If you’re like most parents, you might have your fair share of concerns about the bath toys your little one shoves into their mouth during bathtime. Maybe you have even seen the telltale signs of dirt and grime—and possibly even mold—when they squirt the toys at the wall of the tub.
Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to not only clean your child’s toys, but extend their life and prevent mold. Below, cleaning experts and pediatricians explain the best ways to clean bath toys as well as offer tips for keeping them fresh for as long as possible.
Make a Bleach Solution
If you suspect your child’s bath toys have mold inside them, and you want to try to salvage them, the most effective cleaning option is using a diluted bleach solution. Just keep in mind that bleach is harsh and can damage toys.
“Bleach solution is effective because it kills bacteria and mold,” says Jonathan Jassey, DO, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Concierge Pediatrics.
A Word of Caution
Bleach is extremely toxic, so you will have to take great care in making sure the solution is strong enough to kill mold, but not so strong that it could pose a risk to your child.1 You also should ensure the toys are rinsed extremely thoroughly before giving them to your child.
For basic cleaning of toys, Kristin DiNicolantonio, MA, senior director of stakeholder communications at American Cleaning Institute, suggests making a solution of ¾ cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water.
“Scrub the toys using this solution and be sure to wear protective gloves and old clothes to prevent bleach damage on your garments,” says DiNicolantonio. “Make sure your space is well-ventilated.2 For hollow toys or toys designed to fill with water, be sure to squeeze out all liquid. Once the toys have been cleaned, leave them wet for five minutes, then rinse the toys in a clean sink and let them air dry.”
Use a Hydrogen Peroxide Spray
If you are looking for an alternative to bleach or if you want a cleaning method that you can use more frequently, try making a spray with hydrogen peroxide. While it is not as strong as bleach, researchers have found that it will fight against a number of microorganisms. For instance, it is effective in getting rid of viruses, fungi, spores, and bacteria.3 To use it, simply select a container of 3% hydrogen peroxide and put it in a spray bottle.
“Hydrogen peroxide is a solid bleach alternative,” says Taylor Riley, a father, cleaning expert, and partner at GermSmart Commercial Cleaning in Brooklyn, New York. “All you need to do is put it in a spray bottle and apply directly to the toys. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.”
Use the Dishwasher
Another option for cleaning and disinfecting toys is to use your dishwasher, says Lana Tkachenko, a cleaning expert at Force of Nature. “For hard toys, place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a hot water cycle with heat dry. Just make sure the toys are labeled dishwasher-safe first.”
For soft bath toys, she suggests using a lingerie bag and running them through a gentle cycle with hot water. Let them air dry completely before storing. She says you also can opt for an over-the-counter disinfectant spray. “It’s a simple way to add an extra layer of protection—without introducing harsh chemicals.”
Opt for the Washing Machine
You also can use your washing machine to clean bath toys, says DiNicolantonio. Just make sure the item is machine washable, then put the toys in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase that is tightly secured at the top.
“Launder on a delicate cycle using cold water and regular detergent or laundry sanitizer,” she says. “Once the washing cycle is complete, let the items dry on a counter or in the sun until they are fully dried before storing them away.”
Handwash With Soap and Water
For daily cleaning, you can still sterilize your bath toys with soap and water, says Dr. Jassey. Simply fill a disinfected sink, basin, or container with hot water and a few squirts of dish soap.
Karissa Whitman, a mom of two and motherhood blogger at MomAfterBaby.com says she often uses this method and recommends scrubbing each toy, rinsing it, and letting it air dry. If you submerge the toys in water, you should squeeze out any excess water as well. Also, if you are using extremely hot water, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
Create a Baking Soda Paste
Some people like to make a gritty paste with baking soda and use it like a scrubbing tool, says Dr. Jassey. One way to do that is to mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. You may need to adjust the ratio until you have paste that can be spread onto the toys.
Baking soda makes a nice cleaning compound because it is non-toxic. Research also has shown that it is unlikely to trigger asthma or other respiratory issues.4 That said, it can be abrasive, so you should exercise caution when putting it on bath toys. You don’t want to damage the toys or scrub away any protective coating when cleaning them.
Soak in White Vinegar
White vinegar is another natural cleaner that can be used for cleaning bath toys, says Riley. “I’ll mix 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water and let the toys soak for about one hour. After that, I just rinse them off and let them dry.”
The acidity in vinegar helps break down slime and prevent mold buildup, says Riley. Plus, it’s a non-toxic option that will not harm you little ones.
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Bath Toys
One of the best ways to keep your toys free of mold growth is to prevent it in the first place. You also should be cleaning your toys consistently and getting rid of anything that looks like it has seen better days, says Riley.
“I aim to clean bath toys once a week and usually have to replace them every three to six months,” he says. “It’s also important to remember to make sure your toys are drying thoroughly between each use.”
Here are some additional tips from our experts on preventing mold growth:
- Clean bath toys on a consistent schedule
- Squeeze out excess water after each bath
- Store toys in a mesh bag or on a rack that allows for airflow and drainage
- Avoid toys with holes, or if they do have holes, consider sealing them with hot glue
- Ensure bath toys are not sitting in stagnant water
- Disinfect all toys immediately after bathing if someone is sick
“If you see mold and you can’t clean it, throw it away,” says Dr. Jassey. “If it smells, clean it or get rid of it. Opting for non-porous toys without holes may be beneficial to prevent water entry. [You also could] consider rotating your bath toys so they have more time to dry and you’re not using the same toy for every bath time.”
Risks of Mold Growing on Bath Toys
Generally, mold and mildew can make kids sick, says Dr. Jassey. “If a toy is moldy and your child is touching it, breathing it in, or getting water squirted into their mouth, it can lead to respiratory problems, rash, allergy issues, gastrointestinal infection, or eye infections.”
However, he says he has never seen a case of this in nearly 20 years of pediatric practice. Still, you may want to exercise caution. Dr. Jassey suggests looking for nonporous toys or machine washable toys because they are easy to clean and less likely to get mold.
“Parents often assume that if a toy looks clean, it is clean,” says Tkachenko. “But mold can easily grow inside squeeze toys where you can’t see it. When in doubt, it’s better to replace the toy than expose your little ones to mold.”
