How to Avoid Mold on Children's Bath Toys

Using a glue gun to seal the hole in bath toys will prevent mold from returning - permanently! First, here are simple steps for cleaning existing mold.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chlorine bleach
• Water
• Cleaning bucket or pail
• Glue gun and glue stick(s)

1. Mix a solution of bleach water with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.

2. Add toys to the cleaning solution and allow to sit for 15 minutes. If toys have a hole and the mold is inside the toy, make sure to suck cleaning solution into the toy.

3. Squeeze the water out of the toys and rinse with clear water (inside and out). Allow to dry completely.

4. Prevent mold from ever returning by sealing the hole in the bath toys with a glue gun. NOTE: If your toy has a "squeak" mechanism, sealing the hole will also prevent it from squeaking. If you'd prefer not to do that, you will just need to clean the toy again in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• You might consider purchasing sealed bath toys in the future to avoid mold growth in the first place.
• Seal new bath toys with glue before the first use to prevent mold growth from ever occurring inside the toy.
• Always wear rubber gloves when submerging your hands in bleach cleaning solution.
• Keep children away from cleaning products.
• Keep children away from hot glue guns.

[GreenMomma]

on 4/14/2009 A glue gun is a great idea!!!!

[AmyJaine]

on 5/1/2008 Great idea.

[lschofield]

on 4/29/2008 Fantastic idea and simple too! I've got my project for the weekend. Thank you for writing this!