Doodlebark
If you’ve ever squeezed a rubber duck and had black gunk come out, you’re not alone. Bath toys with a little hole are hard to dry inside, and that’s where mold grows. The good news is there are easy ways around it.
Why bath toys get moldy
Squeeze toys suck in bath water, and that water sits inside where you can’t see it. Warm, wet and dark is exactly what mold likes. Even a toy that looks clean on the outside can be dirty inside.
Bath toys that stay cleaner
- Toys with no holes. Solid toys can’t hold water inside. They’re the easiest to keep clean.
- Toys that open up. Some bath toys come apart so you can wash and dry the inside.
- Cups and pouring toys. Stacking cups, watering cans and scoops are simple and dry fast.
- Foam letters and shapes. They stick to the tub wall and dry flat.
- Bath crayons. Kids can draw on the tub, and they wipe right off.
- Silicone toys. Many are one solid piece and can go in the dishwasher.
How to clean the ones you have
- Squeeze out all the water after every bath.
- Soak once a week in a mix of one part white vinegar and one part warm water for about an hour. Squeeze it in and out of any holes.
- Rinse well with clean water.
- Let them dry all the way in a spot with good air flow, not in a closed bin.
If a toy already has black stuff inside that won’t come out, it’s time to toss it. Some parents seal the holes with a dab of hot glue on new squeeze toys so water can’t get in at all.
Store them so they dry
A mesh bag or a draining basket that hangs on the wall lets water run out and air get in. Skip the closed plastic bin in the corner of the tub.
Make bath night fun
A few good toys can turn bath time from a fight into play time. If your kid still pushes back, a bath night calendar helps everyone know which nights are bath nights and which are break days. Ours is in the Bedtime Routine Set, and the Splish Splash song is free on YouTube.
Questions parents ask
Why do bath toys get moldy?
Squeeze toys suck in water that can’t dry out inside, and warm, wet and dark spots are where mold grows.
How do you clean bath toys?
Squeeze out water after every bath, soak toys in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water about once a week, rinse well and let them dry completely.
What bath toys don’t get moldy?
Toys with no holes, toys that open up to clean, stacking cups, foam shapes and bath crayons are all easier to keep clean.