Caring for Your Playmat: The Ultimate Guide

Caring for Your Playmat: The Ultimate Guide

Messy Moments with Kids: Embrace the Chaos with a Clean Playmat!

Poopie diapers, drool, sippy cups, and crumbs – when you’ve got a little one around, it’s like living in a whirlwind of mess! We all love our kids to bits, but let’s be real: they can turn a tidy home into a disaster zone in no time. Accepting that mess is just part of the parenting journey took me a while, but now I roll with it – along with the occasional germ invasion.

Why Buy a Playmat?

Curious about the dirtiest spots in your home?

Kitchen bin?

Toilet?

Soap dispensers?

Door handles? 

…the FLOOR?

Guess what? While all those places are pretty gross, your carpets are actually 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat! Yikes, right?

That’s where your playmat comes in. It’s a germ-catcher for sure, but it’s also your little one's safe, clean play zone. Here’s why keeping your playmat in tip-top shape matters:

  • Longevity: You want it to stick around for all those messes and milestones.
  • Baby’s Skin: It’s in constant contact with your baby’s delicate skin.
  • Material Matters: Different playmats need different cleaning techniques.

Luckily, keeping your playmat fresh and clean isn’t rocket science! Keiki Care provides care instructions with our playmats, but here’s the lowdown on how to keep yours looking fabulous for longer:

Foam Playmats

Keiki Care’s premium TPU playmats come in reversable styles like the our most popular Map+Mint Spots!

 

Prepping Your Playmat

First things first – give the floor a good clean. Vacuum your carpet, then lay down your playmat. A rug pad underneath can help keep it in place for wood or tile floors. Avoid putting the mat on high-pile carpets or under heavy furniture, as this can cause damage.

If you’ve got hard floors like wood, vinyl, or tile, mop them first and make sure they’re completely dry before laying down the mat. Moisture trapped underneath can be a bad news bear for some flooring types.

 

Cleaning Your Foam Playmat

Grab a damp, soft cloth and some gentle soap. Steer clear of harsh detergents and don’t soak the mat. Just wipe it down and dry it thoroughly.

 

Playmat Placement Tips

Keep your playmat indoors and out of direct sunlight – sunlight can cause it to fade. Keiki Care’s mats are made from high-quality TPU foam, so while they might show pressure marks from little feet or knees, the foam will bounce back.

For the best longevity, keep heavy furniture, pets, high heels, and sharp objects away from the mat. They can cause damage or leave long-lasting indentations.

 

Routine Cleaning

For regular upkeep, a vacuum cleaner works wonders, but go easy with the suction power and avoid heavy wheels that could damage the mat. If you’re not into vacuuming, a soft-bristled brush and pan can sweep away crumbs and debris.

And there you have it – keep the mess manageable and the playmat sparkling, and you’ll be ready for all the giggles and spills life with kids brings!

 

Got Stains? Here’s What to Watch Out For!

Wondering what could turn your playmat into a splash of color? Brace yourself! Some sneaky culprits can make stubborn stains that are tough to get rid of. Keep an eye out for:

  • Pens and Craft Paints: Especially the non-water-based ones – they’re like permanent party crashers.
  • Nail Varnish and Remover: These are like the VIPs of stains. They don’t mess around!
  • Food Fiascos: Berries, citrus fruits, tomato sauces, certain spices (like turmeric), and food coloring – they can turn your mat into an abstract art piece.

And a heads-up: Avoid using store-bought chemical cleaners. They might make your playmat’s colors go from vibrant to “oops” in no time. Stick to the gentle stuff and keep those stains at bay! 🌟

Back to blog