Soft play sets, ball pits, play mats and children’s beanbags bring hours of joy — and inevitably a few spills and messes too. With the right care routines, you can keep these pieces looking and feeling their best for years. This guide covers practical, parent-friendly tips on cleaning, maintaining and refreshing your playroom favourites.
Why Proper Care Matters
Children’s play products are designed for everyday use, but they still benefit from regular attention. Cleaning and maintaining soft play sets and accessories:
- prolongs lifespan
- keeps materials hygienic
- ensures safe play experiences
- helps retain colour and texture
Soft Play Sets: Cleaning & Maintenance
Soft play sets are usually made from foam with removable fabric covers. Proper care keeps them fresh and safe.
Daily Tidy-Up
After playtime, a quick visual check helps catch crumbs, dust and stray bits before they settle in. Simply shake loose debris from fabric and wipe foam areas with a dry cloth.
Spot Cleaning Spills
For small spills:
- Use a clean, damp cloth and mild soap.
- Gently blot the affected area — avoid rubbing vigorously as this can damage fibres.
- Always rinse with a fresh damp cloth to remove soap residue.
- Let air dry completely before next use.
Washing Removable Covers
Many covers on play sets and mats are machine washable:
- Remove covers carefully following labels.
- Wash on a gentle cycle, cold or warm water.
- Use mild laundry detergent — avoid bleach.
- Air dry; avoid tumble drying unless the label explicitly allows it.
Ball Pits & Balls: Cleaning Safely
Ball pits are fun but attract spills and fingerprints. Both the pit itself and the balls need routine care.
Cleaning the Ball Pit Structure
- Empty balls into a clean container.
- Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe all surfaces.
- Rinse with a fresh damp cloth and let fully air dry before adding balls back.
Cleaning Ball Pit Balls
Depending on material, you can either:
- wipe balls individually with a damp cloth and mild soap, or
- for large quantities, soak balls in a shallow tub with warm water and gentle detergent, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
Always ensure balls are fully dry before returning to the pit to prevent mould or odour.
Play Mats & Beanbags: Everyday Care
Play mats and beanbags are often used on the floor and can quickly pick up dust and crumbs.
Regular Vacuuming
Light vacuuming (with an upholstery attachment if possible) every week helps keep play mats and covers free from dust and small debris.
Spot Treatment for Marks
- Use a mild detergent solution on a cloth to gently blot marks.
- Avoid strong chemicals or bleach — these can discolour fabrics.
- Always test a small, hidden area first.
Cover Washing & Care
Many beanbag and mat covers unzip for washing. Follow similar steps as for soft play covers:
- wash on a gentle cycle
- cold or warm water only
- air dry thoroughly
General Safety & Longevity Tips
- Avoid placing play products near heaters or direct sunlight — UV can fade colours.
- Keep food and drink away from play areas when possible.
- Check seams and foam periodically for wear and repair or replace covers as needed.
- Shake and air out soft play pieces regularly to prevent trapped moisture.
When to Refresh vs Replace
With regular care, soft play and accessories can stay comfortable for years, but there are times to consider refreshing:
- persistent odours despite cleaning
- covers that no longer fit snugly
- foam that has lost shape or support
Often, replacing a cover is all that’s needed to make a piece feel new again — an easy way to extend lifespan without replacing the whole item.
Enjoying Every Moment of Play
Soft play sets, ball pits, beanbags and play mats are part of everyday family life — and everyday messes happen. With these simple care steps, you can keep your child’s play space safe, comfortable and welcoming for years to come.
If you’re ever unsure about care for a specific item, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to help with practical advice.
