How to Clean a Pack and Play (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

As a parent of two kids under 5, I’m no stranger to traveling with a pack and play for safe sleeping. I rely on one we’ve owned since my oldest was born. And not just for vacation. It’s also served as a second bed for afternoon naps at Grandma’s house and a safe place to play while I tackle household chores. 

But with so much use, it’s crucial to maintain one properly. If you’re wondering how to clean a pack and play, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about how to wash a pack and play to keep it sanitary and safe, and extend its lifespan for long-term use.

A pack and play — also known as a playard — isn’t just where babies sometimes sleep. It’s also where they play, crawl, and explore the world around them, often through their hands and mouths. And even if it’s relegated to just naps, you’ll find that drool and spit-up can seep through sheets.

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting a pack and play is a must.

“Babies spend a lot of time in pack and plays: sleeping, playing, and touching the fabric sides. Regular cleaning helps remove dirt, bacteria, allergens, and spills that naturally build up with everyday use,” shares Sarah Huff, the director of customer and provider experience and gear expert at the baby gear rental service, BabyQuip.

Leaving messes (visible or not) unattended exposes your child to germs, and may damage the integrity of the crib in the long term. Washing the sheet you use for the pack and play is not enough to get the job done.

“The sheet only protects the top of the mattress pad, and not very well,” Huff says. “The sides, frame, and pad underneath can collect dust, spit-up, crumbs, and moisture, which can lead to odors, bacteria buildup, and even mold if it stays damp. Even the wheels can collect dirt and grime.”

Cleaning a pack and play is necessary, but not every part of it is washable — some can just be wiped down. To fully clean a pack and play, you’ll need the following: 

• a washcloth 
• mild soap and water for spot cleaning and safely wiping the frame 
• baking soda or vinegar if you want to deodorize the mattress pad
• a steamer to try another expert-suggested hack — more on that below.

1. Most pack-and-play cleaning can actually be done while it’s still set up. First, remove the mattress pad, along with the sheet. Then shake out debris, crumbs, dust, or dirt. 
2. Next, use a hose extension on a vacuum to remove anything that might still be trapped on the bottom, inside the corners, or along the mesh sides. 
3. Mix warm water and mild detergent in a bowl — you can use dish soap or the same one you use to wash baby clothes — and dip a washcloth into it. Then take the cloth and wipe the frame, mattress, and fabric sides with it. For any stains, dab a bit more to try to remove them.
4. To deodorize or disinfect more fully, you can sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the mattress and let it sit for up to an hour before wiping it away. For particularly tough smells, try mixing a one-to-one ratio of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and applying liberally.
5. Leave it out in a sunny spot to dry, which will also help the vinegar smell to dissipate. Huff also suggests another unique hack — using a clothes steamer to break up stains that won’t budge. “Soap and water remove dirt and many germs, but they are not the same as disinfecting. If something really scummy gets on the sides or fabric of the pack and play, a quick hit from your steamer can go a long way.”
6. Once you’re done, let everything air-dry completely before packing it all away.

While you can machine wash pack-and-play sheets, you should not attempt to put any part of the actual crib into the laundry. 

“Most pack-and-play mattress pads should not be machine-washed because the internal board can warp,” Huff warned. 

Instead, Huff suggests investing in a good mattress pad (which you can wash in a machine) to go under a pack-and-play sheet as it can really help prevent stains.

And though some pack and plays have removable covers, not all will. Check the tags on your pack and play first or consult the manufacturer before putting anything into a washing machine.

If it’s safe for the laundry, follow the care directions, and when in doubt, use a mild detergent, select a delicate cycle, and air-dry. 

When it comes to cleaning a pack and play, there’s no set amount of time to follow as a rule. Instead, try to establish a regular schedule, unless your family’s activities dictate sooner.

“Spot clean as needed and do a deeper clean every few weeks if it’s used regularly. If it’s used for travel or outdoors, it’s best to clean it after the trip,” Huff says.

Once you have a good cleaning routine, just be sure to stick to it. “Any food or food stains left to sit will also cause mold, which can never be completely removed,” Huff cautioned. “Use a fitted playard sheet, clean spills quickly, and always let the playard fully dry before storing it.”