How To Clean Outside Playpen? Complete Guide

With a playpen, it’s easy to keep your kid safe everywhere you go. With regular use, though, they can become quite filthy. So, knowing how to clean a playpen is essential.

You can’t just throw a playpen in the washing machine because it’s so big. However, this does not imply that you should allow the playpen in which your infant sleeps to get dirty. Keeping your baby’s playpen spotless and frequently deep-cleaning will ensure that he or she has a safe and healthy environment to play in.

What is a playpen?

Small portable enclosures with bars or nets on the walls, as well as an entrance at the top, are commonly used to keep children entertained and engaged while their parents or caregivers are at work or away from their children.

The majority of playpens are made of wood furniture so that they may be moved about or relocated easily.

Also, wood is popular since it is lighter, more versatile in decorating, and safer than other materials.

It provides a secure haven for children to play and entertain themselves in a world that isn’t dominated by technology.

A crib and a playpen are not interchangeable since a playpen is often constructed of lighter material and can be moved around the room more easily than a crib.

Various ages that are suitable for playpen;

1. Infant should be introduced to playpen no later than four months, so that the baby grows up knowing that the playpen is safe for play. Leaving the baby in an enclosed area may cause the newborn to feel unsafe.
2. For babies six to eight months old who are just learning their first steps, a playpen is an excellent option since it provides a sense of safety and security. New toys should be introduced while they’re there so that they can learn to stand or sit on their own as they extend to get them.
3. At this age, the youngster is able to crawl or stand on his or her own. Enclosing them could appear to hinder their exploratory spirit. The playpen may not be the greatest solution if you want to allow your baby some room to run around and explore.

Different uses of a playpen

• Napping

When it’s time for a child to take a nap, a playpen comes in useful.

When a child can sleep wherever he or she chooses, the benefits are numerous.

• Playtime

When a youngster wants to play on his or her own, a parent or guardian can put some toys in the playpen for him or her.

• Travel

A playpen can be a lifesaver when traveling with a baby, as it will make it easier to carry the child in your arms.

It frees up the parent’s time, allowing them to carry out other tasks while the baby is in the playpen or napping.

Playpens can also double as a crib in a limited space, allowing parents or guardians to sleep while the baby plays.

Places where children are at risk, such as those with exposed electrical wires or outlets or those where dogs are kept, should have a playpen installed to keep them safe (infections).

The baby’s weight is one consideration before making a purchase or acquiring a playpen.

Choosing a playpen that is strong enough to hold an infant’s weight and not collapse while the child is playing or napping is essential.

Another consideration is the baby’s weight.

A child’s or toddler’s playpen should have plenty of room so that they may move around freely while having fun.

The playpen’s design should make it simple to move around.

When not in use, the playpen should fold or hang for easy storage.

Another important consideration is the size of the enclosed area where the playpen is assigned.

People who live in small apartments or houses should avoid buying extra-large playpens since they will make it difficult for other members of the household to get around.

The other features that may come with the playpen package, such as wheels that make it easier to travel, amenities like diaper stacking or a storage area for the baby’s belongings, should also be taken into consideration.

You can also use a rocking attachment to soothe a baby to sleep.

Since a playpen isn’t meant to be used for a long time, it’s important to keep in mind your budget when making a purchase.

There are some different types of playpens

1) Standard playpen

The raised floor and open sides allow the child to converse with the person supervising them, making it ideal for use indoors for the purpose of providing children’s amusement.

2) Playpens Gates

Playpens without flooring, also known as playpens gates, can be set up on a lawn or in a house corner as an alternative.

It has greater room, but it cannot be taken on long journeys.

3) Travel playpens

These may be folded up and stored in a smaller space.

Baby naps are the primary use of these blankets.

To begin using a playpen with a child above six months of age, the baby must be able to crawl.

In addition, it is best to get one before the baby begins to move around so that it doesn’t feel constrained or restricted in one certain location.

If the playpen has holes or is damaged in any way, it should not be utilized.

Don’t put anything that a baby could use to damage itself like dangling ropes or ribbons about the house.

Advantages of Playpens for Babies

• It is the most important benefit of a playpen to keep your infant safe from choking on food or putting their fingers in electrical outlets. Your child can ingest little objects that are lying under the table, sofa, bed, or anywhere else in the house if he is allowed to roam freely.
• Your youngsters are perfectly safe in their playpens. They’re designed with the safety of children in mind. Using a playpen is a simple and safe way for your child to spend some time while they’re still young. In addition, a safety mat can protect your youngster in the event of a fall.
• Your children will be protected from the elements when participating in outdoor activities or gatherings. For example, if you’re taking your baby on a picnic, a playpen will provide a safe place for him to play, nap, and change his diapers.
• Playpens allow children to explore the play area on their own, allowing them to learn about their surroundings. Playing alone in their own environment helps them to experiment and grow in a way that is both safe and good for them.
• They are lightweight and multi-functional. While driving, you may simply fold them up and take them with you. As a child’s gate, a napping area or even a change station they can be used in many ways.
• They’re long-lasting and surprisingly light. The playpen will keep your baby safe and secure no matter how rough and tumble your child gets. Many playpens are also simple to put together.

