How to clean pack and play mat without ruining the mattress?
If you’re a mom, there’s a good chance at some point you’ve had to clean a pack and play mat. They can be pretty grubby after a while – but how do you clean them without ruining the mattress? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with our full guide! So read on and make your pack and play mat as good as new again.
So, how to clean pack and play mat without ruining the mattress?
The first thing to do is to remove the mat from the pack and play. Once it’s out, give it a good shake to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. If there are any stubborn marks, you can use a soft brush to gently scrub them away.
Next, it’s time to tackle the actual cleaning. You can either use a mild soap and water, or a specialist pack and play mat cleaner. If you’re using soap and water, make sure you rinse the mat off thoroughly afterwards to avoid any soapy residue being left behind.
Once your mat is clean, it’s time to dry it off. The best way to do this is to leave it out in the sun to air dry – but if you’re in a hurry, you can also use a hairdryer on a low setting.
And that’s it! Your pack and play mat should now be good as new. Just pop it back into the pack and play, and your little one can continue enjoying their playtime.
How to deep clean your pack & play?
You can thoroughly clean your pack ‘n play if you’ve owned it for a while or if it’s especially dirty, like covered in peanut butter and jelly messy. But bear in mind that the manufacturer’s guidelines often do not mention this kind of cleaning. You must thus balance the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.
After using this cleaning technique, take extra care to examine all the moving parts and locking mechanisms to make sure they are all in working condition and to give it enough time to dry.
If you want to thoroughly clean your pack ‘n play, follow these instructions:
Place the play yard in the folded position after removing the mattress pad. Then, add the following items to the heated water in your bathtub:
- 1/2 cup baby-safe laundry detergent
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Your pack ‘n play, travel crib, or play yard should be gently placed in the water after your tub is full and the materials have been well combined. Let it soak for an hour. Make sure the mat or mattress is not submerged. Always use spot cleaning on this item. It will become hazardous for your infant and ruined if you submerge it in water.
Your back in play should be rinsed out with a warm, wet cloth after you withdraw it from the water, and then you should towel-dry it to get rid of as much extra water as you can. Make sure the hinges and locks are as dry as you can be while paying great attention to them. Take the pack ‘n play outdoors after that and put it up so that it can dry in the sun.
Again, locate a sunny space in your house to let it air dry entirely if you don’t have access to a place where you may dry it in the sun. Check all the locks and hinges on your pack ‘n play to make sure they are still functional before using it once again.
Extra tips & tricks:
- Before you buy a mattress pad, find out what it’s composed of. Wood or cardboard may get distorted if exposed to water for an extended period of time.
- If you want to avoid mold development, drying things properly is essential.
- In order to clean the mattress, you may either swirl it about or scrub it with a washcloth or soft brush; however, you should be careful not to scrub too vigorously, lest you tear the mesh or harm the mattress’s substance.
- Sunlight is fantastic for disinfecting, so if there are any bacteria after a thorough cleaning, the sun should help destroy them.
- Since this is where your infant sleeps, you should steer clear of putting bleach on the mattress.
Why cleaning is important?
Cleaning not only keeps your pack ‘n play looking great, but also gets rid of dirt, bacteria, and dirt. Regular cleaning is advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a strategy to keep your family healthy.
Although there isn’t a set frequency for cleaning your baby’s items, it’s a good idea to stay on top of it before it becomes a bigger issue. Additionally, there is a danger that the moisture from your baby’s messes, frequent spitting up, and frequent spills can develop into mold and mildew.
Similar to stains, if they are not immediately removed, they may become permanent. Therefore, spot cleaning your pack ‘n play on a regular basis is the best course of action.
How often should you clean your pack ‘n play?
Cleaning your pack ‘n play on a regular basis can help to keep germs and grime at bay. However, how regularly you clean your pack ‘n play will be determined by how frequently it is used. If you just use it sometimes for an overnight at their grandparents’ place, you’ll need to clean it far less often than if you use it every day.
If your infant sleeps in their pack ‘n play on a daily basis, you should wash their linens on a regular basis. To eliminate dirt, body oils, and dust mites, sleep experts suggest washing sheets once a week. If you wash your baby’s linens once a week, this is also an excellent opportunity to clean the complete pack ‘n play.
Along with a weekly wipe down, your pack ‘n play should be cleaned if it becomes soiled or after an illness. If you see a buildup of filth or if your infant spits up regularly, spot clean as required. If your kid or someone else in the household has been ill, you should also clean your pack ‘n play.
READ MORE:
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What age do babies stop using playmats? [all you need to know]
How to wash baby clothes without shrinking them? [full guide]
