How to Clean a Crib Mattress without Stress In 7 Easy Steps
Babies are born sensitive and thus always require extra care and hygiene!
Looking for cleaning a baby mattress is a fruitful decision but may feel like a stressful task. Skin irritations, rashes, and allegiances are some cons of an unhealthy atmosphere around babies, which come from dirty mattresses.1
Not only babies, but their products also require utmost care. A baby’s mattress becomes more than just a place of rest. It’s essential to clean it regularly, leaving it fresh and safe for your newborn.
Let’s jump to my guide on cleaning a baby mattress that works incredibly. For a mom, professional cleaners, and grandparents, this guide is for you all! Know why regular cleaning is essential, safety precautions, step-by-step guidance on the cleaning process, and tips to maintain the crib mattress.
No matter if you’re a mom, a cleaning pro, or a grandparent, this guide is your go-to. We’ll cover why regular cleaning is crucial, share safety tips, lay out a step-by-step cleaning plan, and give you mattress maintenance tips. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why Cleaning Your Baby’s Crib Mattress Is Essential?
Regular cleaning and hygiene must be a primary task for every mother!
Using the same mattress daily can contain hazardous elements, and if not treated well, it might lead to serious respiratory and immune diseases.
You shouldn’t neglect these four reasons to do regular cleaning:
- A dirty mattress? Think of it as a secret hideout for bacteria and sneaky dust mites. You might not spot ’em, but your little ones can feel their presence with sneezing, coughing, runny eyes and nose, throat clearing, and even trouble breathing. Let’s keep that mattress fresh and healthy!
- Every mattress releases moisture through regular use and develops problems like mold. Babies may face skin rashes, leading to itching and wounds.
- Urine stains, sweat, and feces are natural occurrences on a baby’s mattress. Regular cleaning is essential to avoid their smell and the presence of contaminated bugs.
- A baby’s infant stage is critical and most crucial. If they come into contact with any bacterial infections and enzymes during this stage, their further development may be at risk. Common consequences include asthma and sinusitis.
Cleaning Supplies Needed to Clean Crib Mattress
Cleaning is not difficult with the right tools and equipment!
- Gloves
- A vacuum cleaner
- Gentle soaps or detergents
- Soft and dry towel or cloth
- Spray bottle
- Bucket
- Scrubbing brush
- Baking Soda
- Lemon
- Vinegar
- Disinfectant liquid
Precautions First!
Attention! Wrong cleaning methods could harm your baby’s favorite mattress. Before starting the cleaning process, let’s be cautious.
- Always look for the manufacturer’s guide before cleaning the mattress. It provides instructions on using hot or cold water, suitable washing techniques, and drying instructions.
- Do not soak the mattress overnight or keep it wet to avoid losing firmness.
- Eliminate any harsh chemical soaps or agents for washing to protect the fabric and foam from damage.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves to protect your hands while using chemical products.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Clean a Crib Mattress
You are just seven steps away from giving your baby a safe and healthy sleep!
1. Remove and wash the bedding first
Remove and wash the bedding first. The bedding works as a protector for the baby’s mattress, soaking up dust mites, bacteria, and stains before they reach inside the mattress. Remove the bedding and linens and clean them first.
Use warm or hot water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. If not stated, use warm water and hypoallergenic detergents (free from chemicals). Rinse the bedding with care and keep it dry.
2. Addressing Odors and Smells
Different types of smells can develop in a baby’s mattress, such as pee stains, spit-ups, and food smells.
The most helpful way is to place your mattress on the balcony or in front of your room window, ensuring it receives proper sunlight and fresh air that naturally removes unwanted odors.
3. Vacuuming the crib mattress
Dust mites, allergic bacteria, and molds can surround your infant’s mattress. Vacuum cleaning is essential to remove these stubborn bugs.
Start by flipping and airing out the mattress. Use an upholstery attachment tool to do the job, running it all over the mattress, including the edges and corners, as they are prominent surfaces for hidden dust mites.2
A crevice tool can help remove molds and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. Vacuuming ensures deep cleaning to protect your mattress and your baby’s health.
4. Cleaning and treating all the stains
Once done with the vacuum process, let’s make it easy to deal with sweat, discoloration, urine stains, or food stains.
