How do I clean my Playmat?

We get asked all the time - ‘How do I keep my playmat looking fresh and clean?’ - Here we have all playmat cleaning tips. 

When it comes to our kids we all want to do what's best for them. Luckily our playmats have been extensively tested to ensure they pass the International Toy Safety Standards and are a wonderful addition to your home that you feel confident with. 

To keep your playmat in its best shape aesthetically and physically, there are some important factors to keep in mind. So make sure you keep reading and equip yourself with the knowledge of how to clean your playmat and keep it looking fresh.

What products are safe for spot cleaning my playmat?

When it comes to spot cleaning your playmat, it’s important to use products that are safe and effective without causing any damage.

Use want to use a product that isn’t going to discolour the mat, or wear the fabric. But you must keep in mind that your baby will be touching this cleaning product, as it is going on the surface of the mat.

Some products for this include;

• simple kitchen cleaning sprays
• baby products such as baby wash, baby shampoo, or baby soap that are specifically designed for gentle cleaning
• a vinegar and water solution

It is important to note that harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners should be avoided when spot cleaning your playmat, as these can damage the material and potentially harm those who comes into contact with the mat. 

Steps to a Simple Clean of your Playmat

To clean your playmat

Step One: simply shake it off outside to remove any loose debris,

Step Two: wipe it down with a damp cloth or gentle baby wipe. Water wipes are particularly recommended for this purpose, as they are free from harsh chemicals and safe for use on sensitive skin.

Step Three: pat dry with a clean cloth. 

Note: If you are unsure about the safety of a particular cleaning product for use on your playmat, a good rule of thumb is to check whether it’s deemed safe for use on the skin. 

This can be a good indicator of whether the product is gentle enough for use on your playmat without causing any damage to the material.

By using gentle and safe cleaning methods such as those mentioned above to regularly clean your mat, you can keep it germ-free and looking good as new.

What homemade cleaning solution should I make to clean my playmat?

For an effective and safe cleaner for your baby's playmat, a vinegar and water solution can be a great option. 

Natural Playmat Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients:

• Water
• Vinegar
• Spray bottle

Method:

1. Begin by gathering the necessary ingredients. 
2. In a clean spray bottle combine 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water. For example, if you are using 1 cup of white vinegar then you will also need 1 cup of water.
3. Screw the top of the spray bottle on tightly and shake well to combine ingredients. 
4. To use the cleaner, shake the bottle well and spray a generous amount onto the baby mat
5. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes to penetrate any dirt or stains on the mat 
6. Using a clean damp cloth or sponge gently wipe the mat to remove any dirt or residue.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 as necessary until the mat is clean 
8. Once you have finished, wipe down the mat with fresh water to ensure that all cleaning residue has been removed 
9. Allow the mat to air dry completely before using it again 

Pro Tip - want it to smell extra nice, add in some sliced orange and rosemary sprigs from the garden.

This solution is safe and gentle for use on baby mats and won't cause an allergic reaction like harsh chemicals can. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down dirt and stains for effective cleaning.

What will not come off of my playmat?

It’s important to take great care with substances that will easily stain your playmat such as food or drink with high pigmentation. 

There is a high likelihood that the following will stain immediately:

• Grease and oil stains, they can be caused by cooking oil, car oil or any other oily substance.
• Beetroot and tomato sauce are both known for their deep red colour and are therefore highly pigmented and likely to stain
• Drinks such as coffee and red wine 
• Rust, caused by exposure to metal objects that have oxidised 
• Ink such as from blue pens and permanent markers are also incredibly difficult to remove.
• Nail polish

Swift action is important as allowing stains to set can make them even more difficult or even impossible to remove.

What if I spill something that is known for staining on my playmat? 

If you accidentally spill a substance that is known for its staining properties on your playmat, it’s important to minimise the damage. 

For thin, non-sticky substances like pen, beetroot and drinks, it’s best to immediately wipe off any excess and dry the area thoroughly, making sure to remove excess water.

For more stubborn stains caused by substances like permanent marker, grease, nail polish or rust, it’s necessary to spot clean with the suitable cleaning supplies. 

It’s important to AVOID AT ALL COSTS hosing down the playmat. Instead use a wet wipe to gently clean the affected area.

After cleaning, it’s crucial to ensure that the playmat is thoroughly dried to prevent the growth of mould. 

By following these steps, you can help to minimise the damage caused by spills and stains and keep your playmat looking its best.

How to keep my playmat looking good as new

To maintain the longevity and appearance of your playmat, it’s important to take certain precautions. 

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as it can cause fading and discolouration of the foam and materials.
• Be mindful of what furniture is in close vicinity as placing heavy furniture on the playmat can cause indentations that may not spring back. This includes table and chair legs, coffee tables, couches and cabinets.
• It’s best to keep shoes off of the playmat to prevent any foreign objects, such as stones or sharp debris, from causing scratches or tears. This not only guards the mat against physical damage but also helps prevent the spread of unwanted bacteria that may be clinging to the shoes, from infecting your young children.

Are baby playmats washable?

Baby playmats are water-resistant rather than waterproof, which means that they can handle some degree of moisture exposure.

However, it is not advisable to completely submerge or machine-wash them, as they are not completely waterproof and too much moisture can lead to the growth of mould. This is not only unsightly but can also be a major health risk.

Overall, while playmats are not machine washable, they can be effectively cleaned and maintained with the right approach to spot cleaning and care.

What products should I avoid on my play mat?

In order to take proper care of your playmat, it’s essential to avoid using certain products. Here is a list of products that will cause damage to your mat if used in any way.

• Abrasives, such as sharp brush bristles and steel wool. While they may get dirt off of the playmat quicker, they will also cause great damage, resulting in scratches or even tears in the foam. Hence, it is important to use gentle cleaning tools like a soft, microfibre cloth to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the mat.
• Harsh cleaning products and chemicals, including bleach, which may react with the material of the mat, causing discolouration or other forms of damage. Prolonged use of these strong cleaning agents can cause permanent damage, affecting the quality and appearance of the mat.
• Exposure to high heat sources. Heat can cause warping or melting of the material, leading to permanent damage to the mat. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the mat away from heaters and other heating appliances such as irons, and definitely steer clear of open flames.

Cleaning a baby mat

The health and safety of your children are of utmost importance.

By following these simple cleaning steps and taking quick action when accidents happen, you can maintain the cleanliness and longevity of your playmat - and in turn a clean and healthy place for your children to play.

Check out our care tips. 

Have you got any playmat cleaning tips for us? Feel free to send us your helpful tried and tested tips.