If you want to know how to clean pack and play mattress, we have simplified it into two steps! Much like the beds our kiddos use, the pack and play, which is more prone to getting dirty, should be cleaned regularly. The last thing you want is to encourage allergies or diseases from a dirty pack and play mattress.
However, you must check the specific instructions for your pack and play mattress. Some brands may have specifications that you shouldn’t or should do. Nonetheless, here is a general guide for pack and play mattress maintenance.
How Do You Clean A Pack And Play Mattress?
Step #1. Preparation
The first step is preparation is scrubbing down the mattress. You can also consider this a general cleaning practice, while step two is how you’ll deep clean the mattress by washing it. Be sure to check the label of the specific model you’re using to avoid issues.
For scrubbing, you will need a mild detergent, a soft scrubbing brush, and some warm water. Remember that the detergent you’ll use should be baby-friendly to avoid irritations. Once you have the materials, remove the mattress from the pack and play and scrub it with a solution of detergent and warm water.
You don’t need to oversaturate the mattress or get it soaking but rinse it thoroughly with warm or cold water afterward. Finally, let the mattress air dry and never use it even if it’s damp. But what if the mattress is dirtier?
Step #2. Washing
You might need to wash the mattress if it is filthy and stinky or just came out of storage. Mix some detergent, baking, soda, and vinegar into a basin or bathtub of warm water, depending on the mattress’s size. Once everything is mixed well, submerge the mattress in the water and let it soak for an hour.
Then, dry it outdoors thoroughly, ensuring that both sides are ventilated and heated. Do note that you can extend the soaking duration depending on the condition of the mattress. However, lay it flat during drying so that it won’t lose its structure.
Spot cleaning
You might not need to refresh or soak the pack and play mattress, but you have to treat stains before they become harder to remove. If there is excess liquid, soak it up and use a solution of white vinegar or baby-safe detergent and water to spray the affected area. Make a dabbing motion after letting the solution soak for a few minutes and repeat if necessary.
Once done, dry the mattress thoroughly or sprinkle some baking soda on the surface to remove the vinegar smell if you opt for it over detergent. The baking soda should also absorb any liquid on the surface then you can vacuum it off to finish the drying outdoors. Whichever cleaning technique you do, you should always ensure that the mattress is dry completely before using.
How Do You Get Mildew Out Of A Pack And Play?
Moisture encourages fungal growth like mold and mildew. It’s crucial to remove them because the spores can cause respiratory irritations. Do the cleaning outside to prevent their spread, and use a solution of white vinegar and water to rub off the pack and play growth.
You can also use isopropyl alcohol and water as long as the manufacturer didn’t recommend it. You want to repeat the cleaning until no mildew remains and then rinse the affected areas. Finally, press a clean cloth onto the material to soak up the water and air dry in the sun to prevent mildew regrowth.
Is It Safe To Put A Mattress In A Pack And Play?
Pack and plays don’t come with a mattress, and the pad they use can be too firm for a baby’s comfort. After all, the pad has support bars. You can add a mattress as long as it has the ideal dimensions to avoid gaps that can pose suffocation risks.
Most parents add a mattress to the pack and play because they use it for their sleeping baby to protect against SIDS. However, always use a firm mattress as well to support your baby’s delicate bones. Some pack and play models also have recommendations as to what mattress would work best with them.
What to consider
You can test the mattress firmness by pressing your hand on the surface and see if it will bounce back to its original shape once you remove your hand. You also don’t want the material to contour around the hand. Once you have the mattress in mind, try it with a fitted sheet to ensure that there will be no gaps once covered.
You also want to use a washable material to keep the mattress clean when needed since the pack and play will inevitably get dirty and stained. And last but not least, opt for an easy model to carry around, so you can travel with it comfortably when needed.
Conclusion
Do you prefer having your baby in his/her pack and play than a crib? Then it would be best if you familiarized yourself with how to clean pack and play mattress whether it’s for refreshing it, stain removal, or deep washing. You can use household items like vinegar and water, but remember to check if the detergent is baby-friendly if you prefer using it.
Once done, dry the mattress thoroughly to avoid mildew.