How to Clean Toddler Bath Toys: A Quick Guide for Busy Parents

In the whirlwind that is parenthood, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for your toddler is a constant worry, and that extends to their beloved bath toys.


These brilliant bath time distractors, while providing endless bath time giggles, can become breeding grounds for mould and bacteria over time.


Fear not, busy parents, as we've put together a quick guide on cleaning toddler bath toys, ensuring a healthy playtime for your little one. From quick and easy methods to tackle daily grime to more thorough approaches for the occasional deep cleaning, our guide is tailored for parents on the go.


Dive into our expert tips and make bath time not only fun but also a clean and safe experience for your toddler.

This guide includes:


Our 6 Favourite Methods for Cleaning Toddler Bath Toys

Why It's Important to Clean Bath Toys

How to Keep Mould Growth at Bay

Best Easy-to-Clean Toys for Bathtime

Our 6 Favourite Methods for Cleaning Toddler Bath Toys

Discover our top six effective methods, from using disinfectants to eco-friendly options like boiling in water to keep your toddler's bath toys squeaky clean.

1. Disinfect Bath Toys with Bleach

For a safe, low-level disinfectant suitable for bath toys, mix 20 ml (4 teaspoons) of household bleach with 10 litres of warm water.


Remember to scrub the toys thoroughly before disinfecting. For more thorough disinfection, allow the solution to remain in contact with the toys for at least 10 minutes.

2. Wash Toys With a Vinegar Soak

Hate the idea of using harsh chemicals like bleach? Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent that effectively dissolves soap scum and removes stains, making it ideal for cleaning bath toys without the use of harsh chemicals.

To clean your little one's bath toys with vinegar:


  1. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bucket

  2. Optional, add a few drops of tea tree oil or lemon oil for extra cleaning power

  3. Submerge the bath toys in the vinegar solution and let them soak for an hour

  4. Rinse each toy thoroughly with tap water

  5. Allow the toys to air dry completely before using them again

3. Clean Bath Toys With Sterilisation Fluid

Another brilliant option for sterilising bath toys is to use something like Milton Sterilising Fluid for a thorough wash. Start by giving the toys a good scrub to remove all visible dirt.


Then, submerge them in a solution of 30ml of Milton Fluid per 5 litres of water for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and leave to air dry.

4. Run Bath Toys Through the Dishwasher

One of the simplest ways to clean bath toys at home is to place them in the dishwasher on the top rack and run a hot cycle. This method quickly sterilises the toys, ensuring they're clean and ready for bathtime.

5. Boil the Toys in Water

Another method to sterilise bath toys without chemicals is by boiling them in water.


Simply add the toys to boiling water using kitchen tongs, allow them to soak for a few minutes, and then carefully remove and place them on a towel to air dry.

6. Clean Bath Toys With Disinfectant Wipes

Another great time-saving hack is to rinse bath toys with soapy water, allow them to air dry, and then thoroughly wipe them down with antibacterial wipes.

Why It's Important to Clean Your Kid’s Bath Toys

Making sure bath toys are clean isn't just about maintaining hygiene - it's also about keeping playtime safe and enjoyable for your little one.


By regularly cleaning bath toys, you not only remove dirt and grime but also prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that could cause infections.


That's why it's important to know the best ways to keep your child's toys squeaky clean and mould-free.

How to Keep Mould Growth at Bay

Mould grows on bath toys because they are kept in wet environments. To prevent mould growth, it's essential to ensure that toys are thoroughly dried after each bath.


After use, shake off any excess water and place the toys on the side of the tub to air dry overnight before storing them away in your bath toy storage area.


By taking these simple steps to ensure your bath toys are properly dried after use, you can effectively keep mould at bay!

Storing Your Kid's Bath Toys

Once toys have been shaken off and left to air dry, it's a good idea to store them away.


Consider using a toy organiser with drainage holes or compartments to keep bath toys neatly stored while allowing any remaining water to drain away. This not only helps to prevent mould and mildew but also keeps the bathroom tidy.


Don't forget to regularly clean the storage solution itself to maintain a hygienic environment for your child's bath toys.

Best Easy-to-Clean Toys for Bathtime

Now that we've handled the boring bits, here's a couple of bath time toys that not only provide fantastic entertainment but are also easy to keep clean.

Tractor Ted Magic Bath Book

Enjoy bathtime fun with the Tractor Ted Magic Bath Book – just wet the pages to see the scenes come to life again and again!


Suitable from birth, the soft waterproof pages are easy to keep clean.

Enjoy bathtime fun with the Tractor Ted Magic Bath Book – just wet the pages to see the scenes come to life again and again!


Suitable from birth, the soft waterproof pages are easy to keep clean.

Smart Splash Number Fun Ducks

A fantastic set of 10 ducks featuring numbers on their tummies and corresponding dots on their backs.


Ideal for interactive learning through play, these ducks are also mould-resistant and easy to clean and dry, ensuring endless bath time fun.

Summary: Keeping Bathtime Fun & Hygenic

In the hustle and bustle of parenting, maintaining a clean and safe environment for your toddler is crucial, especially during bath time. Our top tips for keeping bath toys clean ensure a healthy playtime for your little one.


From running them through the dishwasher to making up sterilising solutions, we've got you covered with our top six effective methods.


With our tried and tested tips, you'll not only remove dirt and grime but also leave your little one's toys squeaky clean for the ultimate bathtime fun!

FAQs

Why Are My Child's Bath Toys Mouldy?

Bath toys tend to get mouldy because they're always wet. When water mixes with soap residue, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould. Those tiny holes in bath toys also make it hard to get them completely dry, which doesn't help in keeping mould at bay.

How Often Should I Clean Bathtub Toys?

While it's tempting to think that your little one's bath toys get clean enough from the soap in the tub, it's a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning about once a week.

Which Toys Are Best for Bathtime?

For bathtime, toys that are waterproof and easy to clean are best. Look for options like bath books and floating toys.

Can You Put Bath Toys in the Washing Machine?

Depending on their size and material, toys can be placed in a mesh bag, ensuring there's enough room for them to move about and run through a washing machine cycle.

How Often Should You Replace Bath Toys?

If mould has started to build up inside a bath toy, it's a good idea to recycle it.

Kelly-Ann Victor

Kelly-Ann Victor

Hi, I'm Kelly-Anne, proud mum to Henry and Carmen. I lead all things marketing at Farm Toys Online. Alongside Julia, I'm on a mission to rescue kids from screens, focusing on helping parents choose the perfect farm toys that spark imaginative play. My favourite tractor brand is Massey Ferguson, and when it comes to horses, I adore a Welsh Pony!

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