How to Clean a Water Table {for Kids}

This summer I had a brilliant idea to buy a water table for my kids. I held out last year because it looked like another expensive toy we really didn’t need. My inner minimalist really tries to avoid purchasing toys but my simple plastic tub idea wasn’t cutting it. The water table has been a fantastic idea, but its hard to keep clean.

Straight out of the box, I bought mine at Costco, the water table was beautiful. Fresh clean plastic filled with clean cold water out of the hose made for a picturesque scene. However, after some time, the water table because of a gross disgusting mess.

Toddlers always seem to have food in their hands, and then the water table. The outside nature of the water table also meant leaves, pollen, and other things would end up on the table. Further, this would often leave a scummy layer of awesome around the table. My water table wasn’t so nice anymore. 

How to Clean a Water Table. 

I believe cleaning should be fun and I happen to have a toddler who LOVES to clean. Really, he just loves bubbles and the idea of cleaning.

1. Empty out gross water table.
2. Add soap.
3. Fill with fresh water.
4. Clean!
5. Empty.
6. Towel Dry.

The last step is the most important in keeping the table clean.

Real Life.

Armed with a scrub brush and washcloth, my toddler and I went to clean his water table. For the most part, he dominated the task and pushed me away.  HE LOVED SCRUBBING AND MAKING BUBBLES. I helped finish off the task by finding the nooks and crannies in the water table. After he was done playing, I put him down for a nap and finished off the ask.

After cleaning, I drained and rinsed out the water table. This is where finding a biodegradable eco-friendly soap might be handy. I let the soap all slide off the deck into the grass. After thoroughly rinsing, I towel dried the table and left it empty for the next time.

Consider switching to a cloth swim diaper this season. 

How to keep your water table clean

Since giving the water table a good cleaning several weeks ago, I have since learnt the strategy to keeping the water table clean and looking fantastic is… EMPTY THE TABLE EVERY NIGHT.

Letting toddler-played in water sit in the table creates a breeding ground for the yucky slime and growths. By EMPTYING the water table after we play, the table stays cleaner longer. When I remember I towel dry and let it sit until the next time.

It’s quick enough to fill with fresh water every time, and when I have the chance, I usually aim to recycle the water into the plant beds. This strategy has kept my water table cleaner longer.

If it rains, I also empty it when I have a chance.

It’s gotten gross again, but then we repeat the earlier step and enjoy a little bubble fun on the deck.

How do you keep outdoor toys clean?

Share any tips with me below. We love playing in the water table.