Your kids spend countless hours on soft play mats, playing, crawling, eating, and even sleeping. That’s why parents prefer buying high-quality playmats for their children. But that’s not the end! You also need to ensure that these mats are clean and fresh so that they are safe for your children. Many parents think that this process involves a lot of hassle. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will discuss some simple tips that you can follow to clean these playmats. Eager to know how you can make your kids’ play areas hygienic? Then, keep reading!
Cleaning and Maintenance of Soft Play Mats: Some Essential Tips
Here are some easy tips that you can follow to maintain the cleanliness and freshness of kids rugs:
- Always Read the Care Instructions First
Before cleaning your rug, it is essential that you check all the instructions given on its care label. This label has the important details for you by the manufacturer which guides you about how you can and cannot clean your rug. Not all rugs or playmats are built alike, their material, weaving techniques, etc, vary. Thus, knowing how to clean them correctly will help you keep them looking as good as new for a longer time.
- Vacuum Regularly to Remove Dust and Allergens
Dust, dirt, pollens, or even pet hair get trapped in soft play mats easily throughout the day. And getting rid of these is very simple, all you need is a strong vacuum cleaner. Run it over the entire surface of the play mat. This way, you can make it 100% clean and ensure that your child is playing in a safe and allergy-free environment. How frequently do you do this? Once a week, on your day off.
- Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Using the right cleaning products or solutions is highly essential when it comes to rugs. This is because the chemicals used in these products will affect the fibers of your rug.
- When you are cleaning your children’s rugs at home, a solution of baking soda or vinegar in water proves to be effective in the cleaning process.
- You may also use soap water, a shampoo solution, or a good rug cleaner.
A general rule you must follow is to ensure that the cleaning agent is mild. Avoid bleaches and other harmful chemicals because they will be too harsh on your rug,
- Pick the Right Brush for Scrubbing
After you have sprayed the cleaning solution on the kids rugs, it is time to scrub off the dirt and stains from it. You need to choose the right brush for doing this. If a specific spot has a stubborn stain, try to scrub a little more vigorously on that spot. Uniformly clean the entire rug with the brush to ensure that no stain is left behind. Some experts also recommend spot-cleaning the rug instead of washing the entire length and breadth of it.
- Use the Machine for Washable Play Mats
Because the process of cleaning your rug is cumbersome, many people these days are turning to washable rugs. These are easier to clean because you just need to put them into your washing machine, turn on the water supply, and add a mild cleaning agent, and it will be clean as new. Washable play mats also come in a range of designs, so you don’t have to worry about picking the right one for your kids’ room.
- Remember to Rinse the Mat Thoroughly
After you have cleaned the soft play mats using a cleaning solution, it is time for you to rinse it. This should be done thoroughly to ensure that there are no remains of soap, lather, or any other component of the cleaning agent in your play mat. Use plenty of water during the rinsing process. You can use a pipe to get the extra force or even immerse the play mat in a bathtub full of water.
- Dry It 100% Before Placing in the Designated Area
The final step in the process of cleaning your kids rugs is to dry them. You can either hang the rug on a strong clothesline or lay it flat on a clean surface. Make sure that the sun rays aren’t directly falling for a long time on the rug because they may cause fading. If you are laying it flat, make sure to keep turning the rug. Only when it is 100% dry from all sides, bring it back inside for use. Remember, if there is even a hint of moisture in the rug, it may lead to mold and mildew.
Summing Up
That brings us to the end of this article, where we discussed the tips you need to follow to clean your soft play mats. By following these tips, you will be able to maintain the freshness of play mats and ensure that they are hygienic. If you wish to buy the best play mats for children, you will find high-quality and affordable options at Miss Amara.