Many bath toys are ones that squirt water, but getting the water out is something that is important for you to do. If these toys are left full of water, they can breed bacteria and mold that can make your child ill. Your child can still play with these toys, but cleaning them regularly is vital for your child's safety. Parents Magazine adds that dead skin cells and fecal matter can also become trapped in bath toys that fill with water. This is unsanitary and can cause illness.
Step 1
Drain the bathtub. Letting all the water out first will prevent water from leaking back into the toys as you empty them.
Step 2
Squeeze each toy until no more water comes out. Hold the toy so the hole is pointed down and squeeze it repeatedly until the water is gone. You can even let your kids help you do this as you explain the importance of clean bath toys.
Step 3
Place the toys hole side down. This lets any residual water drip out or down so it can be removed. You can purchase a net that hangs on the side of the tub or you can simply lay the toys out on a towel on the floor.
Step 4
Shake the toys. Shaking each toy allows you to see if any water remains inside. If so, squeeze it some more and allow it to drain a little longer.
Step 5
Check the toys for visible mold. If you hold up a toy and you can see black areas inside of it, you should just throw it away because that is safer than trying to clean the mold out.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase bath toys that don't hold water. Many bath toys are available that don't squirt and are easier to dry out. You can choose from inflatable books, pouring and filling toys, bathtub crayons, plastic boats, or kitchen utensils and Tupperware. Empty dish soap bottles can be filled for squirting and are easy to drain and dry. Wash bath toys regularly to prevent mildew from growing and to kill germs on them. Run them through the dishwasher or soak them in a solution of water and bleach and rinse well before giving them back to your child. This is especially important if your child has been sick. Remember to dry out all bath toys, not just the ones that can be filled with water, because they can still breed illness and infection causing bacteria if they are put away wet.
Things You'll Need
- Bathtub net
- Clean, dry towel
Member Comments