How to Clean a Baby Mattress & Why It's Essential
It's no secret that babies are messy! They spit up, they drool, they have accidents – and that’s why we love them. But all of that gunk can build up, which is why knowing how to clean a baby mattress properly is so important.
The problem is that cleaning a baby mattress is not as simple as throwing it in the washing machine. You can't just use any old cleaning solution, either – you need something that’s safe for your child and won't damage their mattress.
To make things simple, our baby mattress cleaning guide will provide helpful tips, tricks, and product recommendations for keeping your little one's mattress clean and fresh.
Contents
How to Wash a Crib, Cot or Bassinet Mattress: Step-By-Step
Whether you’re looking to clean your little one’s Moses basket, crib, SnuzPod, or any other cot bed mattress, you want to make sure you do it the right way.
Granted, there may be some specific care instructions from the manufacturer you need to follow, but in general, these steps will work for most baby mattresses.
Things You Will Need
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Before you get started, there are some things you’ll need:
Optional:
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Step 1: Wash the Baby's Bedding First!
Starting with washing your baby's bedding is a smart move. Just pop everything in the washing machine and let it dry before tackling the mattress. It's best to wash the bed sheets and mattress protectors regularly on a hot cycle to zap any bacteria or dust mites hanging out.
Aim to wash your baby's bedding at least once a week and the mattress about once a month.
Step 2: Vacuum Surface Dirt & Debris
There are a couple of good reasons to vacuum your baby's crib mattress.
For starters, it helps pick up any loose dirt hiding in the fabric. Plus, it's great for breaking up and removing any big stains that might be stuck on there. So when it comes to giving the mattress more of a deep clean later on, the process will be a lot easier.
Step 3: Treat Pesky Stains
Stains are one of the biggest problems that you'll run into when cleaning your baby's mattress.
Fortunately, you can work to treat those stains and get your mattress looking as good as new. You'll just need to get out a baby-safe stain remover spray and a little scrub brush.
Alternatively, a mixture of baking soda and water can help lift stains. Adding a dash of lemon juice can improve lingering odours and even help to bleach stubborn stains.
For tough stains, you may need to spray the stain and let it sit for a few hours.
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It’s important to note that using a waterproof mattress protector over the top of your baby’s mattress is absolutely key. This isn’t just for protecting the mattress from irreversible stains, but also for the hygiene and health of your little bub. A waterproof mattress protector absorbs any liquid and prevents it from seeping into the mattress. The bacteria that can build up in a damp mattress can cause respiratory problems and even skin irritations for your baby. So if you’re not already using a mattress protector for your cot, crib or Moses basket, it’s time to invest in one. |
Step 4: Scrub-A-Dub-Dub for Embedded Dirt
When it comes to baby mattress cleaning, you’ll need to ensure you have a good scrubbing brush.
Using a mild, hypoallergenic soap or baby-safe disinfectant will help you gently scrub away any dirt and grime that has built up on the surface of your cot or Moses basket mattress and leave it looking brand new!
Step 5: Rinse Any Cleaning Solution Off
Make sure to completely rinse off any cleaning products from the baby mattress before putting it back in the crib. If not, they could pose a health risk and irritate your child’s delicate skin.
Step 6: Sterilise Your Baby's Mattress
After you clean your mattress, you’ll want to sterilise it to get rid of any lingering germs and bacteria, leaving it fresh and clean. For your baby's mattress, try using a special mattress spray made just for this.
These fabric disinfectant sprays are great because they tackle germs and bacteria without any weird chemical smells or residues.
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You can also sterilise your baby's mattress with a steamer if you want to keep chemicals and products to a minimum! |
Step 7: Let it Air Dry
Most crib mattresses aren’t tumble dryer-friendly, so you’ll want to let them air dry before popping them back in the crib. Place the mattress on a surface where air can circulate, like the clean, hard surface of a table or worktop.
Make sure it’s totally dry before putting it back in the crib to prevent mould or other problems.
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Sprinkling baking soda onto your baby's mattress can help absorb any excess moisture, making the drying process much easier, especially in crevices around seams! |
5 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Baby Mattress
We know that you know even though your little one looks sweet and innocent, there are some not-so-sweet-and-innocent things that come out of them.
Pee, poop, spit-up – you name it, they make it. And all of that can end up on their mattress. Even just regular use can leave your baby's mattress in need of some serious cleaning.
But why is it so important to clean your baby's mattress regularly? Here are five reasons why you should make sure to keep that sleeping surface fresh.
Prevent a Build Up of Dust Mites
Dust mites are these tiny critters you can't even see. They hang out on your mattress, attracted by the dust, sweat, and drool your baby leaves behind.
To keep your baby healthy, make sure you clean your mattress regularly. Otherwise, dust mites can cause allergies and respiratory issues.
Clean Away Harmful Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny microbes that can live in your baby's mattress. If the mattress is covered in bacteria, again, it might lead to respiratory issues for your little one. So, it's important to clean the mattress regularly to help avoid any health problems.
Minimise Not-So-Pleasant Odours
A dirty baby mattress doesn't just risk bacterial infections; it can also get pretty smelly!
Bacteria love warm, moist spots, and your baby's mattress is the perfect spot where they can party up a storm that leaves a lingering smell. Giving it a regular wash can help keep those odours at bay.
Protect Against Mould & Mildew
Mould and mildew can be real headaches when it comes to a dirty baby mattress. These pesky problems thrive on trapped moisture.
If you leave the mattress unclean for too long, it might end up covered in mould and mildew. This can lead to serious health issues for your child, like respiratory infections and skin irritations.
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If you’ve spotted mould on your baby’s mattress, you should replace it as soon as possible. While a deep clean might look like it’s done the job, mould and mildew can still linger deep within the mattress. |
Award-winning baby mattresses from The Little Green Sheep:
Prolong the Lifespan of Your Mattress
It's important to give your baby's mattress a regular clean to make it last longer. This effectively eliminates all those nasty bacteria, dust mites, and other harmful substances that can build up over time.
This routine not only keeps the mattress hygienic but also helps maintain its quality and comfort, ensuring it stays in good shape for a longer period.
How Often Should You Clean Your Baby’s Mattress?
Aim to give the mattress a thorough clean once a month or more often if there are spills, illnesses, or little accidents. Spot cleaning as needed for small stains or spills helps maintain a pristine sleeping environment.
This routine helps reduce the presence of bacteria, dust mites, and unpleasant odours, creating a safe and cosy space for your baby to dream. Remember, a clean mattress is just one component of providing the best possible sleep environment for your baby.
When Should You Replace Your Baby’s Mattress?
Your baby’s health and comfort should always take priority, so if their mattress is looking a bit worse for wear, it may be time for a replacement.
Sagging or lumps, visible stains or tears, and an overall worn-out appearance are signs that your baby's mattress needs to be replaced. And as we mentioned earlier, mould is a definite sign that it’s time to say goodbye to the old mattress.
Ensuring your little one’s sleep space is clean and supportive is vital for their health and well-being. While it may be tempting to hold onto an old mattress for financial reasons, investing in a new one is ultimately the best decision for your baby's safety and comfort.
Final Thoughts: How to Wash a Cot Mattress Properly
By taking these simple steps, you can help to ensure your baby's mattress is clean and free of any harmful bacteria or allergens. This will give them a safe and comfortable place to sleep and will help them to stay healthy!
Give your little one a hygienic and comfortable place to sleep with our range of easy-to-clean natural mattresses.
