Are you having too much fun with your bath toys? Here are two simple ways on how to remove mold from plastic toys so that you can continue the fun!
Since plastic toys, like bath toys, are usually exposed to water and moisture, they become prone to mold build-up. If mold starts growing on toys, it will not only spoil the fun but will also put your and your children’s health at risk. However, you don’t have to worry over this because this article will teach you ways to get rid of the troublesome mold.
2 Ways To Remove Mold From Plastic Toys
The only good thing about mold is that it can easily be treated by using the materials you have at your home. You can use either bleach or even vinegar for a non-toxic cleaning agent.
Method #1. Cleaning plastic toys with bleach
Diluted bleach is one of the effective alternatives you can do to clean your plastic toys from mold. Here’s how you do it:
Step #1. Create a bleach solution
Dilute ½ cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Mix it thoroughly.
Step #2. Soak the plastic toys
Pour the solution in a basin or pail. Submerge the damaged plastic toys and leave them for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step #3. Scrub off the mold
After soaking, grab a stiff brush or sponge and scrub off the mold and dirt from the plastic toys. Make sure to remove everything but be careful not to damage the toys.
Step #4. Rinse and dry
Once thoroughly cleaned, rinse the bath toys with clean water. Then, use a clean dry cloth to remove excess moisture and have it air-dried.
Method #2. Cleaning plastic toys with vinegar
If you are dealing with plastic toys like teething toys, using a non-toxic cleaning agent like vinegar is better. Here are the steps to cleaning plastic toys with vinegar.
Step #1. Mix a vinegar solution
Create a vinegar solution by mixing 1 part of vinegar with 1 part of water. If you are dealing with a hefty amount or size of toys, make sure to make enough solutions to clean them all.
Step #2. Submerge the plastic toys
Place the plastic toys into the mixture. Ensure that they are completely soaked, especially the parts where there is mold build-up.
Step #3. Soak for 1 hour
Since vinegar is less aggressive than bleach, you have to soak the plastic toys longer. Let them sit in the solution for no less than 1 hour before scrubbing.
Step #4. Scrub the surface of the plastic toys
After an hour, grab a soft brush or sponge and gently scrub the surface of the toys. Remove all the mold build-up and make sure there is nothing left.
Step #5. Rinse and dry
Once done with the scrubbing, rinse the plastic toys with clean water. Then, wipe and let it dry. You can fasten the drying by using a fan or simply place them in a well-ventilated area without direct sun exposure.
Plastic bottles are also prone to mold growth. Here is an article you can read to guide you on how to remove mold from plastic bottles. Aside from these materials, you can also know about the other ways to get rid of mold by reading this article.
Proper storage of plastic toys
Storing your plastic toys properly is a crucial part of preventing mold growth. Since damp and dark areas are suitable grounds for mold, you should keep your toys in a dry place. It is also important to ensure that the toys are dry before storing them.
For bath toys, you can store them in racks so moisture can drip down. It is also ideal to put them in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture. Also, never seal them, especially if they are wet, or else the trapped moisture will create a breeding ground for mold.
Preventing mold growth in plastic toys
If you want your plastic toys to be mold-free, here are some tips you can follow.
1. Clean and dry bath toys every after use
Prolonged exposure to moisture is a significant factor in mold growth. After use, store your bath toys in a rack to let the water drip down and let them dry by opening a vent or window to allow air to flow.
2. Buy “mold-safe” toys
Water-tight toys or those that disassemble easily are less prone to mold growth. They are much easier to maintain and clean, so you won’t have to worry a lot about mold building upon them.
3. If possible, plug up holes in your plastic toys
Holes are very plausible for trapping moisture. It is why as much as possible, plug up unnecessary holes.
Conclusion
Kids’ toys, especially plastic toys, can be a friendly environment to health-threatening fungi, bacteria, and viruses. If not properly maintained, the toys that are supposed to bring joy to your children can instead put them at risk.
Now that the ways on how to remove mold from plastic toys have come to life, you can now ensure the safety and health of your little loved ones. The habit of regular cleaning will always come in handy in any situation.