Cleaning your playmat is important to prevent it from collecting dirt, germs, and other debris. Because children step on them often, it is essential to understand how to properly clean playmats. How To Clean Play Mats? While some playmats can be cleaned by washing them, others require special care. For example, some are delicate, so you should avoid soaking them in water or using harsh chemicals. However, there are some ways to effectively clean your playmats, including using a hose attachment.
All-natural Cleaning Agents
If you’re tired of chemical cleaners, all-natural cleaning agents are a great option. You can use baking soda or vinegar, which is both cheap and environmentally friendly. These natural cleaning agents will work to remove any stains from your child’s play mat, and are gentle enough for even the youngest children. To make these cleaning agents, simply mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda and store in a spray bottle. After using these cleaning agents, be sure to rinse thoroughly.
A mild detergent is an excellent solution for cleaning play mats. If you have stubborn stains, you can apply a paste of baking soda to the area. Repeat this process as needed. These cleaning solutions will not damage the material of the play mat, so you can use them again. Using mild detergent will also ensure that you can reuse the mats without any risk of damage. You can also use a baking soda paste to remove stains.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Cleaning a play mat doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you follow a few basic steps. First, you need to moisten a clean cloth with distilled water. The cloth should be damp, but not saturated. This way, you can wipe the surface thoroughly without the risk of soaking the mat. Next, you need to use a gentle scrub brush to remove any remaining dirt. After scrubbing, place the cloth in a warm, dry place. Avoid placing the mat near a radiator as it will dry out quickly and destroy the foam. Finally, be sure to store the mat away from any open flames, including heaters and stoves.
If you can’t get the stain out, try vinegar as a spot cleaner. As vinegar is an acidic base, it chemically reacts with stains and releases them from the material. Mix equal parts vinegar with hot water. Then, use it to spot clean the play mat. Avoid using any harsh chemicals when cleaning the mat, as these can damage the top coating. Once it’s clean, simply re-roll the mat in the opposite direction.
Using a Vacuum Attachment
If you’ve got a vacuum attachment, you can use it to vacuum play mats. It’s a great way to remove dirt and other organic debris from the floor. You can even use it to clean pet hair. However, you should use a brush or dust pan to remove sticky items and crumbs. A spinning brush can damage the foam playmat surface. You can use a natural solution such as baking soda or vinegar or you can use essential oils to scent the cleaning solution.
If you’d rather use a cleaning solution, you can use distilled water and soap. When using this solution, make sure to clean the mat thoroughly without over-saturating it. After cleaning, let the mat dry in a well-ventilated area and pat it dry. If necessary, use a soft cloth to dry the cracks between the mats. This method will help keep mats looking nice and smelling fresh.
Using Vinegar
One of the best cleaning solutions for children’s play mats is vinegar. This acid reacts with stains to break them down, releasing them from the surface. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and hot water and use this solution to spot clean your play mat. Then, allow the mat to dry completely. Repeat as necessary. After cleaning, your play mat will be ready to use again. If the stain is particularly stubborn, use baking soda paste to remove it.
If you’d prefer not to use a commercial cleaning solution, you can also make your own. Using vinegar as a cleaning agent is a cheap, environmentally-friendly option that will work effectively on play mats. It is also a powerful disinfectant. A solution of one cup of vinegar and one cup of hot water is an excellent spot cleaner for foam play mats. The solution should be wiped off thoroughly before using.
Cleaning with a Spray Bottle
For a simple yet effective cleaning solution, you can make a spray of baking soda and vinegar and store it in a spray bottle. Simply spray the solution on the play mat and wipe off the excess with a soft cloth. Then, repeat the process on the other side. Rinse thoroughly after each cleaning session to avoid any buildup of soap or detergent. Alternatively, you can also add essential oils to the mixture to give it a more pleasant aroma.
Among the most popular kinds of playmats, foam mats offer the perfect amount of cushioning for children to play on. However, these are the hardest to clean since they absorb liquid and moisture. Any liquid spilled on them would soak into the foam, which would take a long time to dry. In addition to that, foam is prone to mold and mildew because they are so porous. For best results, use a solution of equal parts of vinegar and hot water. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can simply use a clean cloth and a small amount of water to spot clean the playmat.
