Pool time isn’t the same without your child’s favorite pool toys, especially during the summer. There is no denying that pools are more enjoyable with toys, floats, and other accessories. However, you may neglect the importance of cleaning your pool toys, floats, and accessories. It is critical to keep these objects clean to prolong their usage and keep your pool clean and safe.
Most people would typically clean pool toys with good all-fashioned soap and water, but keep in mind that this method doesn’t deep-clean. Knowing how vital toy cleaning is before use will keep your family and pool from being exposed to bacteria, mold, and critters. With that said, we’ve got some DIY tips on how to clean pool toys and accessories that are undoubtedly much safer and effective.
Vinegar Solution
A vinegar solution is a natural way of cleaning your pool toys without using any harsh chemicals. You will need the following supplies and ingredients:
- Two parts warm water
- 1-part White Vinegar
- Small Brush
- Water Hose
- Deep Bucket
- Towel
Instruction:
- Combine two parts of warm water to 1-part white vinegar in a deep bucket. Then soak the toys in the bucket of solution for 10-15 minutes. Make sure that each toy is completely immersed in the solution for thorough cleanliness.
- After soaking, scrub the toy’s surface with a small brush, rinse with a water hose, dry it with a towel or leave it aside to air dry. Always air-dry the toy upright to reduce the amount of water that remains within the toys. Once dry, it’ll be ready to use immediately.
Vinegar is highly used as a home sanitizer/cleanser and is powerful on certain stains and surfaces. In addition, vinegar is economical, simple to acquire, and eco-friendly. For a simpler, more natural cleaning solution, consider adding equal parts water and white vinegar instead.
Baking Soda Solution
If you use chlorine in your pool, the chemical should be strong enough to keep pool toys sanitized; however, if you find your child’s toys forming a sticky texture, those may be mold and bacteria forming. That’s the best time to clean them, and baking soda is another fantastic natural solution.
Supplies you need:
- 1 quart of Warm Water
- ¼ cup of Baking Soda
- Water Hose
- Bucket
- Towel
Cleaning with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1-quart warm water is similar to cleaning with vinegar solution. However, it’s best to dry the toys before immersing them in the baking soda solution for better results.
Soaking smaller toys ensures complete coverage. Inflatables or floats, on the other hand, should be wiped thoroughly on their surface then rinsed. The baking soda and water solution will clean and remove the dirt, algae, and chemicals from pool toys while preventing mold growth.
Chlorine Solution
Use chlorine bleach and water solution for an even more thorough cleaning. This mix will clean and sanitize your children’s favorite bath and pool toys. If mold spores are visually present on your pool toys, this method is ideal.
Supplies your need:
- Two tablespoon Chlorine Bleach
- 1 Gallon of Water
- Brush
- Bucket
- Water Hose
Instruction:
- Combine two tablespoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Once the solution is ready, plunge a brush into it and begin brushing the pool toys.
- After that, thoroughly rinse the toys and allow them to air-dry before allowing children to play with them again.
This solution is excellent for plastic toys, but you may also use it on foam pool toys such as noodles. Unfortunately, bacteria and mold proliferate in foam; we suggest replacing foam toys completely when there’s mold is present in them.
Naturally cleaning the pool toys using either the vinegar or baking soda solution is still the best for regular cleaning. However, deep cleaning using the chlorine solution can be your last resort when mold, mild or significant slime is present.
Pool Toys Storage
Cleaning the pool toys is simply a part of preventing mold and mildew growth. Proper storage is also crucial in reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew build-up on your pool toys.
At the end of a pool session, make sure that each toy is:
- Rinsed and rid of any excess water (squeeze water out of toys)
- Completely dry (with a towel or set to air dry)
- Placed in a well breathable, low moisture environment
As a pool owner, you also need to have enough storage space for your pool toys. After cleaning your pool toys, try to keep them in a closed, dry area until the next time you use them.
Enjoy A Clean Pool Today!
While these DIY methods work for most people, it’s still the safest choice to thoroughly clean your pool with the help of your local pool experts. At Clear Water Pools, our pool maintenance services will guarantee that your swimming area is free of contamination, algae growth, and anything other than crystalline water. So put your trust only with the best pool experts in Atlanta, Georgia.
