Bath time is often one of a child’s favorite activities. What’s not to love about splashing and playing with all of those bath toys?! But did you know that many bath toys are home to some not-so-welcome guests? This post will help you find bath toys that are easy to clean and won’t mold or mildew. I’ll also give you some top-rated bath toy storage and organization ideas.

List of bath toys that won't mold or mildew and are easy to clean Disclaimer: Blossoming through Motherhood receives a commission for qualifying purchases from affiliate links below. Rest assured, I only share products that I love in hopes that you will too.

Mold & Bacteria

Many bath toys allow water to get inside of them, which is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Toys that squirt water are some of the worst culprits. Once water gets inside, it’s impossible to completely dry them.

Have you ever noticed black specks coming out when you squeeze the bath toys? That’s a clear sign of mold and they should be thrown away immediately.

In 2018, researchers found that the wet, warm, and humid conditions of the bathroom are the perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria in plastic toys that squirt water. Along with water, the plastic used in the toys releases carbon compounds that promote bacteria. You can read more about the study here.

Mold can be harmful if swallowed. Infants and children often put objects in their mouths and swallow bathwater, so discovering mold inside or on your bath toys can be quite alarming. If your child swallows bath water with mold in it, rest assured, he or she likely didn’t swallow enough to make themselves sick. Just to be safe, some signs to watch for are an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The other issue that I’ve noticed with bath toys is that they are often difficult to clean. We have toys similar to these boats that don’t hold any water; however, due to the angle, they are difficult to clean. The only way I can get them clean is by soaking them and using an old bottle brush.

It’s a lot of work and takes up precious time that most busy parents don’t have a whole lot of. I’d much rather spend my time reading stories with my little ones before bed versus cleaning tight nooks and crannies in bath toys.

After much trial and error and scouring the internet for top-rated bath toys for kids, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 recommendations.

Easy to Clean Bath Toys That Won’t Mold

1. The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

• Includes 8 brightly colored cups that stack together with unique holes in the bottom for water play
• Children love to fit toy cups together, stack them up, or turn them over and hide things underneath
• Large numbers on the bottom to practice counting & number recognition
• Made without BPA, lead, or phthalates

2. Fat Brain Toys Suction Kupz

Includes 6 colorful silicone cups with suction cups on the bottom
Stack, Roll, and Stick! Play in the tub, playroom, anywhere; Kids decide how to play
Great for babies and toddlers
Made of 100% food-safe silicone; BPA-free; Kids can drink from them
Encourages fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, creativity, experimentation
Dishwasher safe

3. Green Toys Tide Pool Bath Set

Each piece is designed to pour water differently.
100% recycled plastic
No BPA, phthalates
Dishwasher safe
Great for indoor or outdoor play
Great for ages 6 months+

4. Green Toys Tug Boat and Submarine Combo Pack

Made in the USA
100% Recycled plastic
Makes a great gift
Encourages creative, imaginative play
No BPA, phthalates
Dishwasher safe
Great for ages 6 months+

5. Click N’ Play Bath Foam Letters & Numbers

36 Piece Set of Bath Foam Letters and Numbers With Its own mesh Organizer
Bath Foam Letters and Numbers Stick To Baths And Walls Tiles When Wet
Safety Tested – nontoxic, BPA free

6. Munchkin Arctic Polar Bear

2-in-1 game: ring toss and stacking toy
The polar bear is weighted to float facing up
Toss rings on legs or stack on belly for endless fun
Includes one floating bear toy and 4 fish character rings
Air-tight design helps prevent mold and mildew; 12+ months

7. Nuby Floating Purple Octopus

Helps develop hand-eye coordination for interactive play. Textured figures support touch.
Fun and bright colors and shapes stimulate the baby’s senses and high contrast supports early development.
Float and catch fun with hoopla rings
Made from BPA free materials
For children ages 18+ months

8. Boon Stacking Boats Bathing Toys

Plastic stacking boats designed with wide decks for scooping and pouring water
Interactive play: Drain holes for a fun rain effect
Easy to clean: 5 brightly colored stackable toy boats that can be hand washed and air dried
Made without BPA, Phthalate, and PVC
Suitable for: Ages 9 months and up

9. Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Floating Boats

Made from plants
Encourages whole learning the healthy and natural way
Encourages water play and swimming
Stacking develops concentration and thinking skills
Holes for sprinkling
Fun for bath, pool, water, and sand play

10. Bath Books

Do your little ones love to read? If so, these bath-friendly books are a must for your collection.

Barnyard Bath! is a waterproof cousin of Barnyard Dance!—the famous board book bestseller.
Safety-tested, nontoxic, and so much fun.

Bath Time! is waterproof, non-toxic, completely baby-safe—and it floats!

A Mo Willems’ fan-favorite condensed in a bath book format.

From the creators of the Wee Gallery come these beautifully illustrated bath books.
They magically change color when you dip them in water.

Your little one will love making a splash with their favorite Baby Einstein characters!
This fun book is soft, durable, and floats in the water.
It is also easy to clean and ready to be used again and again.

Bath Toy Storage/Organizers

Here is a list of some of our favorite and top-rated toy storage and organizers.

Tenrai Zippered Mesh Bath Toy Organizer

No fluorescent additive polyester fabric
Strong and Easy to Clean
Large Opening Design
FULL money back refund or replacement

Ubbi Freestanding Bath Toy Organizer Bath Caddy with Removable Drying Rack Bin and Scoop

Easy to use: Scoop up bath toys with the handle, place bin in the base, and leave until next bath time.
Bin can hold a variety of different shapes and sizes of bath toys
Dishwasher safe

KidCo Bath Toy Organizer Storage Basket

Adjustable length fits most tubs
Holds bath toys, soap, shampoo and more
Divider panels separate toys from bath care items; fit where you want them.
Slotted sides and bottom allow items to dry properly
To clean simply wash with a mild detergent or slip into the dishwasher on the top rack

Home Intuition 3-Tier Hanging Basket

Easy to connect with supplied chains or split for the three baskets
Beautiful and elegant design combined with heavy-duty material for a beautiful look and lasting product
Multiple color options available with neutral classic style to complement all kitchens
Baskets measure at 7″, 9″, and 11″ round by 30″ in height when hanging
Works great for storing bath toys

A Few Helpful Tips

Gluing the tiny hole on squirt toys is a quick fix that does work. I used a hot glue gun to cover up the holes in all of our squirt toys before letting my kids use them. However, it didn’t take long for my toddler to pick the glue off of each one so eventually, they did end up getting thrown in the garbage.

Many bath toys can be washed and sanitized in the dishwasher. We try to toss ours in the dishwasher every other week and let them air dry after bath time. It helps keep the mold and mildew at bay.

All of the bath toys on this list are also great to use in the pool, lake, or your child’s water table.

I hope that you enjoyed this list of bath toys that won’t mold or mildew and are easy to clean. If you’re looking for non-screen time activities to occupy your young children outside of the tub, be sure to check out this list.

Love & Blessings,

Meg

Child playing with toys in the bathtub