Baby toys, particularly bath toys, may seem harmless — but they can harbor surprising amounts of microbes. As a caring baby-care brand, Indimums wants to help parents know why cleaning is essential, how to do it safely, and how often to sanitize. Here’s your complete guide, backed by science.
Why Cleaning and Sanitizing Baby Toys Matters
1. Bath Toys Can Grow Germs Inside
A study published in NPJ Biofilms & Microbiomes found that bath toys can hold millions of germs inside their hollow bodies. According to this study by Neu, Hammes and team, the warm bathwater, soap, and body oils help bacteria and fungi grow inside toys.
2. Fungi Inside Used Bath Toys
Another study (Vasilyeva et al., 2022) looked at used bath toys and found fungus growing on the inside surfaces. When squeezed, that dirty water can squirt right into a child’s face.
3. Toys in Daycares Also Spread Germs
A study in daycare centers showed that regular cleaning helped reduce viruses on toys, even though it didn’t fully reduce sick days. Still — it proved that toys can carry viruses if not cleaned often.
How to Clean and Sanitize Baby Toys (Simple Steps)
1. Sort the Toys First
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Bath toys (rubber ducks, squirters)
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Plastic toys
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Wooden toys
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Soft toys
2. Wash With Soap and Warm Water
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Use mild soap and warm water.
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Scrub the toys with a brush or cloth.
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Rinse well.
3. Sanitize Safely
Mild Bleach Solution (very effective)
Use a safe, diluted bleach mix (as recommended in child-care hygiene guidelines).
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Soak toys for a few minutes.
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For bath toys, fill and shake the solution inside.
4. Rinse and Dry Completely
The most important part!
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Squeeze out all water from bath toys.
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Air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Moisture = mold.
5. Prevent Mold in Bath Toys
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Seal the tiny hole in squirting toys (many parents do this with a drop of hot glue).
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Choose sealed or no-hole bath toys.
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Rotate toys so each set dries fully.
6. Replace When Needed
If a toy is slimy inside, smells bad, or has black mold — throw it away. Some toys can’t be saved.
Want to learn how to keep feeding items clean too? Check out our related guide: “How do you make sure that Baby Bottles are completely clean?”
Why Indimums’ Natural Bottle, Toy & Dish Wash Fits Perfectly into Your Toy-Cleaning Routine
At Indimums, we don’t just talk about safe baby care — we build it into our very products. Our Natural Bottle, Toy & Dish Wash Liquid is made with Reetha (Soapnut), shikakai, and basil — plant-based ingredients that clean effectively without leaving behind harsh chemical residues.
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This gentle yet powerful cleanser is perfect for baby feeding bottles (removes milk film and odor) and also works wonderfully on toys — including bath toys, chew toys, and teat/pacifier parts.
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Because it’s free from synthetic surfactants like SLS, it rinses off clean, keeping your baby’s toys and bottles safe from chemical residue.
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The formula is naturally antibacterial and antifungal (thanks to soapnut and basil), which supports what the research suggests — that toys (especially bath toys) can have microbial build-up inside if not cleaned properly.
Using Indimums’ cleaning liquid as part of your toy-cleaning routine means you’re not only removing visible dirt but also reducing the risk of hidden germs, without compromising on safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I clean baby bath toys with mold safely?
To safely clean baby bath toys with mold, start by soaking them in warm soapy water, then sanitize with either a mild bleach solution or a vinegar–water mix. Make sure to squeeze the inside of the toy so the solution reaches the inner areas where mold usually hides.
2. How can I prevent mold growth in baby bath toys permanently?
You can prevent mold by fully drying the toys, choosing no-hole bath toys, or sealing the tiny holes with glue so no water gets trapped inside. Proper air-drying after every bath is the best long-term prevention.
3. How often should I sanitize baby toys during cold and flu season?
During cold and flu season, it’s best to sanitize baby toys once a week, and immediately after your baby has been sick. This helps reduce the chances of lingering viruses.
