If you've ever squeezed a bath toy and watched dark, murky water shoot out — you're not alone. Black mould inside bath toys is one of the most common (and grimace-inducing) discoveries parents make. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can keep your Bumble & Ivy bath toys fresh, clean, and mould-free for much longer.

Why Do Bath Toys Get Mould?

Mould thrives in warm, damp environments — and the inside of a squeezy bath toy is the perfect breeding ground. Water gets trapped inside, and without airflow or drying time, mould spores take hold quickly. This is especially common in toys with small holes or hollow interiors.

1. Squeeze Out All the Water After Every Bath

This is the single most effective habit you can build. After bath time, squeeze each toy firmly to expel as much water as possible. Hold them upside down and give them a few good squeezes until no more water comes out. It takes seconds and makes a huge difference.

2. Dry Toys Thoroughly Before Storing

Never store bath toys while they're still wet. After squeezing out the water, place them in a well-ventilated spot — a mesh bag hung near an open window or a dry towel on a sunny windowsill works brilliantly. Airflow is your best friend when it comes to preventing mould.

3. Use a Mesh Storage Bag, Not a Sealed Container

Storing bath toys in a sealed plastic box or bucket traps moisture and creates the ideal conditions for mould. Instead, opt for a breathable mesh bag that allows air to circulate around the toys. Hang it on the side of the bath or on a hook to keep toys off wet surfaces.

4. Give Toys a Regular Deep Clean

Even with good habits, a monthly deep clean is a smart precaution. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and soak your bath toys for 10–15 minutes. Squeeze the solution through any holes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry completely. Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic mould inhibitor — safe for little ones and kind to the environment.

Bumble & Ivy tip: Our bath toys are designed to come apart for cleaning — so you can open them up, rinse every surface, and dry them thoroughly inside and out. No more guessing what's lurking inside. It's one of the features parents love most about our range.

5. Replace Toys When Mould Takes Hold

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mould gets inside a toy and simply can't be fully removed. If you squeeze a toy and dark water or visible mould comes out, it's time to replace it. No amount of cleaning will make a heavily moulded toy safe for your child. Trust your instincts — when in doubt, swap it out.

The Bumble & Ivy Difference: Bath Toys Designed to Stay Clean

One of the best long-term solutions is choosing bath toys designed with mould prevention in mind. Unlike traditional squeezy toys with sealed cavities, Bumble & Ivy bath toys come apart so you can clean every part properly — giving you complete peace of mind at bath time. Made from safe, eco-conscious materials, they're built to last and easy to maintain.

Explore our Bath Toys collection by searching “Bath Toys” in the menu and give your little ones the safest, cleanest bath time possible.

Have a tip that works for your family? We'd love to hear it — share it with us on Instagram or Pinterest!