Bath toys can make bathing fun for children and also ease their fear of the water by making the bathtub an entertaining and engaging environment, according to the "Parenting" magazine website. Because bath toys are often kept in a warm and wet environment, they may become mildewy or covered in built-up dirt and soap deposits. With the right care, you can keep your bath toys clean for the safety and health of your child.
Manual Cleaning
Step 1
Fill a bucket or similar container with a gallon of fresh water. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and mix the solution thoroughly. Vinegar is the most effective way to safely clean bath toys, according to the website HealthGuidance. Although bleach is sometimes recommended as a cleaning agent, the website for "Today's Parent" magazine warns that using such chemicals on a child's toy is extremely dangerous.
Step 2
Place the bath toys in the vinegar-and-water solution. Let them soak for 10 minutes. MarthaStewart.com says this gives the vinegar's acid time to eat away at any built-up dirt or soap deposits while also killing mildew.
Step 3
Remove the toys from the water. Scrub them, if needed, with an old toothbrush to gently remove any dirt or stains that remain, according to HealthGuidance.
Step 4
Rinse the toys under fresh water until no vinegar scent remains. Set them aside to dry.
Dishwasher Cleaning
Step 1
Open your dishwasher, and place the bath toys on the dishwasher's racks. If you use this method, make sure the toys are labeled as safe for placement in a dishwasher. If the toys have no such labeling, err on the side of caution, and clean them with the manual option.
Step 2
Fill the dishwasher's detergent dispenser with a solution of one part vinegar and three parts hot water, according to HealthGuidance. Your dishwasher's manual will tell you the total capacity of the dispenser.
Step 3
Run the dishwasher on a normal cycle.
Step 4
Remove the toys from the dishwasher. The dishwasher's rinse cycle should have removed all traces of vinegar. If a vinegar scent persists, rinse the toys until all remnants of a vinegar scent are gone.
Step 5
Set the toys on a towel to dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent mildew from growing in the first place by rinsing all bath toys after your child is done with them. Remove them from the humid, warm environment of the bathroom, and let them dry thoroughly before the next bath time.
- Never leave your child alone in a bathtub, warns the University of Missouri Extension. He or she may drown in the water or injure himself with a toy.
Things You'll Need
- 1 gallon of water
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- Bucket
- Bath toys
- Toothbrush
- Dishwasher
- Towel
