When most kids jump in the bathtub, one of the first things they do is grab those favorite bath toys and put them in their mouths.
And while that might not seem like a problem (the toys are cleaned in the bath after all, right?) water can sometimes get trapped inside toys or their crevices. And that can lead to mold!
Aside from looking gross, mold can trigger a variety of health issues, including watery eyes, itching, difficulty breathing, headaches, and fatigue.
So, it’s always a good time to tackle those bathtub toys and get rid of any mold as soon as possible. Here’s how to remove mold from kids’ bath toys:
Removing Mold from Bathtub Toys
While you definitely don’t want mold around your child, remember that doesn’t mean that you have to toss those favorite toys into the garbage.
If your children’s bathtub toys are in need of some mold removal, try these methods to remove mold in bath toys and get them sparkling clean again:
Clean With Bleach
Add half a cup of regular bleach to each gallon of water in the bathtub. Soak the toys in the tub for about 10 minutes and ensure those with holes are filled with bleach water.
You can also soak other bathroom gear like bath mats, rinsing cups, and toy baskets to ensure every item is free of mold.
Precaution: Since bleach causes irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, wear plastic gloves, a facemask, and goggles to protect yourself. Also, remember to open any bathroom windows and doors and turn on the exhaust fan.
Use White Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and cleanser that kills up to 80% of mold species. If you’re uncomfortable using bleach, white vinegar is an excellent alternative.
Mix half a cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Soak the toys in the solution for one hour, then scrub them using a scrub brush. Let the toys dry thoroughly in the sun before placing them back on the toy net.
Bleach and vinegar are well-known methods of removing mold from toys. But you can also combat mold on your kids’ toys by:
- Plugging Any Holes – Many bath toys, especially those that squeak or spout water, have holes that let water inside, resulting in damp and dark conditions that encourage mold growth. Instead of letting the mold grow and then removing it later, you can seal these toy holes by dabbing them with hot glue. This creates watertight toys with no place for mold to grow.
- Running Through the Dishwasher – Sticking the bath toys in the dishwasher is a simple cleaning method that removes mold and other gunk from the inside and outside. Before you run the toys through the dishwasher, squeeze any residual water out of them.
- Boiling In Hot Water – If you don’t have a dishwasher, boiling bath toys in hot water for about three minutes is a good option. Use tongs to squeeze out any dirt inside the toys once they’ve boiled, and let them cool and dry completely.
- Using Disinfectant Wipes – Routine cleaning and disinfecting are essential in keeping your kids’ toys free of mold. After every bath, squeeze water out of the toys and use disinfectant wipes to clean the outside. Rinse the toys and dry them before returning them to storage.
Why Remove Mold From Bath Toys?
Like other germs on kids’ toys, mold can cause several health issues in children due to their weaker immune systems. Mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems and allergic reactions of varying severity in children.
And while removing mold from bathtub toys is relatively easy, removing mold from your home can be much more difficult.
If you’re battling mold issues in your home, consider consulting a professional to help ensure your home is clean and safe for your little ones.