Bath toys live in warm, wet, soapy water, which is exactly what mold and grime love. The good news is that a quick habit after every bath keeps most toys clean, and a weekly deep clean handles the rest.
Why bath toys get grimy
Water gets trapped inside toys with holes or hollow parts. Add leftover soap and warmth, and it doesn't take long for mildew to grow. Toys that stay wet in the tub or on the wall between baths are the most likely to get grimy.
After every bath: rinse, drain, dry
- Rinse each toy with clean water to wash off soap.
- Drain. Shake out or tip toys so any water inside runs out.
- Dry out of the tub. Spread toys on a towel or put them in a mesh basket where air can reach them.
This is exactly what the care guides for our own bath toys say. The Dino waterfall should be rinsed, tipped to drain and air-dried, and taken off the wall now and then so the back dries too. The Duck and Flower water wheels come off the wall to drain and air-dry. Small toys like the Paddle wind-up swimmer and the Ripple bath toys should be shaken out and stored out of the bath between uses.
Once a week: a deeper clean
- Soak hard plastic toys in warm water with a little mild dish soap.
- Scrub corners and seams with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse well, drain and let everything dry completely before the next bath.
Always follow the care instructions for each toy. Toys with batteries or electronic parts shouldn't be submerged.
Choose toys that are easy to keep clean
- Hard plastic toys rinse clean more easily than soft, squeezable ones.
- Toys with openings you can see into dry out better than sealed hollow ones with a tiny hole.
- Toys that run on poured water, like water wheels and waterfalls, are designed for water to flow through and drain out.
Don't forget the bath mat and supports
Bath mats and baby bath supports need drying too.
- The Lagoon bath mat can be machine washed cold on gentle with mild detergent (no bleach). Hang it up after each bath and rinse it regularly to clear soap buildup.
- The Brook shower mat should be rinsed, hung up to dry and lifted regularly to clean underneath.
- Baby bath supports like the Dew cushion should be rinsed, gently wrung out and hung to dry fully in an airy spot after each bath.
When to throw a toy away
- Black spots inside or out that won't wash off
- A musty smell, even after cleaning
- Cracks, loose parts or pieces that could break off
The same goes for mats and bath supports: replace them if they smell musty or show spots.
Questions parents ask
How often should I clean bath toys?
Rinse, drain and dry them after every bath, and give them a deeper clean about once a week.
Can I put bath toys in the dishwasher?
Only if the toy's instructions say it's safe. Many toys aren't made for dishwasher heat.
Is mold in bath toys dangerous?
It's best not to let children play with moldy toys. Clean them if you can, and throw them out if the mold won't come off.
Moving on from baths? Read when a toddler can take a shower.
For safer baths, see our toddler bath safety rules.
