How to Clean a Baby Mattress {and the Easiest Crib Mattress to Clean}
There are two essential things you need to know as a new parent: how to clean a baby mattress and ensure you get the easiest mattress to clean. First, we’ll show you a quick and easy method to ensure your baby mattress is clean and disinfected. Next, we’ll explain the problems with the cheap vinyl baby mattresses most moms pick (we did, too!).
A lot of us buy the cheapest baby mattress we can find. Those kinds from Walmart or the closest store. However, they can be a nightmare to clean! They get ripped and torn. And you know what that means? Pee and everything soak into the foam inside, never to be cleaned again. You can’t put it into the wash…but with the baby mattress we found, you can clean it. Even the inside.
How to Clean a Baby Mattress
Of course, you want to make sure you’re baby mattress is always clean. Whether your mattress is dusty or dirty, it’s been in storage for a while. Or maybe you’re getting it ready to lend to somebody.
We recommend that you clean a baby mattress every quarter or as needed.
What you’ll need to clean a baby mattress
➡️ Vacuum cleaner (we like how compact this one is)
➡️ 1/4 cup of laundry detergent
➡️ 1 gallon of warm water
➡️ Scrub brush or sponge
➡️ 70% rubbing alcohol or Force of Nature which is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets
Method
Follow our quick and easy steps to learn how to clean crib mattresses so both you and your baby can sleep safe and sound.
Step 1: Vacuum the mattress
Go through the mattress thoroughly, including all the sides, seams, and crevices, to get rid of dust mites, skin cells, and allergens that could be stuck in the mattress. Lots of dirt and dust collect in the seams so pay special attention to them.
Step 2: Add a quarter cup of baby-safe laundry detergent to a gallon of warm water
Wash down the mattress from top to bottom.
Step 3: Rinse off the detergent
Use some water and a cloth to wash it off.
Step 4: Disinfect the mattress
This is an essential step, and you shouldn’t skip it. I recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses as quickly as 10 seconds.
Spray the rubbing alcohol all over the mattress, like bathing it, then leave it as it is. You don’t have to rinse or wash it off.
Or, use Force of Nature, a unique but fantastic cleaner and disinfectant that’s safe to use around kids. We don’t recommend using bleach for this job.
Step 5: Wipe the mattress with a dry cloth
You can do this step just in case the mattress isn’t completely dry.
If you want to skip a few steps, instead of detergent, use the Force of Nature to disinfect the mattress. You don’t have to rinse it after because it’s non-toxic. It is safe, and it kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.
why we don’t recommend a vinyl crib mattress
We’ve seen two problems in using a vinyl baby mattress. First, the mattress can split and crack, and many things can get inside. And you can’t take the cover off or clean it. Second, Vinyl is not breathable. If you have an infant or a baby that sleeps face down, the baby can’t breathe through.
What we recommend
We want to introduce you to our favorite, unique, easiest-to-clean baby mattress, the Newton Baby Mattress. It has a removable cover that you can spot treat if there are any stains or throw in the washing machine. Plus, it is supportive and breathable.
Handy for those middle-of-the-night diaper leaks when you’re exhausted. You can replace it and not risk another disaster. Although, with Newton Baby Mattress, you can always clean it.
Babies don’t need soft mattresses. They need more firm and supportive mattresses. You don’t want them to sink in, and they can’t move their heads or bodies as quickly if they get stuck. That’s why we like Newton.
How to clean the Newton Baby Mattress
It’s easy. You have to take off the mattress cover. Run water through the mattress, and the dirt or spots will easily come off the mattress.
As big mattress protector advocates, we recommend the Newton Baby mattress protector. It is also unique and has good quality. The cover looks similar to other brands. But on the other side, it’s gathered and is made of stretchy material so that you can put it right over your mattress cover.
Newton’s waterproof mattress protector is the best we’ve found. It’s incredibly durable and effective. Even though it’s an investment, it’s ideal to have 2. So when you have one in the wash, you have a backup.
It has a separate waterproof barrier, soft like flannel on the inside. You can use this mattress protector on any crib mattress. And it has a unique feature that Newton baby is known for breathability.
