Your baby’s health is of utmost priority, and this means keeping their items and surroundings clean and in good condition. If you have ever wondered how to clean a travel cot mattress and crib before, then you’re not alone.
Whether you’re a parent or a child caregiver, it pays to know how to clean a travel cot and mattress.
Okay, this task doesn’t exactly sound like fun. However, you and your baby will definitely be grateful should you do this on a regular basis. The trick is to stick to a cleaning schedule and make it a habit. You’ll get the hang of it once you go on autopilot mode.
But how exactly do you clean a travel cot? Is there a right way, a set-in-stone kind to go about it? Wait, can you wash a travel cot and mattress? More importantly, how do you get pee out of a mattress?
These questions usually plague the first-time travel-cot cleaner. It’s a good thing this article’s here to save the day!
How To Clean Your Baby Travel Cot & Mattress
Wash The Items Carefully And Thoroughly
If your baby’s travel cot and mattress are used on a daily basis, then regular and thorough washing is the way to go. It does take a little time and energy, but it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child’s travel cot and mattress are clean and sanitized.
Yes, you can wash your travel cot, but can you wash a travel cot mattress as well? Of course, you can. Check for a manufacturer’s label and was according to these instructions.
If particular items can be washed safely with a washing machine, then do so, but gently handwash the more intricate, delicate surfaces. Handwashing provides a gentler clean, making the items last longer.
How to clean a travel cot or crib:
- Prepare a bowl of warm water mixed with a gentle detergent that’s safe for babies.
- Remove the mattress from the bottom of the cot and set it aside.
- Using a brush or sponge, gently wipe down all areas of the travel cot, giving a little more time for the more stained areas.
- Once brushed down, give it a wipe over with clean water.
- Leave your travel cot somewhere well ventilated or in the sunshine for drip dry.
How to clean a travel cot mattress:
- Firstly, remove any mattress covers. These can usually be thrown in the washing machine with the bedsheets.
- You then want to check for a mattress care label to see the manufacturer’s instructions for things like whether you should use hot or cold water to wash.
- Give the mattress a thorough vacuum to remove any loose dirt and dust, including the tops, sides and bottom.
- Using a bowl of water mixed with a gentle detergent, carefully scrub the mattress all over without saturating.
- Pat down the mattress with a dry towel to absorb some of the extra moisture.
- Optional – Spray with a gentle disinfectant spray.
- Leave to drip dry in the sun for a few hours and make sure it is completely dry before next use!
Your baby’s sheets and covers should be washed twice a week to keep things clean and germ-free. Don’t forget to use sensitive washing detergents such as an eco friendly and plastic free laundry detergent without the harsh, synthetic chemicals
Look out for potential irritants in your laundry detergent, as your baby’s skin is especially sensitive. Going fragrance-free is also a good move since fragrances are potential allergens. You can also consult with your baby’s doctor if you want to be on the safe side.
Airdry Your Travel Cot & Mattress
It pays to know not only how to clean a travel cot and mattress but also what to do after cleaning said items. Well, after giving the travel-cot gang a thorough washing, the next step would be to dry them well.
Air-dry these items under the sun, as sunshine helps banish disease-causing bacteria. Hang the travel cot, mattress, sheets, etc. in a spot that’s distant from the street or highway to prevent smoke, fumes, and exhaust from coming in contact with them.
Ensure the sheets are flung wide open and that all sides of the cot and mattress are exposed to dry. Leave no corner unturned and in darkness, as they say. Damp spots are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, so make sure the items are thoroughly dry before letting your baby use them.
Have Your Baby-Safe disinfectants Within Easy Reach
Spills and potty accidents are facts of life when dealing with babies. Well, these can wreak havoc on your travel cot and mattress. Most folks want to know, “How do you get pee out of a mattress?” The best answer is by tending to the mess right away as it happens.
Antibacterial sprays and wipes are your best bets for such tasks. As with the detergents, check the label and make sure they’re safe for babies. Wipe away spills and accidents the moment they occur to prevent them from seeping into the travel cot and mattress, making them harder to remove.
You can also give them a good scrub and wash during the weekly cleaning schedule.
So now you know how to clean a baby travel cot and mattress! These three steps may be simple, but they pack a punch in keeping your baby’s sleeping area clean and sanitized. It sure pays to know how to clean a travel cot and mattress for your baby’s health and well-being and, of course, your peace of mind.
Scrub-a-dub away!
FAQ
How to clean a second hand travel cot?
You can clean your second-hand travel cot just as if it was a regular cot. Wipe down all surfaces with a gentle detergent/water mix, paying extra attention to the stained areas, and wipe over with clean water before leaving to drip dry in the sun
How do you clean travel cot mesh or fabric cot?
Take a brush and warm, soapy water, and brush down the mesh lining of your travel cot. Rinse with clean water and leave to drip dry for a few hours in the sunshine or well-ventilated space