For easy or recent stains, use a scrub brush, add a stain remover, and rub on stained areas.
In case of tough stubborn stains, prepare a mixture of 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and ¼ cup of lemon juice. Apply it on stains with the help of a spray bottle and pour some baking soda on it. Wait for half an hour to let it dry, then wipe the entire mixture using a soft cloth.
Note that baking soda may not come off easily, so repeat the vacuuming process in the targeted areas.
5. Scrubbing the crib mattress
After you have successfully dealt with stains, scrubbing each section of the mattress will complete your cleaning task.
Dilute baby-safe detergent or dish soap in warm water and pour it over the entire mattress. Gently scrub with a soft brush from top to bottom, covering each side.
This step is crucial to thoroughly clean the infected areas without damaging the fabrics.
6. Disinfecting the crib mattress
Congratulations, your mattress is now cleaned and free from bacterial hazards! But, I know you want to keep it this way for a long time.
I have made this possible during my cleaning routine by using a disinfectant liquid cleaning solution. Take it in a spray bottle and spread it on the mattress. It provides a protective shield against bacteria when they try to enter your baby’s essentials. Stay stress-free until your next cleaning routine.
7. Air-drying the crib mattress
The last, but significant, step of mattress cleaning. Allow the mattress to air-dry to remove all excess water.
Simply place it outside the window or indoors, making sure not to lean it against any walls or pillars as bacteria can thrive on wet and cleaned mattresses.
In uncertain weather, try drying using a fan or hair dryer, as it works. Remember never to put the baby mattress back on the crib until it’s completely dried, as molds and fungi can develop in such conditions.3
Don’t rush the process! Your task isn’t complete yet.
Now that you’re aware of the detailed cleaning process, have you thought about cleaning different types of mattresses? Look at it below.
Dealing with different types of mattress cleaning
Dear mothers, mattresses come in different fabrics, foams, and qualities! Each has its limitations that must be adhered to while cleaning.
1. Foam Mattress
If your mattress is made of polyurethane or memory foam, avoid using excess water for cleaning.4 It’s prone to retain moisture, leading to mildew growth. A damp cloth or sponge works best to absorb as much moisture and rinse off stains, dust, and debris.
2. Innerspring Mattress
Are you using a metal coil spring mattress? Then your primary focus should be on drying and dampness to prevent rusting of spring. Moreover, stay alert when running the vacuum cleaner to avoid wear and tear.
3. Organic and Waterproof Mattress
These are renowned as the best baby mattresses, made with cotton, wool, or Wooviener material. Never make the mistake of using hot water for cleaning. Use only cold water and strictly avoid drying with a hair dryer on it, instead keep it in a well-lit ventilated area.
Tips for Maintaining Mattress for Long Lifespan
We know you want a long life for your little one’s desired mattress. I’ve been taking care of mine for years, it’s your turn now. Below are some of my tested tips just for you!
What are the benefits of using a waterproof mattress protector on a crib mattress?
Concerned about spills and accidents? A waterproof mattress cover is your hero! If you haven’t got one yet, it’s time to grab one. It repels liquids and bodily fluids ensuring a clean and dry mattress.
How Often Should You Clean Your Baby Mattress?
Clean mattresses once a month, and bedding and linens every week. Make regular cleaning a habit!
What about a natural way to clean a crib mattress and bedding?
Use natural ingredients like baking soda, dish soap, lemon, and white vinegar over store-bought harsh chemicals. Also, don’t be too harsh or too gentle while cleaning. Use equipment and tools with balanced force to maintain hygiene and safety simultaneously.
Final Thoughts on Crib Mattress Cleaning
As we conclude my guide on cleaning baby mattresses, let’s remember the importance of keeping our little one’s sleeping area fresh and safe.
By following my steps and tips shared here, I ensure that our baby’s mattress remains a cozy and healthy place for them to rest and grow.
So, let’s commit to regular cleaning and caring for their mattress, knowing that we provide the best environment for sweet dreams and happy moments. Here’s to many nights of peaceful sleep for our precious babies!
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx ↩︎
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/Seasonal-Allergies-in-Children.aspx ↩︎
- https://www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk/journal/news/why-baby-mattress-cleaning-is-essential/ ↩︎
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Cleaners-Sanitizers-Disinfectants.aspx ↩︎