the toys somewhere clean to air dry.
Extra Tip: How to Keep Mold In Check
It’s kind of gross, but most bath mold and bacteria will actually form inside the bath toy itself. Given that there is a little hole on the bottom of most bath toys, water will invariably get stuck inside, providing the ideal conditions for mold to develop. If this thought is unsettling, you can simply seal the holes on bath toys with a spot of hot glue.
After each bath you should also aim to:
- Squeeze as much water out of the toys as possible.
- Set the toys some place where they can dry properly.
- Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan for 20 minutes after bath time to remove humidity in the room.
Read more:
- Baths vs. Showers: Which One is More Sustainable?
- Homemade Bath Bombs With All-Natural Ingredients
- How to Make a DIY Oatmeal Bath for Itching: Recipe and Benefits
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