It’s no secret that babies are messy. While you do your best to keep your home clean, sometimes they just manage to get dirty in the blink of an eye—like when they’re playing on their baby playmat.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to clean your baby playmat quickly and easily, so it’s ready for your little one to use again in no time! So read on to get started!
How to clean baby playmats?
Anyone with a baby has probably at one point had a playmat. They’re great for keeping your little one occupied and gives you a place to put them down, so they’re not crawling all over the floor. Eventually, that mat is going to need some cleaning. But baby playmats come in different materials, sizes, and shapes.
The most popular kinds of playmats are foam, rubber, carpet, and fabric. Each type of playmat has its own benefits and cleaning requirements. Here are the ways to clean each one of them.
Foam Baby Playmat
Foam baby playmats are a must-have for any parent of a young child. Not only are they comfortable and soft for your little one to play on, but they also help safeguard your floors from messes and spills.
Foam playmats are easy to clean and can be used both indoors and outdoors. They also fold up for easy storage, making them perfect for traveling.
It’s a common material for playmats because it’s soft, long-lasting, and inexpensive. Toddlers can safely fall or roll around on foam mats without getting hurt because they are soft enough.
Steps to Clean
- Clear any debris or loose dirt with a vacuum or soft brush.
- Stain treating: For tough stains, apply a small amount of stain remover to a small cloth or use a baking soda paste. Gently pat the stained spot until the stain disappears. Rinse the spot with water and allow the mat to air dry.
- Soap and water: For general cleaning, blend a small amount of warm water with mild soap. Use a clean fabric or sponge to mop the mat, taking care not to soak it. Then, rinse it with water and let the mat dry completely before using it again.
Rubber Baby Playmat
Rubber playmats are a great way to keep your infant safe while playing. They are usually made of soft, flexible rubber and have a textured surface that is safe for babies to crawl on. Some playmats also have raised edges to help keep your baby contained in one area.
Many parents use rubber playmats in the living room or kitchen as a safe place for their baby to play on while they are busy with other tasks. They can also be used outdoors on grass or in the sandpit. Plus, rubber baby playmats are easy to store and clean, making them a useful and convenient option for parents.
Steps to Clean
- Vacuum the mat regularly. Doing this will help remove any dirt or debris accumulated on the surface.
- Spot clean any stains with warm water and gentle detergent.
- Deep clean the mat once a month using a blend of water and white vinegar. Simply mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle and mist the mat liberally. Let the playmat air dry thoroughly before letting your baby play on it again.
- Store the mat in a dry, cool place when not in use.
Carpet Baby Playmat
If you have hardwood flooring, you understand how hard it is to keep it clean. Carpeting can be a pain to vacuum, and you constantly have to worry about spills and stains.
Carpet baby playmats are a great way to keep your hardwood floors clean and protected while giving your baby a safe space to explore their gross motor skills. But just like regular carpeting, they can also be hard to maintain.
Steps to Clean
- Vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment to clean dust and dirt.
- Spot clean spills and stains immediately using a gentle detergent and water.
- Deep clean your playmat every few weeks using a carpet shampooer or steam cleaner.
Fabric Baby Playmat
Fabric baby playmats are a popular choice because they are soft and comfortable for your baby to lie on and are easy to clean. Many fabric baby playmats are made from machine-washable fabrics, so you can simply toss them in the washing machine when they get dirty. In addition, fabric baby playmats often come with removable covers, so you can change them out if they become stained or worn.
Steps to Clean
- Start by vacuum cleaning with the brush attachment to remove any surface debris or dirt.
- Then, spot-treat any stains with a gentle soap. For tougher stains, you may also need to prep with a stain remover before laundering.
- When laundering, be sure to wash in cool water and set on a gentle cycle.
- Finally, line dry or air fluff in the dryer to avoid shrinking or damaging the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cleaning solutions safe for the playmat and my baby?
Yes. There is an assortment of cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for use on baby playmats. These solutions are gentle and effective and can help keep your mat looking new.
However, it’s important to read the label carefully before using any cleaning solution, as some products may not be suitable for use on different types of materials. As a rule of thumb, always test the solution on a small area of the mat first and avoid solutions with harsh chemicals like bleach.
How frequently should I clean my baby’s playmat?
As any parent knows, babies are notorious for making messes. Whether it’s spit-up, spilt milk, or diaper leaks, it seems like there is always a mess to clean up. When it comes to keeping your baby’s play area clean, a playmat is one of the most important surfaces to keep sanitary.
But how often should you give it a good cleaning? The quick answer is “as frequently as needed”. Of course, if your baby spends a lot of time on the mat, you’ll want to clean it more frequently. The same goes for if there are any accidental spills. In general, though, you should aim to deep clean the mat at least once a week and spot clean every day.
Can I iron playmats?
Yes, but with a few caveats. First, ensure that your playmat is made from materials that can withstand heat, or you risk damaging the mat beyond repair.
Second, use a low heat setting on your iron, and be sure to place a protective layer between the iron and the mat. A thin towel should do the trick. Finally, don’t forget to unroll the mat before you start ironing! Otherwise, your mat will end up with big wrinkles.
Clean Mat, Healthy Baby
Cleaning your baby’s playmat is an essential aspect of keeping your baby healthy and safe. Different types of mats require different cleaning methods, so make sure to follow the instructions as closely as possible. Foam, rubber, carpet, and fabric mats can all be safely cleaned with common household items like baking soda or mild soap.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to clean your mat and what kind of cleaning solutions are safe to use. You can also iron some playmats if they need a little extra TLC. By following these easy steps, you can keep your baby’s play area clean and free from harmful bacteria and allergens.
If you need a new playmat and want one that’s waterproof and free from phthalates, BPA, latex, and formaldehyde, we’ve got a foam playmat for you. Check out our playmat product page and get a closer look.
