Keeping your baby’s gear clean and hygienic is important, but some items are easier to clean than others. If you’re wondering how to clean your pack and play mat, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll share some quick and easy tips to help you keep your pack and play mat fresh and safe for your little one.
Table of contents
- Why it’s important to clean your pack and play mat
- How to clean a pack and play mat
- How to clean your pack and play mat: what not to do
- Quick tips for a cleaner pack and play
Why it’s important to clean your pack and play mat
Babies and messes go hand in hand! Between diaper blowouts and episodes of spitting up, your pack and play mat can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. These could potentially harm your baby’s health and lead to infections or illnesses.
Plus, stains and odors on your pack and play mat can be unpleasant. You don’t want to set your baby down to take a nap on a dirty, smelly mat.
Regular cleanings can help prevent both of these issues.
How often should you clean your pack and play mat?
If your baby uses their pack and play daily, you should give it a quick wipe down at least once a week. However, if your little one has a particularly messy play session or an accident on the mat, you may need to clean it more frequently.
You’ll also want to deep clean the mat monthly using the directions below.
How to clean a pack and play mat
If cleaning your pack and play mat is on your to-do list, follow these simple steps.
1) Read the manufacturer's directions.
Every model is different, which means the cleaning instructions may vary. Before cleaning, read the manufacturer’s directions for your pack and play mat.
The instructions below are general guidelines, but if they conflict with the information in your owner’s manual, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2) Remove your baby and everything else.
This one goes without saying, but make sure nothing is in the pack and play before you start cleaning the mat. This includes toys, blankets, and any other items. And, of course, keep your baby safely out of reach while you clean.
3) Inspect the playpen carefully.
It’s important to check your playpen for holes or other damage regularly. Cleaning time is an excellent opportunity to make sure that it’s still safe and damage-free.
4) Vacuum or shake out loose debris.
Vacuuming the pack and play mat or shaking it outside removes loose debris, such as crumbs, dirt, or pet hair. Otherwise, those particles could mix with the water from your cleaning solution and turn into mud.
5) Remove the cover if possible.
Some pack and plays have a removable cover over the mat. If your model does, carefully remove it. You may be able to wash this part in the washing machine, but check with the manufacturer’s directions to be sure.
If the cover is machine washable, opt for a baby-friendly, gentle laundry soap. Wash it in cold water and let it air dry.
6) Mix up warm, soapy water.
You don’t want to use harsh chemicals or cleaners on your pack and play mat, especially since your baby will be in close contact with it. Instead, create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of a mild soap or detergent.
7) Spot-clean any stains.
If you see any visible stains on the mat, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the affected area with your warm, soapy water. This should help lift the stain without causing damage.
8) Wipe down the entire surface.
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out any excess liquid. Then wipe down the entire surface of the mat, making sure to get any crevices or corners.
9) Rinse with clean water.
Now that the mat is clean, it’s time to rinse it carefully without leaving it soaking wet. Dampen a cloth with clean water and wipe down the entire surface to remove any leftover soap residue.
10) Air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Once your pack and play mat is clean, it’s not quite ready for your baby to use. First, it’s got to dry. Set it in a well-ventilated area and let it completely dry before using it again. If the weather permits, put it outside so the sun can help with drying.
Any moisture left behind could lead to mold or mildew growth, which can harm your baby.
11) All done!
When your pack and play mat is completely dry, it’s ready to use again. You can either set it up for your baby to play (or sleep) in, or fold it down for storage.
How to clean your pack and play mat: What not to do
Pinterest, Tik Tok, and Instagram are full of cleaning hacks and DIY solutions for keeping your pack and play mat in good condition. However, not all of these methods are safe and effective.
Here are a few things to avoid when cleaning a pack and play:
- Harsh chemicals: Many household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin or cause respiratory problems. Stick to gentle, baby-safe cleaning products.
- Soaking: Soaking your pack and play mat can cause damage. Instead, wipe and spot-clean to get rid of the grime.
- Spraying with a hose: It may be tempting to drag the whole play yard outside and spray it with the hose. Unfortunately, the excess water from this method can damage the mat.
- Abrasive scrubbers: Scrubbing too hard with a rough sponge or brush can ruin the surface of your pack and play mat. Instead, use soft tools, like a cotton cloth or a sponge.
Quick tips for a cleaner pack and play
Here are a few tips to help make cleaning your pack and play mat easier.
Invest in a Travel Crib & Play Yard from Newton.
The Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard is completely washable! You can thoroughly clean every inch of this play yard from the outer cover to the inner core.
Plus, it’s made from a breathable material that helps reduce the risk of suffocation and overheating. You’ll know your baby is safe and comfortable while playing or napping in their Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard.
This short video explains more about the washability and breathability of our play yard:
Use a sheet.
Consider using a sheet to help keep your pack and play mat clean. If the sheet gets dirty, you can easily pull it off and stick it in the washing machine to get it clean.
But don’t just use any old sheet. If it doesn’t fit your mat snugly, it could become a suffocation or entrapment hazard for your baby. Look for sheets designed for your pack-and-play model to ensure a safe sleep environment.
For example, these hypoallergenic sheets fit the Newton Travel Crib & Play Yard perfectly! They’re made from pre-shrunk, muslin cotton — a soft, washable material.
Air out your pack and play mat.
There’s nothing like some fresh air to help eliminate odors and keep your pack and play mat smelling fresh! Regularly take your play yard outside to air it in the sun for an hour or two.
As a bonus, the sun's UV rays can help kill any remaining bacteria, ensuring your little one plays in a safe and clean environment.
Take care of spills immediately.
Accidents happen, especially when there’s a baby around. If your pack and play mat gets anything spilled on it, clean it up as soon as possible. The longer the spill sits, the more likely it is to cause stains or unpleasant odors.
Use the spot-cleaning directions above to clean the affected area. Then let the mat dry completely before using or folding it back up.
Enjoy a clean pack and play from Newton!
At Newton, we understand the importance of keeping your baby’s environment clean. That’s why we created this guide on how to clean your pack and play mat. Following these tips and best practices ensures your little one plays and sleeps on a clean surface.
And if you’re in the market for a washable pack and play, check out our Travel Crib & Play Yard. Parents love it for three main reasons:
- It’s completely washable.
- It’s made from breathable material.
- The play area is larger than many other play yards on the market.
Invest in one today and see why everyone is raving about this baby product. You won’t regret it!
