Cleaning Up the “Rubber Yuckies”
If the thought of your children bathing with little bacteria bombs makes your skin crawl, take comfort in the fact that keeping most toys squeaky-clean is simple. Today’s Dr. Tierno recommends making sure that bath toys be air-dried completely, away from any moisture source. Putting them into a cupboard may not be the best idea, however, since some cupboards under sinks can be even damper and warmer than the tub itself. Put the toys in a mesh bag and dry them in a separate room, or outside if it’s a nice day.
Take the time to clean toys occasionally with a mild bleach solution, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture of vinegar and water to kill any living organisms on the toys’ surfaces. Another easy tactic is to run them through the dishwasher a few times per month. If, despite your efforts, you notice black crud developing anywhere on or in the toy, just throw it away.
In the future, avoid buying squeezy toys with holes that can trap and harbor bacteria. Try to use bath toys without nooks, crannies, crevices, or holes for bacteria to hide in, and that are made from nonporous plastic that will hold up well during repeated cleanings. Keeping the tub itself clean can also help cut down on the number of bacteria that live in the bathroom. If you choose to use harsh or abrasive chemical cleansers, though, be sure to rinse the tub thoroughly before you draw a bath for your kids. Also, it’s not a foolproof method, but keeping the toilet seat cover down when you flush is one way to lessen the impact of the aerosolized toilet water.
The next time your kids take a bath, try not to think of the event as a stew in “bacterial soup.” By giving them clean, safe toys to splash around with, you’ll make the experience a little less stomach-churning and a lot more fun.
