How to Clean a Crib or Bassinet Mattress: A 7-Step Guide
When we had our bedside bassinet and our portable bassinet, I spot-cleaned the mattresses for everyday spills. A full clean was saved for the big moments: after a blowout, or when a bassinet came out of storage for the next baby.
Crib mattresses work the same way. Here’s the routine, plus what to do when things get messy.
How to clean a crib or bassinet mattress: the quick answer
Check the manufacturer’s label first. Strip the bedding, vacuum the mattress, spot-clean stains with mild soap and water (don’t soak it), deodorize with baking soda if needed, and let it dry completely before you make the bed again. Use only the mattress that came with your bassinet, and no extra padding. (AAP 2022 safe sleep recommendations)
| Mess | What to do |
|---|---|
| Small spill or spit-up | Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap |
| Pee | Blot, spot-clean, deodorize with baking soda, dry fully |
| Blowout or vomit | Full clean (all 7 steps) |
| Coming out of storage | Full clean |
| Mold you can’t remove | Replace the mattress |
What you’ll need
- Mild, fragrance-free soap or baby-safe detergent
- Warm water and a spray bottle
- Clean cloths or microfiber towels
- Baking soda
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
Keep cleaning products locked up and out of reach while you work, and put them away straight after. (CPSC)
How to clean a crib or bassinet mattress in 7 steps
- Read the label. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions for the mattress and cover. Some covers are machine-washable; many foam cores shouldn’t get wet.
- Strip the bed. Remove the fitted sheet and waterproof cover, and wash them following their labels.
- Vacuum. Go over the top, sides and seams with the upholstery attachment.
- Spot-clean. Lightly spray mild soap and water on any stain, then blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth. Don’t soak the mattress.
- Rinse. Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with plain water to lift any soap.
- Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
- Dry completely. Let the mattress air-dry, ideally in a well-ventilated room or in indirect sunlight, before you put the cover and sheet back on. A damp mattress can grow mold.
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: Do a full clean first thing in the morning, so the mattress has all day to dry before bedtime. Never put a baby down on a damp mattress.
How to clean pee, vomit and blowouts
Pee: Blot up as much as you can right away. Spot-clean with mild soap and water, rinse, then cover the area with baking soda for a few hours to absorb the smell. Vacuum and let it dry fully.
Vomit or a blowout: Remove solids with a paper towel, then do the full 7 steps. This is when a waterproof cover pays for itself, because often only the cover and sheet need washing.
Should you disinfect a crib mattress?
Everyday cleaning with soap and water is usually enough. If you want to disinfect after an illness, use a product labeled for that surface, follow the label exactly (including any rinse step), and let the mattress air out and dry fully before your baby uses it.
What to do about mold
If you find mold on the waterproof cover, wash the cover following its label. If mold has reached the mattress itself, or it keeps coming back, replace the mattress. It’s not worth the risk. More in do crib mattresses expire?
How to clean the bassinet itself
- Check the manual for which parts can be wiped, washed or machine-washed.
- Wipe the frame with mild soap and water, then a clean damp cloth, and let it dry.
- Wash removable fabric (liners or canopies) only as the label says.
- Check the hardware while it’s apart: no loose screws, cracks or tears in the mesh.
- Put it back exactly as designed, with the mattress that came with it. Don’t add extra padding, a second mattress or a soft pad. (AAP 2022 safe sleep recommendations)
How often should you clean a crib or bassinet mattress?
- Spills and leaks: spot-clean as they happen.
- Sheets and covers: wash regularly, following their labels.
- Full clean: after a blowout, vomit or illness, and before a mattress goes into storage or comes back out.
FAQs
How do you clean a crib mattress?
Check the label, strip the bed, vacuum, spot-clean with mild soap and water, rinse, deodorize with baking soda, and let it dry completely before making the bed.
Can you wash a bassinet mattress?
Usually only the cover is washable. Most bassinet mattress pads should be spot-cleaned, not soaked. Check the manufacturer’s label.
How do I get pee out of a crib mattress?
Blot it, spot-clean with mild soap and water, rinse, sprinkle baking soda on it for a few hours, vacuum, and let it dry fully.
Can I use vinegar or bleach on a crib mattress?
Follow the manufacturer’s label. Mild soap and water handles most messes. If you disinfect, use a product labeled for the surface and follow its directions.
What if my crib mattress has mold?
Wash the cover if it’s only there. If mold is on the mattress itself, replace it.
My take
Spot-clean as you go, do a full clean after the big messes and between babies, and always let the mattress dry completely. A good waterproof cover saves you most of the work. And when you put a bassinet back together, use only the mattress it came with.
Questions? Email me at kelleigh@imperfecthomemaking.com.
Happy parenting!
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