Bath Toys That Stay Mould-Free: Cleaning and Storage Tips
By Konges Sløjd | Official Brandsite and Online store – Konges ... | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean bath toys, stop mould in bath toys, and dry and store them so they stay hygienic between baths. A simple routine for parents.
Quick answer
Clean bath toys after every use by rinsing them in warm soapy water and squeezing out the water, then dry them fully before storing them in a ventilated basket. Mould needs moisture, so the drying step matters more than the cleaning step. If a squeeze toy still releases dark water after cleaning, replace it rather than trying to rescue it.
Why mould keeps coming back in bath toys
Mould grows where water sits. Bath toys with holes, seams or hollow bodies trap a small amount of water inside after every bath, and that trapped water never fully evaporates if the toy is tossed straight into a closed tub or bin. Squeeze toys are the worst offenders because water enters through the hole and stays in the dark interior.
The fix is not a stronger cleaner. It is a routine that removes water and gives air access. Cleaning without drying simply adds more moisture to an already damp toy.
What you need on hand
Keep the supplies next to the bath so the routine takes seconds, not a separate chore. You do not need special products.
Warm water, a mild dish soap, a small bottle brush or soft toothbrush for crevices, a mesh draining bag or slotted basket, and a clean towel. A vinegar solution can help with mineral film, but it is not a substitute for drying.
How often to clean bath toys
Rinse and squeeze every toy after each bath. Do a deeper clean once a week for toys used daily, and immediately after any illness in the household. If you see a dark film, discoloured water or a musty smell, clean that toy separately and check it again after drying.
Toys that cannot be opened, drained or fully dried are the hardest to keep hygienic. If a toy has no way for air to reach the inside, treat it as a short-term toy rather than a long-term one.
Storing bath toys so they dry, not stew
Storage is where most routines fail. A closed bin keeps drips contained but also keeps humidity in. Use a mesh bag, a slotted basket or a shallow tray that lets air move around each toy.
Hang the bag or basket above the bath or on a hook where water can drip away, not back onto the toys. Rotate toys so the same few are not always at the bottom of a damp pile. If your bath area stays humid, move the basket to a nearby dry spot after the bath.
A five-step bath toy cleaning routine
- Rinse immediately after the bath: Fill a small bowl with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap. Rinse each toy, then squeeze the soapy water through any holes so it passes through the inside, not just the surface. Checkpoint: if the water coming out is grey or smells musty, set that toy aside for a longer soak and inspect it after drying.
- Scrub the crevices: Use a bottle brush or soft toothbrush on seams, wheels, suction cups and the area around the hole. These are the spots where biofilm builds up first. Common mistake: scrubbing only the outside. The inside of a squeeze toy is where mould actually starts.
- Rinse with clean water: Rinse all soap away with clean warm water, squeezing the toy several times so fresh water replaces the soapy water inside. Checkpoint: no bubbles should come out when you squeeze the toy under running water.
- Squeeze and shake out the water: Squeeze the toy firmly several times, then shake it to dislodge droplets. This step removes most of the water that would otherwise sit inside. Common mistake: skipping this because the toy still looks wet. Visible water outside is less of a problem than hidden water inside.
- Air-dry fully before storing: Place toys on a clean towel or in a mesh bag in a spot with moving air. Leave them until the inside is dry, not just the outside. In humid bathrooms, this can take several hours or overnight. Next step: only after they are fully dry, move them to a ventilated basket or mesh bag. If a squeeze toy still releases dark water after drying, replace it.
Products that fit a hygienic bath routine
- JUNO QUILTED BACKPACK MIDI - cameo brown: Soft and lightweight backpack with a practical bottle pocket, front pocket, and chest strap for back support, made from 100% nylon shell with 100% polyester lining and inside padding, water-repellent and wind-resistant, H: 32 x W: 25 x D: 10.5 cm. A water-repellent bag with a separate front pocket gives wet bath toys or a damp towel a place to travel without soaking everything else, and the chest strap helps keep it stable when your hands are full.
- ADI BICYCLE HELMET - lemon: Made with a hard outer shell and an impact-absorbing inner core, with an easy-grip dial at the back for size adjustment, a classic Nexus buckle, removable pads and ventilation holes; sizes S/M 46-51 cm and M/L 51-55 cm. Ventilation holes and removable pads are the same design idea that keeps bath toys drier: air needs a way in and out. The dial and buckle also show how a few adjustable parts make a product easier to clean and maintain over time.
