Seeking Remedy for Mold/Mildew on Squeaky Bath Toys

I've run things through the dishwasher on the top rack before. Done this with all the play food/dishes etc. also.

I used laundry detergent and white vinegar and washed them in the washing machine with a couple of towels, you have to run the extra rinse to get them fully rinsed. (I like this method instead of the dishwasher because the spin cycle helps get the water out of the squeaky toys and I lost a couple toys to the metal coil in the dishwasher) Hope this helps.

Hi, one thing I do is fill a bucket with diluted Green Works all purpose cleaner and squeeze the toys and let go slowely so that they fill with the cleaner/water and then let soak for 3 minutes and then I pour them out, squeeze the water/cleaner out, then refill them two or more times until it's all rinsed out, then I have a bottle brush in the bathroom just for cleaning bath toys and under running water I scrub them off, squeeze a final time to get anything out and then lay them on a towel to air dry. Hope this helps, K. in Vermont

This is a very good question! Something we all have struggled with. I was just thinking while reading the other responses, that if a bucket of vinegar and water were kept by the tub, then the toys could be thrown in there after each bath and then it would "keep" up on the problem.
Something to think about and do!!

I would trow them out and get some new ones. You can use a diluted bleach but I wouldn't soak them overnight. Maybe for a half an hour and then wash them with soap and rinse them really well. Mold is dangerous so since bath toys are inexpensive I would invest in some new ones. Try getting some that don't hold water, make sure you clean them after each bath and put them in something so they can air dry. If you do have squirt type toys make sure you let them dry out with the hole facing down so that they will dry out. :)

Hi H. -
Just toss them and buy new ones!
They are cheap enough to get new, then when you have the new ones, just make sure you squeeze them out every night after baths.

Okay,...I just want to say "...HELLOOOO..." ...I am totally hearin ya... I have a handful that I won't let my son use because I can't get them clean either!! I've tried soaking them in vinegar water and bleach water and I even tried drilling a bigger hole in the bottom of them to let more water drain out!! It still gets stuck in all the little crevices! We bought him some other ones recently and I try with all my might to drain all the water out and shake them and bend the bottom at the hole to try to get it all out, and so far, we haven't had many yuckies...we'll see how long it lasts. :) I will try to get the other ones clean again and see how it goes and will send you any tips if I succeed!!

i throw them into the dishwasher and they come out great!

I used to bleach them but it just broke down the plastic and smelled horrible! Now I put them in the sink and pour cheap mouthwash over them. Then I scrub them with an old toothbrush. They come out clean, disinfected and smelling minty fresh!
-S.

I would do a combo of water and a little bleach. But, I could never get the squirty toys clean on the inside, they can get really dirty with black stuff, they are cheap so I would just throw them out and replace them if needed.

i purchased a small rubbermaid container about shoebox size and make a bleach/water mixture.. i squeeze the toys (like the ducks) and allow them to soak with the bleach inside them over night.. then i drain and squeeze them till i get the water out and i repeat the process with laundry soap... and rinse well with HOT water... I squirt the toys into my dry hand and smell the water to make sure i dont smell anymore bleach. Hope this helps...

Hi,

I just throw them in the dishwasher on the top rack, seems to work well!

once its there its almost impossible, chuck them and buy new ones, just make sure that bubble/ soap are rinsed off of them at each bathtime and you shouldnt have so much mildew. Also, I store mine in a plastic colander outside the shower so they can completely drip dry...good luck!

I would use vinegar to soak them in and them stick them in the sunshine to dry out. If that doesn't work, toss them. I would NOT recommend bleach, since bleach is a toxin and especially dangerous to use around kids! Vinegar works just as well as bleach does to combat mold/mildew. If you like, add some tea tree oil to the soak to boost the cleaning power.

put them in the dishwaher, it works great!! L. C.

I take a bucket of water with a little bleach and it comes off nicley then obviously rinse super well.T.

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