Is mold in bath toys dangerous?

Yes. Squeezing moldy toys can squirt mold spores into bath water and children's faces. Black mold is particularly concerning.

How do you prevent mold in bath toys?

Squeeze out all water after every bath, store in a mesh bag that drains, seal squeeze holes with hot glue.

Solid plastic toys without holes can go in the dishwasher top rack. Never put squeeze toys in the dishwasher.

When you see mold growing inside that will not wash out, when the material becomes slimy, or when they develop a persistent smell.

Bathroom

Your bath toys is one of the most-used surfaces in your home. Here's how to get it spotless and keep it that way.

1
Squeeze out all water
Squeeze every toy to expel trapped water from inside. Hold underwater and squeeze repeatedly until the water runs clear.
2
Soak in vinegar solution
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar per gallon of warm water in a bucket. Submerge all toys and let soak for 30-60 minutes.
3
Scrub visible mold
Use an old toothbrush to scrub any visible mold or discoloration on the toys, inside and out.
4
Rinse and squeeze dry
Rinse each toy in clean water, squeeze out all water, and shake dry. Lay on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area to dry completely.

TIPSeal the squeeze hole on bath toys with hot glue to prevent water from getting trapped inside and growing mold.
TIPDry bath toys thoroughly after every bath by squeezing out water and standing them upright to drain.
TIPReplace bath toys with mold inside that will not clean out -- mold inside squeeze toys is a health risk for children.

XLeaving bath toys sitting in the tub between baths, where standing water breeds mold and mildew rapidly.
XNot squeezing out water after each bath, which allows mold to grow inside squeeze toys within days.
XUsing harsh chemicals to clean children's toys -- vinegar is the safest effective option.

Squeeze dry after every bath. Vinegar soak weekly. Replace any toy with visible mold inside.