How to Clean a Pack N Play [Simple Guide]

Pack ‘n Plays offer convenient playing areas for your baby. However, they require special care on your side as a parent. They can get dirty really quickly as babies spend a lot of time in them and can make quite a mess.

If your Pack ‘n Play is only slightly dirty, you can scrub the affected parts using a mixture of detergent and water. On the other hand, it would be a good idea to submerge and thoroughly clean it if it hasn’t been attended to for a while, and dirt has piled up.

In this article, we will walk you through the most effective ways to clean your Pack ‘n Play and help you maintain a safe, healthy environment for your baby.

Why is it Important

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your baby’s toys be cleaned from time to time to prevent the build-up of dirt and, more importantly, nasty germs that might cause serious health issues. Playing yards, in specific, deserve meticulous cleaning since babies can spend most of the day in them.

For instance, Pack ’n Plays are subjected to a lot of spill accidents that, if left unattended to, can form permanent stains. Molds are another potential problem that should be addressed. It would be best if you kept the Pack ‘n Plays adequately sanitized to prevent mold build-up over time.

Cleaning Methods

1. Scrubbing Down

This is one of the most popular methods to maintain the cleanliness of your Pack ‘n Play. To start with, you need to take it outdoors in a wide-open area that you don’t mind getting wet.

Next up, it’s time to get your scrubbing brush and cleaning solution ready. Add ½ a cup of a safe detergent to a bucket of warm water and mix them together.

If the mattress of your Pack ‘n Play comes with a cover, you need to get it out of it. Put the cover in the washing machine, and take the mattress outdoors to be cleaned separately.

Now, you’re all set and ready to start the cleaning process, finally! Submerge the brush in the detergent solution, and start scrubbing the body of the Pack ‘n Play. Clean it from the outside as well as from the inside. You might need to support some parts with your hand, especially the malleable mesh parts.

After you’re done with the Pack ‘n Play itself, apply the same process to the mattress. You need to pay close attention to the dirty spots to get rid of any stains.

It’s time for a fresh stream of water! You can use your garden hose to spray down all sides of the Pack ‘n Play together with the mattress. Keep spraying the water until it runs clear, and all the detergent is washed away.

And here comes the final step, simply leave them to dry out in the sun, and they’ll be as good as new. Good job!

2. Deep Cleaning

If you haven’t properly cleaned the Pack ‘n Play for a while, or if your baby made a big mess that can’t be handled by the classical scrubbing down method, you have to go for deep cleaning.

This method is quite simple; you will have to fold down the Pack ‘n Play and soak it together with its mattress in your bathing tub. Most bathing tubs can fit them without a problem, but if you have one that doesn’t fit, you can soak one side at a time.

Add your cleaning solution to the tub. You will need ½ a cup of liquid laundry detergent, ¼ a cup of vinegar, and ¼ a cup of baking soda.

Tip: If you’ve only got powder detergent, you need to mix it with water first before soaking the Pack ‘n Play into the tub.

If your Pack ‘n Play is completely submerged in the water, you can leave it for at least an hour. If not, you need to flip it after 30 minutes and leave the other side soaked for another 30 minutes.

Now it’s time to rinse it with a stream of water until you wash out all the detergent. If your shower comes with a movable head, you can use it. If not, use your garden hose as we did in the first method.

You will finish the process by leaving the Pack ‘n Play and its mattress to dry in direct sunlight. You might need to flip it over at some point to make sure it’s scorched before using it once more.

3. Regular Spot Cleaning

You need to maintain the cleanliness of the Pack ‘n Play and get rid of spills and stains as soon as they happen. First of all, you need to soak the area using a wet towel or paper towel.

You can then apply a cleaning solution of one part water and one part vinegar and thoroughly wipe the affected area. Natural spray cleaners can also get the job done, if you prefer. 

Remember that your baby will be in contact with the mattress and the Pack ‘n Play afterwards. So, your cleaning solution of choice shouldn’t contain any chemicals, and it must be harmless to your baby.

Final Thoughts

Your baby’s well-being is the number one priority. Seeing them experimenting and learning new skills is the most fulfilling feeling for any parent.

That’s why you need to make sure that they spend their time in a safe playing area that serves their sense of curiosity without any compromises.

We broke down simple yet effective methods to maintain the cleanliness of your Pack ‘n Play and we hope this article came in handy to help you lead a healthy and playful life for your baby.