Photo: Ian MacPherson. Copyright © Ian MacPherson 2010.

It’s tempting to throw out a perfectly good bath toy because it’s covered in bacteria and mildew. Using harmful chemical cleansers is not an option, but there is a safe solution you can make at home that will keep your little one’s tub toys sparkling for a long time. And surprisingly, the main ingredient you’ll require is probably already in your kitchen cupboard.

Photo: Ian MacPherson. Copyright © Ian MacPherson 2010.

Fill a bucket or your laundry sink with 4 litres of warm water, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Soak toys for 10-15 minutes, then rub gently with a soft sponge or kitchen cloth until you’ve removed all the mildew. An old toothbrush will help you clean hard to reach corners. The acetic acid in the vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and you’ll be amazed at how well it cuts through mould build-up.

Photo: Ian MacPherson. Copyright © Ian MacPherson 2010.

And here’s an extra tip: heated bathroom floors quick dry all types of bath toys in a jiffy and help prevent mould. Make sure you shake off any excess water before placing the toys on the floor to halve the drying time.