How to keep bath toys from getting moldy?

[JoyNChrist]

I just threw out DS's 3rd rubber duck because it had mold on the inside.

I'm not sure how to keep these things clean. I squirt all the water out after his bath, then put the bath toys in one of those mesh hanging bags in the shower. But still, every few weeks I notice little moldy spots on the inside of the rubber duck.

Now, at $1 each, replacing the rubber duck every month or so isn't a huge deal. But I'm still wondering what y'all do about bath toys.

[erosenst]

Running them thru the dishwasher usually takes care of it. I squeeze the water out after every bath, and periodically (read: not as often as I should...) put the toys in a mesh bag in the dishwasher.

HTH -

Emily

[bubbaray]

We toss them and get new ones periodically. I try to find ones that don't squirt, but its hard to find them!

[vludmilla]

I've never done this so I don't know if it would work but I microwave my sponge regularly to kill bacteria and keep it clean. I know a bath toy could melt if microwaved too long but perhaps a very quick, 10-second blast would dry it out. Or, maybe put the ducky in the clothes dryer on high and monitor it while you're doing something else in the laundry room.

[redhookmom]

After running them through the dishwasher they get filled with water. When you squirt all of that hot water out the inside seems clean to me.

[Canna]

I recently soaked DD's, inside and out, with a 10% bleach solution. It worked great, they looked really clean. It did alter the color of the paint on the face of the squeezy rubber sheep, but other wise no problems!

[Lilysmom06]

We have the same problem - it is so hard to get all the water out. I had been doing a dilute bleach solution, but just last week I threw out all the squeeze toys. I bought a few plastic boats, and we have a bunch of old cups (like you get with a kiddie meal at Chilis) that she loves to play with. I also found some beach toys on clearance, and those seem easy to clean and fun for her.

I was just sick of the soaking in bleach and them never getting clean enough for me. Now I don't have to worry.

HTH. Kathy

[ShanaMama]

I never thought of the dishwasher idea. I throw them all in the washing machine every so often. I've also tried to position that hanging mesh bag on a wall that doesn't get hit by the shower, so it doesn't get soaked every day. Lastly, lately I give DD a couple of toys at a time and not the whole bunch unless she asks for them.