A bath is a clean environment for your toddler, but toys that sit in dirty bath water after the bath is over can harbor bacteria and other germs that grow on and inside of them.


In addition, bath toys have holes and crevasses that can collect soap residue.  This residue serves as a medium for mold and mildew to grow in the damp bathroom environment. Finally, it has been found that flushing a toilet can spread germs, including staph and e. coli bacteria from fecal matter, as far as 20 feet away. This means that toys stored in the bath tub area could be contaminated by a nearby toilet.  Babies and toddlers are known to put toys in their mouths, so it is critical that parents take precautions to prevent their children from getting sick from their bath toys.

Choosing Better Bath Toys

Making better decisions about the types of bath toys to use can make a major difference in minimizing growth of harmful germs and mold.

• Look for bath toys that are mold and mildew resistant.
• Avoid toys that contain holes, such as bath squirties.  They hold water after bath time, making them a breeding ground for mold.   
• Choose washable toys.  If the toy cannot be easily cleaned, it should be replaced.
• Choose toys that have hard surfaces, which are easier to clean.
• Avoid toys made from spongy material. Mold can grow down in the spongy plastic and will be very difficult to remove.  
• Some ideas for safe bath toys include plastic books, balls and other shapes that do not have holes, simple plastic boats, and plastic cups in different sizes and colors.

Cleaning Tips

Bath toys should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to avoid mold, mildew, germs and bacteria that can cause allergies and illness.  

• Air dry bath toys after each use, preferably in a dry place outside of the bathroom and away from the toilet.
• Periodically (preferably once a week) wash bath toys with soap and water or soak them in white vinegar.
• For toys with a hard surface, try scrubbing the mold with Kosher salt using a moistened toothbrush.  
• To clean mold out of a squirtie toy, fill a bowl with water and suck up a strong solution of kosher salt and water or straight vinegar. Let the toy sit overnight and rinse it out in the morning with the salt solution or vinegar. To check for mold, hold the toy up to a bright light. If you see any dark patches, try another overnight soak or discard the toy.
• Store bath toys in a mesh bag or other container that allows air to circulate. Buckets and other closed containers are not a good idea because water will collect in the bottom, allowing germs and mold to grow.
• Do not forget to clean the toy bag once in awhile, too. Mesh bags can be cleaned in the washing machine, but be careful of hot dryer temperatures if your bag is made of plastic or nylon. It is best to air dry these types of bags.
• Keep a regular schedule of cleaning your baby’s bath toys so they will last longer and not be hazardous to your child’s health.

By Sandi Schwartz - Science writer and mom.

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