How to Clean a Lovevery Play Mat in 6 Easy Steps (Help It Last Longer!)

One of the first items I ever bought my babies was a play mat — and it pretty much immediately became one of our most-used items. It was where I could meaningfully interact with my children in between naps during those early baby days as they worked on hitting milestones, like rolling over. The Lovevery play mat, also known as The Play Gym, is a top pick for new parents who want a safe yet stimulating space for an infant to play, try out tummy time, and explore the world around them. Knowing how to wash a Lovevery play mat becomes important very quickly when you’re using it every day! 

Lovevery’s play mat is designed to be used from newborn days to toddler years, with stage-based activities. It includes five developmental zones, five detachable activity toys, and three sets of cards. The mat itself has a double-sided high-contrast pattern, and can be transformed into a play fort as a child grows.

With so much active play taking place on top of it, cleaning the Lovevery play mat should be a top priority. While you can toss it in the laundry, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean a Lovevery play mat, including what you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips to keep it looking great.

• Machine-wash the mat on a delicate cycle with cold water using mild detergent.
• Spot clean any non-washable parts, like wooden pieces, with a damp cloth.
• Air dry most components; only certain items can be tumble dried (on low).

Whether it’s spit-up from an active tummy time session or the markings of a rambunctious toddler and a messy snack, play mats can get dirty easily. And that’s the point.

“The Play Gym is designed for babies to explore with their hands and mouth because this is the primary way they play and learn. But it means that germs are transferred to and from your baby,” says Rachel Coley, pediatric occupational therapist, mom of three, and the resident child development expert at Lovevery. 

Small messes and marks, Coley says, can be spot cleaned as you notice them, although she does suggest deep-cleaning your Lovevery play mat every one to two weeks, or sooner if needed. 

“Just like any surface your baby comes in contact with, regular cleaning keeps the Play Gym hygienic and comfortable. Regular cleaning tackles germs as well as dust, dirt, or even pet hair. Following the recommended cleaning instructions will also help protect the mat’s materials and keep it in good condition,” she says.

A clean play mat will not only keep it looking nice, but also makes it more likely to last over time. 

To clean the Lovevery play mat, you’ll need mild laundry detergent, and also a damp cloth for wiping certain items clean. You’ll also need a drying rack or designated space to let everything air dry. That’s it!

• Mild laundry detergent
• Damp cloth
• Drying rack or flat space for air drying

Yes, the Lovevery play gym activity mat is machine-washable, and so are many of the accompanying accessories. 

You can wash the mat on a delicate cycle with cold water, as well as the Organic Cotton Teether, Sound Squares, Play Space Cover, and High Contrast Ball. 

Other items, however, such as the Batting Ring, Wooden Legs, and Connector, cannot go in the washing machine. You should always spot-clean these separately.

Washing the Lovevery play gym is simple. 

1. Gather your mat and make sure to close the attachment loops on all three corners of the play mat. Remove any attached teething rings, and remove all cards from the Learn to Focus Zone.

2. Place it into the washing machine and adjust settings for a delicate cycle using cold water. Attachments such as the Organic Cotton Teether, Sound Squares, Play Space Cover, and High Contrast Ball may also go in the washing machine on this setting. 

3. Load the washer with a mild laundry detergent; the same as you’d use to wash your baby’s clothing. Avoid any bleach or bleach-containing products. 

4. For those aforementioned items that can’t go in the laundry, wipe them clean instead with a damp cloth as needed. Teething Rings, meanwhile, can be washed in the sink with warm water and mild dish soap.

5. When the wash cycle is done, the Play Space Cover and High Contrast Ball can be tumble dried on low heat. 

6. Everything else should be air dried. Lay the mat flat on an elevated surface or use a drying rack so the entire mat can dry evenly. If your Activity Mat includes enclosed squeakers, press them several times while the mat is drying to help release any excess water, recommends Coley.

To prolong the life of your mat, make sure to wash the Lovevery play mat safely and regularly, throwing it into the washing machine for a deep clean at least every two weeks. Doing so will avoid buildup and prevent the spread of germs.

“Spot clean spills or drool as soon as possible to help prevent stains or odors from setting in,” Coley said. “When not in use, consider placing the gym in a low-traffic area. For individual toys, a quick wipe-down after playtime can also go a long way.”