How To Get Water Out Of Bath Toys

Introduction

How To Get Water Out Of Bath Toys: Bath time is a fun and enjoyable experience for kids, and bath toys add an extra element of excitement to the routine. However, after every bath, these toys tend to retain water inside, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To maintain a clean and hygienic playtime, it’s essential to learn how to get water out of bath toys effectively.

We will explore various methods to remove water from bath toys and ensure they remain clean and safe for your little ones. From simple squeezing and shaking techniques to more advanced methods like using hot water or vinegar solutions, you’ll discover practical and quick ways to drain the water from these toys.

By incorporating these easy water removal techniques into your post-bath toy care routine, you can promote a healthy and hygienic play environment for your children while extending the longevity of their beloved bath toys.

How do you get water out of kids bath toys?

“Start with squeezing out all of the excess water inside. Then place the toys in a solution of three parts hot water and one part white vinegar — you can either use the bathroom sink or a large bowl. Let it soak for at least ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plain water, and let it completely dry.”

Getting water out of kids’ bath toys is essential to keep them clean, hygienic, and mold-free. There are several simple and effective methods to achieve this:

Squeezing: For rubber or squishy bath toys with small openings, gently squeeze them to remove the trapped water. Squeezing helps expel the water inside and allows it to drain out.

Shaking: Vigorously shake the bath toys to dislodge water from their interiors. Hold them upside down and shake for a few seconds to let the water escape.

Draining: Place the toys upside down on a drying rack or a slotted container. This allows water to drain out naturally, keeping the toys dry and mold-free.

Towel Drying: After squeezing and shaking, use a clean towel to pat the toys dry and remove any remaining moisture.

Blow Drying: Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to dry the toys thoroughly. Keep the hairdryer at a safe distance to avoid overheating the toys.

Hot Water Rinse: Submerge the bath toys in a basin of hot water for a few minutes. The hot water will warm the air inside the toys, causing the trapped water to expand and rise to the surface, making it easier to pour out.

Vinegar Solution: Create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Submerge the toys in this solution, shake them vigorously, and rinse with clean water to remove any vinegar residue.

How do you clean bath toys that hold water?

Add equal parts vinegar to water in a large tub. Submerge the toys in the vinegar mixture, giving them each a squeeze as you do. Soak them in the solution for at least 15 minutes, but consider leaving them for 24 hours. Remove the toys and squeeze, emptying out the vinegar mixture.

Cleaning bath toys that hold water is essential to prevent mold and mildew growth and maintain a hygienic play environment for kids. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean such bath toys effectively:

Empty Water: Before cleaning, ensure all water is drained from the toys using methods like squeezing, shaking, or draining.

Prepare Cleaning Solution: Create a mixture of warm water and mild soap or baby shampoo in a basin or sink. Alternatively, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for a natural disinfectant effect.

Submerge Toys: Place the bath toys in the cleaning solution, ensuring they are fully immersed. Use a gentle scrub brush or toothbrush to clean the surface and any crevices where dirt or soap scum may accumulate.

Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the toys with clean water to remove any soap or vinegar residue. Ensure all cleaning solution is washed away.

Air Dry: Place the toys on a drying rack, towel, or in a sunny spot to air dry completely. Ensure they are completely dry before storing them away.

Regular Cleaning: To prevent buildup and maintain cleanliness, clean the bath toys at least once a week or more frequently if heavily used.

How do you dry soft toys quickly?

If you do choose to machine dry a stuffed animal, use the no- or low-heat setting. A better choice, though, is to air dry plush toys, because fur can get burned in a hot dryer; place the toy near a fan or a dehumidifier to speed up drying time and ensure that the inner stuffing doesn’t retain water.

Drying soft toys quickly is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Here are some effective methods to expedite the drying process:

Towel Drying: Gently squeeze the soft toy to remove excess water, then wrap it in a clean, absorbent towel. Press down gently to absorb as much moisture as possible. Repeat with a dry towel if needed.

Blow Dryer: Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to blow dry the toy. Keep the dryer at a safe distance to prevent overheating and potential damage to the toy.

Sunlight: Place the soft toy in direct sunlight on a dry and sunny day. The sun’s warmth and natural airflow will help dry the toy quickly.

Fan: Position a fan near the toy to promote air circulation and speed up the drying process. This method is particularly useful for larger toys.

Rice or Silica Gel: Place the soft toy in a sealed container with uncooked rice or silica gel packets. These desiccants help absorb moisture, aiding in quick drying.

Microwave (Caution!): For small, microwave-safe toys, use the defrost or low-power setting for short intervals to speed up drying. Be extremely cautious to avoid overheating or melting the toy.

How long can you keep bath toys?

Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, provided recommendations on cleaning bath toys. “It wouldn’t hurt to throw the toys in a bleach bath every week or two to clean them and throw them out every few months, ” she said.

The lifespan of bath toys can vary depending on their material, construction, and how well they are cared for. Generally, bath toys can be kept for several months to a few years, but it’s crucial to monitor their condition regularly and follow proper maintenance practices.

Rubber or plastic bath toys are typically more durable and can last for a few years with proper care. Regularly draining water from these toys, cleaning them, and ensuring they are completely dry after each use can help extend their lifespan.

On the other hand, soft or fabric bath toys may have a shorter lifespan due to the risk of mold and mildew growth. These toys should be thoroughly dried after each bath and replaced more frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent potential health issues.

