Sometimes you need to keep your baby entertained while they’re having their bath. The best solution to prevent boredom is to have some baby bath toys. Bath toys come in different shapes and sizes. These toys will surely make bathing an engaging and playful activity for your little one. However, there are dangers posed by these little toys that we always overlook. Mold development is why we need to learn how to disinfect bath toys to keep our babies safe and healthy.
Bath Toy Molds
The main reason why there is a need to disinfect bath toys is because of these greenish-gray fungi that grow on them. Molds are dangerous for your baby because they can cause breathing problems, allergies, and other health problems if you do not deal with them as soon as possible. If mold has started growing on your baby’s bath toys, there is no need to throw them in the trash. You can always clean and sanitize bath toys easily, just make sure you kill the molds on first sight. That way, your baby can enjoy their favorite bath toys without you worrying them getting sick.
Disinfecting Bath Toys
There are various ways on how to disinfect bath toys: you can boil the toys in hot water, use a vinegar solution, or bleach solution. You can also clean them in the dishwasher—just check first if the toys are dishwasher safe.
Boil the Toys
Boiling is the most common way to disinfect bath toys. You need a pot or any kitchen cookware that can accommodate the number of bath toys your baby has, add water, and soak all the toys in it. Make sure that you squeeze out all the air from the toys before soaking them. Put the lid over the pot and wait for the water to boil. Let the toys soak in boiling water for ten to twenty minutes. Remove them using tongs and squeeze the gunk out of the bath toys for good measure. Use a scrub to remove the remaining mold and rinse them properly with cool water.
Bleach Solution
Another great sanitizing solution is using bleach. To make the bleach solution, just mix 3/4 cup of bleach with one gallon of water. You can also adjust the measurement depending on the number of toys you need to disinfect. After mixing, squeeze out the air from the bath toys and soak them in the bleach solution. Leave the toys in the solution for forty minutes or overnight—whichever you think is suitable. Rinse them with water multiple times, then air dry.
Vinegar Solution
If you do not like to use bleach, then the best alternative is to use vinegar! Just mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. The same with the bleach solution, squeeze out the air first from the bath toys before soaking them in the vinegar solution. Leave them to soak for one hour. Scrub the molds off once loosen and leave them to air dry. Remove the smell of the vinegar by rinsing it in water and dry them. Place them in the toy bin after.
Dishwasher Cleaning
The simplest way on how to disinfect bath toys is by using the dishwasher. As mentioned, before putting them for cleaning in the wash, make sure that the toys are dishwasher safe. If not, you need to either do the first three ways of disinfecting the toys.
Deal with the Holes
One reason why bath toys are difficult to properly clean or sanitize is because of their tiny holes. One way to deal with the holes is to drill them to a bigger size, probably the size of a pipe cleaner so that you can access the inside of the bath toy easily using an old toothbrush as a scrub. This drilling will not affect the squirting ability of the toys. Another way to deal with the holes is to plug them with hot glue! You can do this after sanitizing them. This way, there is no way for water to get in the toy and develop molds. However, the hot glue may fall off, and you can always replace them. This method will save you enough time by scrubbing only the outside—making how to disinfect bath toys quicker and easier.
Proper Bath Toys Storage
Of course, the best way to prevent molds from even forming on your baby’s bath toys is to store them properly! Buy a drying tray or rack that allows water to drain from the bath toys and where you can just leave them close to a window for quicker drying. Dry toys will help stop mold from growing. Once they are completely dry, you can transfer them to a clean toy bin to protect them from the elements. However, if molds keep growing on the bath toys, it is time to throw them in the trash. Find out more about baby toys.
Conclusion
Now you know the different ways on how to disinfect bath toys. You can boil, soak them in bleach solution or vinegar solution, or simply place them in the dishwasher. Apply the other tips that you have learned to prevent the growth of molds on your baby’s bath toys.
Remember, there are various ways to keep the toys sanitize. Make sure you are familiar with all the methods to keep your baby healthy and safe. They’re simple to follow. Hopefully, this article helped you out even in small ways.