Bath toys are a baby’s most loved and essential parts of any child’s bathing process. Nevertheless, they can be the most common places where mold and bacteria develop in cases when we don’t clean and manage them safely.
Walking around the baby’s bedroom with dirty bath toys that may cause problems is the scariest thing for any parent. Fortunately, there are many methods to clean bath toys and to prevent mold growing up. That way, your child’s plaything will be clean and free from mold to play with.
The text will include, the way to clean the things in a neat and regular way, the most popular symptoms of the mold development on the toys of the bath, and the best advices on this issue for your child to enjoy the fun of the play.
What Are Bath Toys Usually Made Of?
Rubber, plastic, and foam are the most popular materials in which bath toys are made. These elements are inviting to children while they are in the water because they allow them to enjoy long-lasting moisture on the wear. Nevertheless, the same qualities make them a perfect target for the development of molds.
Plastic equipment contains some of the smallest holes and solid parts where the water can house. This is an excellent and suitable environment for the rapid multiplication of the bacteria and the mold. On the other hand, rubber toys, on many occasions, come with the water entrance, which can be tackled through watering if they are not dried properly after each use. However, the foam toys are water-absorbent and can be a source of mold when they are not washed and dried very well.
By determining the material with which the child’s bath toys are made, one can easily understand the ways to clean and avoid the mold growth.
When Do Bath Toys Need to Be Disinfected?
The best practice is for you to clean the bath toys and subsequently, disinfect them regularly, preferably after each use which already is a good habit to maintain. Nonetheless, sometimes, life gets so busy and it might not always be practical to clean the toys immediately. But it is very important at least to make it a weekly task to disinfect your child’s bath toys.
The presence of visible mold or mildew on the toys should warn you that they must be cleaned out totally and disinfected before your child plays with them again. Also, if your child was sick, you must disinfect their bath toys because the toys are likely to be contaminated with the disease-causing microbe that might re-infect the child.
Effective Strategies for Cleaning Bath Toys
Cleaning bath toys is possible by various means, and different methods may be more or less effective depending on the toy and the degree of mold or bacterial growth it has. Here are some effective strategies for cleaning bath toys:
Hot Water and Soap
The good old hot water and soap cleaning formula is a simple, yet effective approach that you can employ to clean your bath toys. First of all, fill a basin or sink with hot water and plenty of dishwashing liquid. Then, plunge the toys in the soapy water, and with the help of a sponge let them soak the soap for a while.
Flush the toys with running water to get rid of soap residues. This method is the most convenient for regular maintenance and it is actually a good tool to cope with the buildup of bacteria and grime. To do so, you can squeeze water in and out of the toys’ holes for several times to ensure the inside is properly cleaned. The toys should be given time to dry for some hours to air-dry before using them again.
Vinegar Solution
Using vinegar solution for bath toy disinfection is safe and environmentally friendly. To clean them, start by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water together in a big bowl or sink.
To be sure that the toys get pristine, submerge them into the vinegar mixture and wait for them to soak for at least an hour. The mild acidity of vinegar naturally destroys dirt, mold, and bacteria. After that, you can take a sponge or brush and scrub the surface of the toys, especially the parts that may have been really dirty, then you will need to rinse thoroughly with just plain water to get rid of the lingering vinegar smell.
Take any toys with small openings and lightly squeeze the solution through them at least once. After cleaning is done, store the toys in a well-ventilated and dry place to avoid moisture buildup.
Bleach Solution
A high power bleach solution becomes the best choice in such situations as cleaning heavily soiled or moldy bath toys. Firstly, you may prepare the solution by diluting one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water poured into a large container, and then you may stir the solution well. Make sure all the toys are completely submerged in the solution and leave them there for at least five minutes to soak.
This method is an effective killer of bacteria, mold, and germs. After the toys are done with their soaking, warm water can be used to rinse them thoroughly. Squeeze the bleach solution out of the holes of toys and rinse them with fresh water a few times to ensure no traces of chemicals are left.
Keep the toys with a well-ventilated room dry completely before giving them back to your child. Always make sure that bleach solutions are handled with care and are not kept within arm’s length of children.