Factors such as exposure to water, sunlight, and the overall quality of the toy also play a role in determining its longevity. As bath toys are used regularly and come into contact with soap and water, they may show signs of wear and tear over time.

Can you share quick tips for maintaining a hygienic playtime with bath toys? 

Maintaining a hygienic playtime with bath toys is crucial to ensure your child’s safety and well-being during bath time. Here are some quick tips to achieve this:

Regular Cleaning: Clean bath toys at least once a week with warm water and mild soap or a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove dirt, soap scum, and bacteria.

Drain Water: After each bath, drain water from bath toys using methods like squeezing, shaking, or placing them upside down on a drying rack. Ensure they are completely dry before storing.

Inspect Regularly: Check bath toys regularly for signs of mold, mildew, or damage. Discard any toys that show signs of deterioration.

Replace Soft Toys: Soft or fabric bath toys may harbor more moisture and are prone to mold growth. Consider replacing them more frequently to maintain hygiene.

Separate Bath Toys: Avoid mixing bath toys that have holes with those that do not. Toys with holes are more likely to retain water and may be harder to clean thoroughly.

Store Properly: Allow bath toys to dry completely before storing them in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold or mildew growth.

Rotate Toys: Keep a selection of bath toys and rotate them regularly to give each toy ample time to dry between uses.

Can you use hot water to drain the water from bath toys? 

Yes, using hot water is a simple and effective method to drain the water from bath toys. Hot water can help dislodge trapped water inside the toys, allowing it to be easily poured out. Here’s how to use hot water to drain the water from bath toys:

Gather the Bath Toys: Collect the bath toys that need water removal and place them in a sink or basin.

Fill the Basin with Hot Water: Run hot water from the tap until the basin is filled with enough water to submerge the toys.

Submerge the Toys: Carefully place the bath toys into the hot water, ensuring they are fully immersed.

Soak for a Few Minutes: Allow the toys to soak in the hot water for a few minutes. The heat will warm the air inside the toys, causing the trapped water to expand and rise to the surface.

Pour Out the Water: With the toys still submerged, gently tilt them to one side to pour out the water. Repeat the process for all sides of the toys to ensure most of the water is drained.

Shake Dry: After draining the water, give the bath toys a few shakes to remove any remaining moisture.

Air Dry: Place the toys on a drying rack or towel and let them air dry completely before storing them away.

Are there any household items that can help in draining water from bath toys?

Yes, several household items can help in draining water from bath toys, making the process more convenient and efficient. These items are readily available and can be easily incorporated into your post-bath toy care routine. Here are some useful household items for draining water from bath toys:

Colander: A colander with small holes can be an excellent tool for draining water from bath toys. Simply place the toys in the colander and gently shake it to remove the water.

Drying Rack: Use a drying rack with slotted compartments to store bath toys upside down after use. This allows water to drain naturally from the toys, preventing mold or mildew growth.

Hairdryer: Set your hairdryer on a low, cool setting and use it to blow dry the bath toys. Hold the hairdryer at a safe distance to avoid overheating the toys.

Towel: After squeezing and shaking the bath toys, use a clean towel to wipe off any remaining water. Pat the toys dry to remove moisture.

Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer can help drain water from smaller bath toys. Place the toys in the strainer and gently shake it to remove water.

Vinegar Solution: Submerge the bath toys in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Shake the toys vigorously to dislodge trapped water, then rinse with clean water to remove vinegar residue.

What are the benefits of using vinegar solutions to remove water from toys?

Using vinegar solutions to remove water from bath toys offers several benefits, making it a safe and effective method for maintaining clean and hygienic toys. Here are the key advantages of using vinegar solutions:

Disinfection: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant with antibacterial properties. When used as a solution to rinse bath toys, it helps to kill bacteria and germs that may accumulate in the water and on the toys during bath time.

Mold and Mildew Prevention: Vinegar is also known for its ability to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. By using a vinegar solution to rinse the toys, you can prevent these unsightly and potentially harmful fungi from thriving on the toys.

Odor Elimination: Bath toys can sometimes develop a musty or unpleasant odor due to trapped water and bacteria. Vinegar’s acidic nature helps neutralize and eliminate these odors, leaving the toys smelling fresh and clean.

Safe and Non-Toxic: Vinegar is a natural and non-toxic substance, making it a safe option for cleaning and rinsing bath toys, especially for households with young children who may put toys in their mouths.

Environmentally Friendly: Vinegar is an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, reducing your household’s environmental impact.

Cost-Effective: Vinegar is a cost-effective solution compared to commercial cleaning products, making it a budget-friendly option for toy maintenance.

Conclusion

Learning how to get water out of bath toys is essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and enjoyable bath time experience for children. By implementing various methods such as squeezing, shaking, draining, and using household items like vinegar solutions, you can effectively remove water from the toys and prevent mold or mildew buildup.

Regularly drying bath toys after each use not only prolongs their lifespan but also ensures a hygienic play environment for your little ones. Taking the extra step to keep bath toys dry and clean demonstrates a commitment to their health and well-being. Moreover, the process of draining water from bath toys can be made fun and engaging for kids, involving them in post-bath toy care.

In doing so, you encourage responsibility and good habits while making bath time a delightful and educational experience. With these practical techniques and a little creativity, you can confidently maintain a collection of dry and mold-free bath toys, providing your children with endless hours of safe, imaginative play in the tub.