Happyland toys filled with bath gunk - is there any way to clean them?

[KavvLar]

DD has put her extensive collection of Happyland figures in with her bath toys. As they were hard bodied plastic I didn't mind but I've just noticed they all have small holes in the bottom and are now full of water, but are too stiff /solid for me to squeeze the water out.

It's only been a week so all may not be lost, we've had the happyland a long time and I was going to pass it on when they grew out of it thinking it was practically indestructible

Are there any ingenious tips that will rescue them from the dreaded black mildew? Or shall I just resign myself to chucking them once they succumb? Thanks clever ones.

[KavvLar]

Hopeful bump

[Bin85]

Not sure,maybe seal holes with glue?

[KavvLar]

Now that is a good shout. I will do that. Just need to work out how to get the existing water out before I do it.

[AuditAngel]

Perhaps put them in the airing cupboard?

[NannyR]

How about soaking them in Milton solution or weak bleach. Some of it might get inside and stop stuff growing.

[moppingcrocs]

I think soaking in a milton/bleach solution would be a good first step, then after that I think I would try to wick the water out by inserting a tiny corner of a thin dry cotton fabric (muslin square or something) into the hole and let the water move down the cloth (keeping the figure upright so the water can drain towards the cloth). Might have to use a knitting needle or something to help get the corner of fabric in the hole, and could take some time to properly dry out.

Hope that makes sense!

[KavvLar]

Brilliant thanks that is all great advice. I will give it a go.

[dairyfarmerswife]

Another option might be to put them somewhere warm? Airing cupboard? And try to evaporate the water out. Presumably you would need to put them upside down form that to work.