Baby playpens, also known as "pack 'n play's" or "play yards" provide a convenient and portable sleep and play area for newborns and older babies. Parents who use the playpen frequently or travel with it a lot may find that it needs to be cleaned occasionally. While the bottom usually has a removable cover that can also be covered with a sheet, the sides of the playpen aren't removable and can't be thrown in the washing machine with everything else. Cleaning the mesh sides of a playpen requires a little more time and creativity.
Step 1
Remove any part of the playpen that is removable and launder if needed. If the playpen has a bassinet insert or any toys attached, remove them. If no bassinet insert is in place, simply remove the supportive floor of the playpen.
Step 2
Take the playpen outside and rinse the whole thing off with a garden hose if it is badly soiled.
Step 3
Use a gentle cleanser on a rag, or spray the cleanser onto the mesh area of the playpen. Lori Wolfe, a genetic counselor with Baby Center advises parents to use gentle non-toxic cleaners or use common household ingredients such as baking soda and water to do the cleaning. Baking soda does double duty by cleaning and deodorizing the mesh on the playpen. Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia on items that will come into close contact with a baby.
Step 4
Wipe the mesh thoroughly using a rag or sponge saturated in the gentle cleanser of your choice. Work the cleaning solution into both sides of the mesh to effectively remove all dirt and debris that is present.
Step 5
Rinse the playpen using the garden hose and allow it to sit in the sun until dry.
Tips and Warnings
- If the playpen isn't very dirty, you can wipe the mesh clean with a damp rag without having to saturate the whole playpen.
Things You'll Need
- Playpen
- Gentle cleanser
- Rag or sponge
- Water
- Garden hose
