How to Clean, Protect and Store Your Crib Mattress
The crib mattress is not just for sleeping. It is a growth and development center that your infant will spend about 70% of their time on – and chances are they will have their fair share of diaper blowouts, spit ups or full on tummy bug messes. Here are some tips for keeping your crib mattress safe from the inevitable so you can use it for many years to come.
Photo Credit: Lauren Meyers Photography
How to Clean Your Crib Mattress
Cleaning the surface of a waterproof cover is pretty straight-forward. Use a damp cloth and mild soap and wipe the mattress. NEVER use harsh chemicals or bleach that may harm the waterproof surface coating.
For mattresses with a cloth cover where the waterproofing is on the backside of the cloth, treat the mattress surface like you would your clothing. Use a damp cloth with mild soap and dab or lightly rub the surface of the mattress where the stain is located. Find a mild laundry detergent that is gentle to baby’s skin, free of harsh chemicals, pediatrician and dermatologist tested, and better for the environment.
Keeping Your Crib Mattress Clean
Use a Mattress Pad Cover
Waterproof mattress pad covers are an excellent way to ensure that no bacteria-causing liquid ever reaches the surface of the mattress – meaning less worry and less CLEANING for you. Most mattress pad covers are machine washable and dryable, however we recommend reading all instructions carefully.
Colgate’s Owl Eco Cover- Organic Fitted Crib Mattress Cover is a high-quality fitted waterproof crib mattress cover made with certified organic cotton. It has a strong elastic around the perimeter of the cover ensures a safe, tight fit. Soft cloth is closest to the baby’s skin, while a waterproof backing keeps liquid away from the mattress. The Owl Eco Cover has minimal shrinkage when washed (machine wash warm, tumble dry).
Another great tip is to double up the mattress pad cover. This especially comes in handy for those late night messes. Peel one layer off, clean up baby, and hope everyone is able to fall back asleep.
Protecting the Crib Mattress While In The Crib
Crib mattress covers can rip and tear on the sharp springs of a crib. Vaporizers and humidifiers in the nursery can cause rust stains and deterioration of crib dust ruffles and mattresses. Try our Mattress and Dust Ruffle Protector to help protect against tears, stains and deterioration.
Storing Your Crib Mattress
When the crib mattress is not being used it should be wiped down with a damp cloth, thoroughly dry, and sealed into a plastic bag that covers the mattress completely. The mattress should be stored in a clean, dry place on its end or edge with nothing resting on top of it or against it.
A reusable Zippered Crib Mattress Storage Bag that is clear and lets in cleansing sunlight is best. The clear bag is phthalate safe and has strong cloth seams for durability. Our storage bag is specifically sized to fit all standard size American crib mattresses.