Families with children
How to Clean and Dry Bath Toys by Material
Squeeze out bath water, separate battery toys from washable toys, clean by material, air-dry inside and out, and discard a mouldy toy that cannot be cleaned.
Overview
Squeeze out bath water, separate battery toys from washable toys, clean by material, air-dry inside and out, and discard a mouldy toy that cannot be cleaned.
Tools needed
- drainable bath toys
- soft brush
- clean cloth
- drying rack
- manufacturer instructions for battery toys
Cleaning steps
Drain after bathing
After every bath, squeeze water from drainable toys and leave them open-side down.
Sort by material
Keep battery, fabric, wood, damaged and non-immersible toys out of the wash group; follow each maker’s limits.
Clean and dry inside
Wash approved washable toys by material, rinse them, then place squeezable toys where air reaches the opening and interior.
Inspect before storage
Check for trapped water, cracks or unresolved mould before returning toys; give mouldy toys that cannot be cleaned to the employer for disposal.
Common mistakes
Leaving bath water trapped inside a toy
✓ Correct actionSqueeze drainable toys after every bath and leave the opening facing down.
Immersing a battery or sealed toy
✓ Correct actionKeep battery or sealed toys out of wash water unless their maker permits immersion.
Storing toys wet in a closed basket
✓ Correct actionPlace washed toys where air reaches both the opening and interior before storage.
Keeping a toy with persistent mould
✓ Correct actionSet aside a toy with mould that remains after permitted cleaning for disposal.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Store drainable toys where air reaches their openings rather than in a closed wet basket.
- Keep one small drying rack for bath toys so bathroom water does not spread to other play items.
Tips for employers
- Identify battery, electronic, recalled or non-washable toys before bath time.
- Replace toys with trapped mould or damage instead of asking for a repair.
Completion checklist
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