How to Clean and Store Bath Toys to Prevent Mold
By Babies R Us Australia | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Tips & Care
Learn simple, effective steps to clean and store bath toys so they stay mold-free and safe for your baby. Includes product tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Clean bath toys weekly with a diluted vinegar soak, scrub openings with a small brush, and store them fully dry in a ventilated bin or on suction cup hooks to stop mold before it starts.
Why Mold Grows in Bath Toys
Bath toys trap warm, soapy water inside their hollow bodies or crevices. That moisture, combined with soap residue, creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew. Even toys labeled as antimicrobial can develop mold if water sits inside for days.
The key is to limit standing water and speed up drying time. Choosing toys with fewer hidden cavities — or those that can be shaken out easily — makes a big difference.
Choosing Mold-Resistant Toys
Not all bath toys are created equal. Toys with suction cups, like the Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toys, attach to smooth tub walls or tiles. This keeps them off the wet tub floor and allows air to circulate around them, reducing the chance of trapped moisture. Their colorful jelly shapes also have fewer small holes where water can hide.
For any toy, check whether water can drain out easily. If a toy squeaks or has a sealed hole, it may trap water inside. Solid rubber or silicone toys without openings are the easiest to keep mold-free.
Step-by-Step Cleaning and Storage Routine
- Rinse and Squeeze After Every Bath: After bath time, rinse each toy under fresh running water to remove soap residue. Squeeze or shake out as much water as possible from any openings. Common mistake: leaving soapy water inside, which feeds mold growth. Make this a habit — it takes 30 seconds and prevents the first stage of mold formation.
- Weekly Vinegar Soak: Once a week, fill a basin with one part white vinegar and two parts warm water. Submerge all bath toys for 15–20 minutes. Scrub any small holes or crevices with a clean bottle brush or pipe cleaner. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Common mistake: using bleach — it can damage toy surfaces and leave harmful residue. Vinegar is safe, effective, and breaks down mold spores without harsh chemicals.
- Dry Completely Before Storing: Place toys on a clean towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Let them air dry for at least a few hours, or overnight. For suction cup toys like Boon Jellies, stick them to the shower wall or tile to dry in place. Common mistake: tossing wet toys into a closed bin or mesh bag, which traps moisture and guarantees mold. Toys must be bone-dry before they go into any storage container.
- Store in an Open, Ventilated Container: Use a bin with drainage holes, a mesh laundry bag hung to dry, or a wall-mounted toy hammock. Avoid sealed plastic tubs or buckets. Common mistake: storing toys in the tub itself — the damp environment keeps them wet between baths. Good airflow is more important than a tidy look. If the storage container stays damp, redesign it.
- Inspect Monthly and Discard Problem Toys: Once a month, squeeze and inspect each toy for black or pink spots, a musty smell, or slimy residue inside. If you can't clean the inside thoroughly — for example, a squeaker toy with a sealed hole — toss it. Common mistake: trying to save a favorite toy by sealing the hole with glue, which only hides the mold. When in doubt, throw it out. A new toy costs less than a doctor visit for a respiratory issue.
Product That Helps
- Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toys: The Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toys feature suction cups that stick to smooth bath surfaces, keeping them within easy reach for engaging play. Because the toys attach to the tub wall instead of sitting in pooled water, they dry faster and are less likely to develop mold inside.
Boon Jellies Suction Cup Bath Toys
