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.

Chuck and replace. That's what I do.

yep was going to suggest Milton. haven't tried it myself mind you, but i've herard it works

I've never managed to keep them mould-free. I just buy cheap and chuck them. And actually I don't buy many - we mainly just have plastic cups in the bath, and the odd rubber shark.

You need to get the Milton inside, so squeeze them a bit.

Or look upon it as A Sign that the Great Bin in the sky is beckoning.

Thanks everyone. You see, I wouldn't mind just throwing them away, but I've only had them a short time. It's not the cost I'm worried about, just the waste. If I can't remove the mould, I'll have to I suppose, as dd puts them in her mouth a lot. I won't buy this sort of bath toy again, she doesn't squirt them anyway!

I used Milton but the black bits remained so I chucked them. DS didn't squirt them, just sucked them.

I have never been able to get it out and just throw them out.

I've had limited success with squeezing bleachy/Miltony hot water up into bath toys, waiting 5 mins and squirting out again.

This problem is on the great list of things they don't tell you about having kids - that squirty toys go mouldy, never really get clean again and join the great piles of stuff you end up throwing away. I really, really try to recycle and reuse but since having the DCs I have never thrown as much stuff away. One way of controlling the deluge of things entering the house I suppose.

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!

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!!

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.

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

I chuck them.

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

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.

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

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...

Semtex is quite effective.

Heh heh heh!

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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

I may try the washing machine first, actually.

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.