The Definitive Guide to Cleaning All of Your Summer Items

Inflatables and other water gear can become moldy or degrade if moisture and chlorine linger.

Season kickoff: Give all your toys a once-over, tossing any with cracks or air leaks. Lay the rest on a deck for a quick cleaning. Using a 16-ounce spray bottle filled with ½ cup white vinegar and ½ cup water, spritz the toys and rinse with a hose. If you see mold, spritz the spots and scrub them off with a nylon-bristle brush.

After every use: Squeeze water from the squishy toys, then rinse everything with a hose. Let the toys dry fully in the sun. Store in a mesh cart or bag.

Season wrap-up: Clean with the vinegar-water mixture. When they’re fully dry, release the air from the inflatables and push out any water trapped inside. Store in a mesh cart or bag in a shed or a garage.

This article originally appeared on RealSimple.com.
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/outdoor-toy-cleaning-tips