Disadvantages of Playpens for Babies

• Smaller homes, cottages, or rooms may not be able to use playpens due to their size.
• They can limit your baby’s ability to crawl or walk, which might be dangerous for your child. Some infant playpens are like to jails, with restrictions on your kid’s ability to move as naturally as possible.
• Buying a playpen may be a waste of money and time if your baby doesn’t like it.
• Putting your child in a playpen can cause him or her to feel isolated, which can have negative effects on their mental and emotional growth.
• It is known that children can die from asphyxia in playpens because of the soft bedding, mattresses, and cushions.

Why You Need to Clean Your Baby’s Playpen

Babies who are exposed to household microbes and pet dander are less likely to develop allergies and asthma later in life, according to research. However, the value of this exposure diminishes dramatically after the first year.

Babies’ immune systems can become too sensitive if they are raised in an overly clean environment. However, this does not negate the necessity for parents to clean items such as playpens that their children routinely use.

A playpen must be disinfected, but how do you do so without weakening your baby’s immune system? Avoid using strong chemicals or disinfectants and instead use a mild detergent to clean things up.

What kind of detergent is best?

Choosing the right detergent is critical if you want to know how to properly clean a playpen.

Detergents are chemicals that are used to break down grease and oil. Surfactants are the chemical names given to the active constituents in most detergents.

As a result of the lower surface tension, surfactants can better penetrate the fibers of your clothes while washing. Water molecules are more able to stick to grease when surfactants are present to aid in the bonding process. The cleaning process would not be complete without this step.

Commercial detergents, on the other hand, often contain additional chemicals. Among the most popular additives are optical brighteners, enzymes, and fragrances. In addition to their ability to brighten colors, remove stains, and provide a fresh scent to your laundry, these chemicals can also cause skin irritation in babies.

If you’re looking for a detergent for cleaning your playpen, seek for a non-biological detergent that is free of scents and brighteners.

In addition to being dermatologist-recommended, Babyganic’s concentrated detergent is available in an environmentally friendly form.

Washing soda is an excellent starting point if you’d rather build your own detergent. Four parts washing soda, four parts baking soda and one part mild castile soap make an ultra-gentle DIY detergent. It’s a cinch to whip up a batch of cookies using a food processor. Preserve in an airtight jar.

How to Clean a Playpen

Keeping these three things in mind will help you clean a playpen.

The first line of defense should be spot cleaning, since playpens are plainly too large to be washed in the washing machine.

You can also clean a playpen, but you’ll need a bathtub for that.

The cardboard backing on many playpen mats is another common feature. It is essential to dry a mat with a cardboard backing properly after it has been soaked to avoid warping.

How to Clean a Playpen: Spot-cleaning

For fresh spills, spot-cleaning is a great option. This method works nicely with baby food and formula.

1. Blot

Blotting the stain is the initial stage in spot-cleaning. You can use a dry cloth or several paper towels to remove some of the wetness from a fresh spill. After that, soak the stain with a damp cloth or sponge dipped in a mild detergent solution.

2. Flush with water

The next step is to use cool water to rinse away the discoloration. If you can’t get the stain under a faucet, try immersing a sponge in clear water and wiping it. No detergent residue should be left behind in this process. Continue to the following step when the water is clear and no suds are visible.

3. Let dry

To complete the process of spot-cleaning your child’s playpen, allow the area to completely dry off.

Don’t use a hairdryer to dry your hair. The heat could permanently set the stain if the stain wasn’t completely removed in the initial round of spot-cleaning.

How to Clean a Playpen: Deep-cleaning

Spot-cleaning isn’t always enough. It’s a good idea to give your playpen a thorough cleaning if it has accumulated a thick layer of filth or if it has been used frequently.

Deep cleaning your playpen requires a bathtub or other vessel large enough to accommodate the playpen when it’s folded down.

1. Soak

You should clear any hardened stains on the playpen surface before soaking it.

Fill your bathtub with hot water and a few drops of detergent, and then scrub away the dirt. In your tub, place a folded-down playpen on top of the playpen’s mat. While keeping the playpen underwater, open it up as far as feasible.

A vinegar and baking soda solution can be used instead of the commercial detergent if you prefer not to use it.

Soak the playpen for about 30 minutes, then flip it over and soak for an additional 30.

2. Agitate

Using a swish motion in the tub is the next step in properly cleaning a playpen, of course. Agitating the playpen before washing will let the water flow more freely and remove more dirt.

3: Rinse

Drain the wash water from your bathtub after swishing the playpen. Using hot water, wash your playpen and mat well.

You can use a flexible shower head to wash the playpen if you have one. If you don’t, fill your bathtub with clear water, agitate the playpen, then drain the water to eliminate all detergent residue. Continue until there is no more suds left.

4. Dry

Drying is the final process.

Try to set up your playpen on a clean area in direct sunlight if you can. For those times when it isn’t an option, look for a sunny spot in your home, perhaps near an open window.

To dry your playpen, all you need to do is keep the mat flat. When drying your playpen mat, you can stand it up on the edges, but we like to use a level drying rack, like this one, to avoid warping.

Conclusion

It’s so simple to clean a baby’s playpen! Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before beginning a deep-cleaning project, and use a soft detergent.

It makes sense to buy a high-quality playpen that you can pass down to future generations or resell when you’ve mastered the art of keeping it clean.

Is there anything I can do to help you find the greatest playpens? Take a look at our collection of resources.

Do you have a go-to recipe for making your own homemade baby soap? Let us know what you think!