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Are you trying to learn how to clean bath toys? Well, bath toys can be a joy for kids and a disaster for parents. If you’re like me, then you probably dread cleaning bath toys. They can be difficult to keep clean, especially if used often.
But with a few simple tips, you can keep your child’s bath toys looking and smelling fresh. And also prevent the spread of any germs or bacteria. Follow these easy steps to clean bath toys and keep them in good condition for months (or even years) to come!
Here are some tips to help you keep your bath toys clean and safe.
Contents
Boat
Use a toothbrush or another small brush to clean the inside of the boat. Shine up the metal with a silver polish cloth, also removing any tarnish. Rinse off soap scum from the inside of the boat with a sponge and dish detergent.
Be sure to rinse it well so that any traces of soap don’t remain when water is poured in next time. Otherwise, rinse it out with a hose or hold it under the tap for 5 minutes.
Check if there’s an opening at the bottom for water from the drainpipe to enter. Any opening will make cleaning easier when rinsing out soap scum later because all you have to do is drain the boat.
Slime
Slime is easily removed by washing in soapy water. If you need to do a more thorough cleaning, you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Then soak for an hour before rinsing thoroughly.
Take note if any of your child’s toys contain BPA or phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic flexible and harder to break but have been linked to cancer and congenital disabilities.
When washed at very hot temperatures, these chemicals can be released from plastics. Only wash the slime once a month with super-hot water (120°F / 48°C).
Tub Toys
Keep suction cups safe by soaking them in hot water that contains a few drops of dish detergent. If any small holes need to be cleaned, use the end of your toothbrush or another small brush.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water after cleaning, then store flat, if possible. If you have more than one set for each character, label them so children can tell which tub toy goes back into which decal on the wall.
Bath Letters & Numbers
These are great for learning! They are waterproof, so you can leave them on the bath surface while your baby is playing with other toys. They don’t get lost underwater while you’re busy washing up their body or hair.
Remove after every bath, dry off with a towel, then store flat or on their side to prevent mold build-up. If you have more than one set for each letter/number, label them. This ensures children can tell which goes back into which decal on the wall.
Plastic Bath Book
This is great for teaching your child about different shapes and colors in the tub! The plastic material makes it easy to rinse and wipe clean with a soft cloth wet in clean water.
Let it air-dry before putting it away. Soft cloths like microfiber towels are perfect since they don’t leave lint behind. Similar to what you’d use when dusting delicate kitchen countertop appliances or electronics without scratching them.
Be sure not to wash it with other bath toys because they can stick together and potentially rip the book’s pages.
Foam Letters, Numbers & Shapes
Have your child place one letter or number at a time on the wall so you can help them color coordinate to match their corresponding decal. If you have more than one set for each character, label them so children can tell which goes back into which decal on the wall.
Removing after every bath and drying off with a towel is recommended, but if necessary, you can let them air-dry then store them flat to prevent mold build-up.
Tub Crayons
These come in many different colors and two different size tip options (chubby or skinny) to fit little hands. Because they’re made to be washed off with water, there isn’t much you need to do besides wiping them down with a damp cloth or letting them air-dry.
You can also store flat between uses so they don’t break into small pieces to pose choking hazards if accidentally swallowed.
Plastic Toy Food
These are great for teaching your child about different colors, shapes, and sizes of foods while in the tub! The plastic material makes it easy to rinse and wipe clean with a soft cloth wet in clean water if necessary. Let it air-dry before putting it away.
Soft cloths like microfiber towels are perfect since they don’t leave lint behind – similar to what you’d use when dusting delicate kitchen countertop appliances or electronics without scratching them.
Be sure not to wash this with other bath toys because they can stick together and potentially rip the food pieces apart.
Stuffed Animal
Follow use & care instructions to clean plush toys, but you can let them air-dry if necessary. If stuffed animals have electronics inside, remove batteries before cleaning, then put them back in once completely dry.
The electronic sound may not work very well after a bath, but at least your child can still cuddle with their favorite toy that doesn’t give off any more germs!
Why You Should Care About Moldy Bath Toys
Mold and mildew are persistent little nasties. If they have the chance to grow, they will not hesitate for a second before returning with their friends in tow.
That is why it’s so important to take care of your child’s bath toys between uses – you don’t want those spreading germs or growing moldy while left alone!
Even if you’re sure everything has been cleaned properly, it doesn’t hurt to scoop out any stuck-on gunk that forms around the toys now and then.
Just think about how often your child plays with their specific bath toys – the chances are high that they have plenty of dirt on them by the end of each day.
You don’t need mold or bacteria seeping into anything inside your home, so take care of all cleaning matters immediately.
If you suspect your child’s bath toys are growing mold or mildew, it’s best to determine exactly which toys are infected and throw them away after their removal.
You’ll also want to replace any paint the toys may have had on them at one point – this is a prime breeding ground for bacteria!
As long as you keep your tub clean between uses and follow proper steps in caring for your child’s bath toys, you shouldn’t have to worry about any slippery minor issues cropping up.
After all, cheerful kids make for happy parents!
Conclusion
Keeping your child’s toys clean is an important part of ensuring that they are always germ-free. After reading this article, I better understand how to clean bath toys. With these simple steps, you can get the job done right!
