Healthy Habits - Germs Be Gone: Keep Those Pool Toys Squeaky Clean

By Pool Troopers

 

In the summer, your pool toys get plenty of use—because is there anything better than a warm summer afternoon relaxing on an inflatable lounger?

 

While you know it’s important to clean your pool regularly, you might not be aware of the importance of cleaning your pool toys and accessories, too. Water toys offer timeless fun and pleasure, but just because they are in the water doesn't mean that they're clean.

 

Sure, chlorine sanitizes pool toys, but mold and mildew can appear if they're not dried properly--especially on those pool noodles. Sometimes, pool toys can even get slimy and slippery. This is usually a form of mold or algae.

 

If your family comes into contact with these dirty toys, the bacteria can cause earaches or a cold.

 

With some regular light scrubbing and maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and safe pool all summer long.

 

Deep Clean

 

For best effect, use a nine-to-one mixture of chlorine bleach and water to clean your family’s favorite pool toys. Bleach (Sodium- Hypochlorite) is a chemical that can sanitize the surface of the floating toy and make it as good as new.

 

This method should not be used often, only if you see traces of mold on toys, since high amounts of bleach can be dangerous for children. Before you get started, put on some gloves and protective eyewear.

 

Use a sponge to apply bleach to your toys and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or soak them in the solution for two minutes. Then, rinse with a hose. Make sure you air dry them before storing or dry them with a towel. Either way, make sure there's no moisture left.

 

Be extra careful with foam pool toys. Because foam is porous, the bacteria and mold can grow quickly and can be hard to see. We recommend cleaning these toys three to four times a year. But whenever you see signs of mold or the foam starts to show signs of damage, it’s time to replace them. You can treat plastic when it’s necessary because bacteria growth on these surfaces is easy to see.

 

Other ways to clean floating toys

• With soap - For cleaning with soap, make a solution with one part of soap and three parts of warm water, and then use a sponge to wash your float with this mixture.
• With Vinegar - Mix one part white vinegar with two parts of lukewarm water in a tub large enough to hold your toys. This makes a safe, natural cleaning solution for your floating toys. Place the float in the water and let it stay there for 15-20 minutes. Make sure all parts of the toy are submerged. This will remove mold and dirt.
• With Baking Soda - Combine one part baking soda with four parts lukewarm water and mix it thoroughly. The baking soda will clean your toy by attracting any impurities.

 

Although cleaning pool toys may not seem necessary, you should clean them regularly to extend their lifetime and make them safe for you and your family.