Don't let your bath toys turn into a breeding ground for germs! Here's how to clean them properly.
Keeping your bath toys clean is essential for the health and safety of your family. Many people don't realize that bath toys can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs if they aren't properly cleaned on a regular basis. If you want to prevent this from happening, it's important to know the best methods for cleaning your bath toys. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to clean bath toys so you can ensure a safe and healthy environment for your family.
Gather your materials
Before you begin cleaning your bath toys, make sure you have the supplies you need. You will need a sink or tub, dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. You may also need an old toothbrush to help get into any hard to reach places. Having all the materials ready before you start will make the process go more quickly and easily.
Fill up the sink or tub
To properly clean your bath toys, you'll need to fill up the sink or tub with enough water to cover the toys. You can use either warm or cold water, depending on what type of cleaning products you plan to use. Be sure that the water is deep enough to completely submerge the toys.
Once you have enough water in the sink or tub, it's time to add soap. Depending on how dirty the toys are, you may want to use an all-purpose cleaner or a natural soap like Castile soap or baking soda. If you choose to use a harsher cleaner, make sure to wear gloves and keep it away from children and pets. Let the toys soak for about 5 minutes before proceeding with the next step.
Add soap
Once you have filled up the sink or tub with warm water, it is time to add some soap. If you are using a commercial toy cleaner, follow the instructions for dilution rates on the bottle. For regular detergent, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent or a squirt of dishwashing liquid to the water. Make sure the soap is completely dissolved before adding the toys. Swish the water around with your hand to help mix in the soap. This will ensure that all the toys are fully covered in the sudsy solution.
Let the toys soak
Once you've filled the sink or tub with water and soap, you can let the toys soak for a few minutes. Make sure they are completely submerged in the soapy water. If the toys have any electronic components, avoid getting them wet. You can use a clean cloth to gently wipe them down instead. Allow the toys to soak for at least 5 minutes, or longer if they are particularly dirty. During this time, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any dirt and grime that may be stuck on the toys. This will help to ensure that all germs and bacteria are removed.
Rinse the toys
Once you have let the bath toys soak for the specified time, it is time to rinse them off. To do this, use a gentle stream of lukewarm water and thoroughly rinse each of the toys. It is important to make sure that all of the soap is washed off so it does not linger on the toys or in the water. You can also use a soft cloth or scrub brush to help remove any soap scum or dirt from the toys. Once all of the toys have been rinsed, move onto drying them off with a clean towel.
Dry the toys
Once you have finished rinsing your bath toys, it’s time to dry them off. If you’re dealing with hard plastic toys, you can simply pat them down with a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. If you’re dealing with soft rubber or foam toys, you may need to use a blow-dryer to speed up the drying process. If possible, avoid using an open flame, such as a hairdryer, to dry rubber or foam toys; this could potentially cause them to melt or become misshapen.
When drying your toys, be sure to inspect them closely for any signs of mold, mildew, or discoloration that may have occurred while they were wet. If any of these signs are present, throw the toy away and replace it with a new one. It’s also important to make sure that all of the toys are completely dry before putting them away. If moisture is left on the toys, it can cause them to grow mold or mildew in storage.
Put the toys away
Once the bath toys have been washed, dried, and disinfected it is important to store them properly. Keeping the toys in a cool, dry place will help prevent mold and mildew from growing. Storing them away from direct sunlight is best. The ideal place to keep the bath toys would be a bin or container with a lid that can be easily opened and closed. Be sure to check the bin regularly to make sure the toys are still clean and free of any moisture or mold.
If you have multiple sets of bath toys, consider labeling each container with what type of toy is inside. This will help keep you organized and make it easier for your little ones to find the toys they need quickly. You can also use this as an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of cleaning and caring for their toys. Make sure to explain the need for regular cleaning and why it is necessary.
Cleaning your bath toys regularly will help keep them germ-free and looking like new for years to come. With just a few simple steps, you can make sure your kids enjoy their bath time fun without any worries!