By Olivia DeLong, former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect.
You know the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? When I first bought bath toys for my daughter, I didn’t think twice about what might be happening inside those foam letters or cute little squirting animals.
But here’s the thing: Bath toys that absorb moisture or have tiny holes can trap water inside, and over time, that moisture can lead to mold growth. While mold exposure is usually harmless in small amounts, it can irritate sensitive skin and may trigger symptoms in kids who are prone to allergies or asthma.
Once I found that out, let’s just say I did a major bath toy purge and searched high and low for the best way to clean the toys we were actually going to keep (the ones that didn’t have tiny crevices that would fill with water, and eventually mold). News flash: Lalo’s latest drop, the Foam Bath Puzzles, are mildew-resistant, made with EVA foam, and super easy to clean which means they can’t harbor any of that bad stuff.
But no matter what types of toys you have (yes, even these), it’s still important to wash them every so often. I aim for once a month, and here’s what I’ve found to be the best and quickest way to do it:
Step 1: Assess all your toys
Check for toys with small holes that allow water inside (like the iconic rubber duckies). If you can’t fully dry or clean the inside, it may be time to replace them. Solid, hole-free toys or mildew-resistant foam options are typically easier to maintain.
Step 2: Soak them in hot, soapy water
Once you have all of your safe bath toys set aside, fill your sink or bathtub with hot, hot water and add some dish soap. Toss all your bath toys in there and let them soak for around 15 minutes.
Step 3: Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect
If your kiddo is attached to certain toys that may have grime or mold, a stronger disinfecting solution can help you get it off. To your hot soapy water you can add:
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A solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water, or
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A diluted bleach solution (about 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water)
Rinse really, really well afterward.
Once they’re done soaking, if you need to scrub any dirt or grime away, an old toothbrush works wonders!
Step 4: Make sure your toys are completely dry
Make sure the toys are fully dry before putting them back in your bath bin. I usually let them sit on a clean towel for about 30 minutes and then I will pat dry.
I’ve also been known to toss dishwasher-safe toys on the top rack of my dishwasher if I think they need a deeper clean. Just make sure you lie them out on a towel afterwards until they are fully dry, and then pat dry to be safe.
For daily bath toy maintenance, make sure to always squeeze any extra water out so nothing sits on top or inside your toys and place them in an open and airy bath toy bin. If the toys in question need a good cleaning, grab some new ones from the kitchen (cups, bowls, and spoons work) and let your kiddos go nuts.
About the writer:
Olivia DeLong is the former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect. She’s been an editor, writer, and content strategist for over 15 years, holding staff positions at WomansDay.com and Sharecare prior to her role at pregnancy and parenting brands. After a traumatic fertility journey, she’s now a mom to her 6-year-old miracle girl, and lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves digging into parenting, women’s health, and wellness trends with experts, and believes that speaking up about just about anything is so important for moms to feel seen.