Boiling Water
Dunking bath toys in boiling water is a fantastic non-chemical way of sanitizing them. Subsequently, bring water near to boiling then include toys one after the other to the boiling water. Allow the toys to boil for five minutes approximately, and the heat will kill bacteria and allow the grime to be withdrawn
Put the toys that were just boiled on a clean, dry towel, and with tongs or a utensil which is heat-proof, wait until they are cooled. It is crucial to be careful when handling toys just out of the water; they will be hot.
It is possible that this method will be the right toy sanitizer technique for plastic toys that are able to endure high temperatures but maybe not for some rubber and certain materials. Make sure your toy is completely dry inside and outside before placing it in the water.
Dishwasher
Dishwashers clean bath toys in a simple manner if they are not just safe but safe to be dishwashed as well. Pack the toys into the top rack so they are away from the direct heat and then run a regular cycle with hot water and dishwasher detergent.
The lofty temperatures and the pressurized water will assist the toys to be more clean and free from dirt. Make sure to position the toys with small openings in a way that the water will move through them during the cycle.
When the cycle is finished, take the toys out and check if there is any standing water inside. Squeeze out excess water and then let the toys dry out completely. This means cleaning but it may not get rid of the grime or mold hidden deep inside.
Here are some useful methods and tips for cleaning bath toys and preventing mold. Schedule an inspection of the cleanliness and maintenance of your child’s bath toys and take measures to keep them safe and hygienic for use in the bath.
Practical Tips of Mold Growth Prevention on Bath Toys
Along with cleaning and disinfecting the bath toys as the first step, there are practical tips which can be followed to prevent the mold problem:
- Do away with unnecessary water: During the time of every wash, always make sure to squeeze any extra water out of the toys, particularly for those with holes. In the absence of water, there are no places for the mold to dwell inside it and therefore, it will dry out quickly.
- Put the toys in a dry place: Never keep bath toys in a closed area where moisture can accumulate. Instead, you may select a well-ventilated spot to permit the free circulation of air and drying.
- Replace crack-damaged toys: Is this your first time to hear about a problem when you wash and play with your child’s bath toys? Obviously that is the moment to think of the replacement of the old. The affected areas can accommodate bacteria and mold growth and, thus, they should be thrown away for safety purposes.
- Rotation of toys: As a parent, you might consider the idea of cycling bath toys hence using may one a day. Go this way, so they will have a chance to fully dry between uses thereby reducing the risk of mold grow out.
- Check the expiry dates: Some bath toys may have expiry dates especially those with electronic components or batteries. Once they expire, make sure to get rid of them to avoid any fire hazard.
The practice of these practical tips and cleanliness of bath toys will enable the kid to have good and safe times with them in the tub.
FAQs
Should bath toys be cleaned after every use?
The common recommendation is to cleanse bath toys at least once a week, however, it is better to inspect the toys and remove the dirt or the grime when it comes after each use which is more efficient. This way, you get rule out the potential growth of mold and bacteria.
Can I use all of these cleaning methods on any type of bath toy?
Major small toy brands calibrate the materials to obtain the essential durability which is one of the reason we have an outstanding toy industry with so low failure rates. Most of them are materials which can be easily used to both fuel the passion of the children as well as their creative abilities.Im allergy-free so I did it without a doubt I guess if someone is sensitive to a certain scent they should better wear a mask while applying this method still the results are good.
Are there any natural alternatives for cleaning bath toys?
Yes, in addition to vinegar solutions, you can also try using baking soda paste or lemon juice as effective natural cleaners for bath toys. These methods may not be as potent as chemical cleaners, but they are safe and eco-friendly options. So, choose the method that works best for you and your child’s bath toys, and keep them clean and mold-free for a fun and healthy bath time experience.
Conclusion
The baby cleaning schedule will a while the fabric conditioner will be effective within a limited time frame also it is not only the right method in delivering the above washing service functions.Some educational toys may contain allergens or irritants while other kids may produce allergens when playing with toys due to their living habits however their exclusive beneficial aspect may be the variety of beneficial activities accompanied by toy models.
When we use chemical solutions that are strong on us these items are made to imitate our bodies. Using simple yet effective cleaning methods such as vinegar solutions, bleach mechanisms, boiling water, or the dishwasher can help keep your child’s bath toys clean and germ-free. Regularly inspecting and properly storing bath toys also can prevent mold growth.
Choose a cleaning method that works best for you and incorporate these practical tips into your routine to ensure safe and hygienic playtime in the tub for your child. So, don’t forget to add bath toy cleaning to your list of household chores! Happy bathing!
