How to remove mould from inside squirty bath toys?

[ThePetiteMummy]

That's it really. Have only had them for a few months, I try to squirt all the water out after dd's bath, but I guess it's still a warm, moist environment. Just noticed that I can see black patches on the inside of them (through the plastic). Am thinking I might need to soak them in something like milton?

Any advice appreciated.

[kinkytoes]

Sorry to revive an old thread but I'm wondering how to do the bleach/Milton thing with toys that float? I don't have squirty toys just ones that sit on top of the water but get mouldy anyway

How exactly do I soak them?

[AnySleepWillDo]

Should read to the end of the thread before posting!

[AnySleepWillDo]

Glue the hole shut. Haven't done it yet as need to buy new bath toys first.

[CokeFan]

We do the superglue thing too - only thing that works.

[MrsCosmopilite]

Right they've been through the washing machine and one of them (there are five) is less gunky. Now soaking in bleachy solution.

The problem is they're squirty toys and we've only just got back to DD liking the bath.

[UserError]

Dammit JeffTheGodOfBiscuits, I could swear your comment wasn't there when I started I write mine. You've stolen my thunder. Bah.

[UserError]

ahem

I am about to reveal a tip you will worship me for ok, not worship, but you'll be grateful.

Superglue. When the toys are new, plug any holes up with superglue. Obviously, you can't really do this with toys that are designed to squirt but for things like ducks with a hole on the bottom, it's perfect. It can affect the way some of them float, so be warned if you have a little one who might be distressed by a duck floating sideways. My DS doesn't care.

I have a large net laundry bag hung up in the bathroom over the shower, All bath toys go in there after use, so they can drain away and dry nicely. If they get a bit mucky (some of the ones we're using at the moment I haven't glued yet), I just chuck the whole bag into the wash.

[lljkk]

Milton tablets work for us, they're dead cheap.

[JeffTheGodOfBiscuits]

I read a top tip on here recommending that the hole in bath toys be sealed up with superglue before use. I fully intend to use the tip should any bastard well meaning person buy us any more.

Until then, I am with SPB and have hard plastic toys.

[MrsCosmopilite]

Don't have a dishwasher, or milton's fluid.

I may try the washing machine first, actually.

[lljkk]

Milton works for me, and not as horrid as bleach.

[BoysRule]

I heard once that they should be thrown out every few months anyway as they get full of bacteria and it is impossible to get rid of all of it. I have now given up on them as they are more hassle than they are worth. DSs have never actually mastered the skill of squirting them anyway.

[drinkyourmilk]

Put them in a dishwasher. I'm a nanny and have rescued many toys this way! Remember to squeeze water out at the end of each bath and then the mould shouldnt grow. I find a monthly warm bleach session helps with prevention too.

[MrsCosmopilite]

Realise I'm reviving a thread here but have just had this problem with DD's bath toys.

I'm wondering if I can make the hole in them bigger with a hot skewer and then go with the dilute bleach?

[EttiKetti]

Put them.in the washing machine. Works a treat.

[Grumpla]

Heh heh heh!

[whomovedmychocolate]

Semtex is quite effective.

[Grumpla]

Yep mercibucket that's what I do too. In fact one of DS's ducks is definitely overdue a bleaching. I should probably do that instead of lingering on MN all night...

[mercibucket]

it's pretty easy to get rid of the mould - fill the sink with pretty strong solution of bleach in hot water, put toys in it, squeeze toys so all air comes out, hold toy underwater so it fills up with the bleach water instead. leave to soak. come back a few hours later. remember to squeeze out all the mouldy bleach water, then rinse toys in water. voila

[ThePetiteMummy]

Thanks everyone, who knew bath toys could cause so much trouble!

I know what you mean Lastyearsmodel, I find the consumer element of children quite overwhelming. I wouldn't say we buy dd a lot of clothes/toys, but she seems to have been given so much. I do my best, use cloth nappies etc, but I suppose some waste is inevitable.

[Meglet]

I chuck them.

I wonder if it's all the wee that makes them go manky?

[StatelyPoshBeartrothal]

yes, i threw them out
They now have hard plastic toys that can be dishwashed :o

[oxfordcomma]

I have this problem too .

DS and I have a bath together, and he sits with DH when he's finished, while I squeeze all of the water out of his bath toys saying 'Goodnight Whale / Polar Bear / Duck'. Last week, I was squeezing water out of Whale when a huge glop of black mould came out and landed on my leg.

I screamed.

DS cried.

[notevenamousie]

I try - once - cold water to 3 inches or so, (generous) bleach, and all the bath toys.
And go out for the day.

If that fails, throw out, and I tell DD why. But am maybe more honest than most!

Ikea cups, etc, are better bath toys - here anyway - that anything designed for the bath!!

[twolittlemonkeys]

I chuck em. Over the past 5 years I have grown to dislike bath toys immensely. Disproportionately you might say. Have tried cleaning them to no avail. My DSs get every bath toy they own out when they have a bath then I'm tripping over them when I get in to have a shower. Can't wait to throw the lot out and have a less cluttered bathroom!