How To Clean A Pack N Play Mattress
Need to know how to clean a Pack N Play mattress?
Then let us walk you through the steps on how to clean a pack and play mattress!
So, it has come to that time you have been waiting for and dreading. Your Pack N Play mattress needs to be cleaned. For parents with babies, a Pack N Play mattress is often one of their must-have items.
These mattresses are comfortable, versatile, and can be used daily. But, this means that they can become pretty dirty in a short amount of time.
If you own a Pack N Play mattress, you have probably used it continuously at home and when traveling. That’s the beauty of it! These mattresses are convenient and foldable to save space in the home and provide a safe place for your little one to sleep.
With all of the benefits a Pack N Play mattress offers, they, unfortunately, do not clean themselves. Yes, this delightful job is down to you. Nevertheless, these mattresses were designed for easy cleaning as well as sanitizing.
All you have to do is find out how to do this correctly so your baby has a clean and safe mattress to sleep on tonight.
This is where we step in. Below is an in-depth guide on how to clean and sanitize your pack N Play mattress.
When it comes to maintaining a clean Pack N Play mattress, we encourage you to put it through a deep clean at least once a month if it is used on a daily basis. Also, you should wipe it down every day to ensure it remains clean and safe for your little one.
Read on to find out how to clean your Pack N Play mattress effectively so it remains germ-free and healthy for your baby to sleep tight.
And if you love this guide on cleaning a pack n play, make sure you check out our guide on can a baby sleep in a pack N play and best pack n play mattress.
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Importance Of Cleaning Your Pack N Play Mattress
As you know, hygiene is important in all facets of life. But, none more so than with a baby. Not only does cleaning the mattress keep it looking pleasant and presentable but it also removes grime, dirt, and germs.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), regular cleaning of baby toys helps to remove dirt and germs effectively.
While there are no rules set in place for cleaning your child’s toys every day (and it’s hard to find the time), it’s easy to understand that regular cleaning and sanitizing can reduce the chance of illnesses from germs.
And, if the AAP recommends toys to be cleaned daily, the same should apply to Pack N Play products.
If your baby regularly spills certain drinks or liquids, this is likely to make a mess. The moisture from such liquids, including saliva, can grow into mold and mildew which can be hazardous to your whole family.
If your Pack N Play is not properly cleaned regularly, mold or mildew could start to grow. Furthermore, the spillages can result in discoloration that could leave the mattress unsightly in your home.
That is why stains should be treated immediately or they could become permanent. The best way to tackle this? Regular cleaning of your Pack N Play mattress.
With a sufficient cleaning routine, you can avoid future concerns regarding health and with the cleanliness of your Pack N Play.
The DreamCountry Fitted Foldable Mattress has been specially designed for use with a wide variety of pack and plays made by Graco, BabyTrend, Chicco and other brands.
This soft, breathable, not too soft or too hard, pack and play mattress is made of non-toxic memory foam, Phthalate, BPA-free, so it is safe and comfortable for your children.
It has a removeable mattress cover for easy cleaning.
But what we love the most is its portability. The folding design allows it to be compactly stored in the provided travel bag so it is easy to carry when you're on the move.
Scrubbing Your Pack N Play Mattress
You should choose a dry day to effectively clean your Pack N Play mattress. This is so you can take it outside so that your indoor floors do not get covered in soapy water. If you do not have an outside space, you can cover your floor with thick towels or drop cloths.
When it comes to scrubbing the mattress, you should remove the mat and place it to the side. Now, fill a bucket with warm water. Mix this with ½ a cup of baby-safe laundry detergent and then grab a soft-bristled brush to scrub the mattress.
Place the brush into the water and scrub the entire mattress. Just make sure that you do not soak the mesh or material of the Pack N Play.
Once you have scrubbed the surface, grab hold of a wet, warm rag and wipe the leftover soap and water off.
Once you have completed this, leave the mattress to air dry before using it again. A dry, windy day is perfect as this will dry the mattress out much faster. If you do not have an outside spot, place it in an area of sun within your home and leave it to dry.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is useful when certain areas of the Pack N Play mattress are dirtier than others. This is common as spillages and stains appear on one area as opposed to the entire mattress.
For instance, the rails on the side can get pretty grubby from your toddler’s hands and the mat on which your little one sleeps can become pretty dirty pretty quickly.
We recommend using a waterproof mattress cover. With these, all you need to do is remove it and wash the cover daily or when it becomes dirty.
When it comes to the side rails, a baby-safe cleaner is your best option. Whether you use wipes or spray, the surface should be wiped down each day to remove germs and dirt.
Just avoid using commercial cleaners or bottles of disinfectant as these can be harmful to your little one.
The AAP recommends that you use a homemade cleaner that consists of vinegar and water. We find that baking soda or baby-safe soap and water also work effectively too.
Deep Clean
If you think it’s time to deep clean your Pack N Play mattress due to something very messy having been spilled on it or you’ve had it a long time, there are some methods you can use.
- To begin, remove the mattress pad and place the play yard in its fold position.
- Fill your bathtub with warm water and ½ a cup of baby-safe laundry detergent, ¼ a cup of baking soda, and ¼ a cup of vinegar.
- Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
- Place the folded pack N Play in the water and leave it to soak for an hour. Do not submerge the mattress as this could ruin it.
- After one hour, remove the play from the bathtub, rinse with warm water and a rag, and then towel dry. Try and get the hinges and locks as dry as possible as these can rust if not dried properly.
- Take the Pack N Play and leave it outside to dry in the sun. If you have no outdoor space, find a sunny spot in your home to leave the Pack N Play to dry sufficiently.
Always inspect the locks and hinges to check they still work afterward. Once dry, simply place it back into position for your baby to use.
Final Thoughts on How To Clean Pack And Play Mat and Mattress
Having a clean place for your child to sleep and play is a must!
We hope this guide has been helpful in helping you learn how to clean and sanitize your pack N Play mattress so it is safe for your baby to use.
And if you’re looking for more great guides, then check out these sleeping guides on best crib alternatives, mini crib vs crib, and bassinet vs pack n play.
The DreamCountry Fitted Foldable Mattress has been specially designed for use with a wide variety of pack and plays made by Graco, BabyTrend, Chicco and other brands.
This soft, breathable, not too soft or too hard, pack and play mattress is made of non-toxic memory foam, Phthalate, BPA-free, so it is safe and comfortable for your children.
It has a removeable mattress cover for easy cleaning.
But what we love the most is its portability. The folding design allows it to be compactly stored in the provided travel bag so it is easy to carry when you're on the move.
