At Marmalade Lion, we know that your bub’s play mat is a safe, comfy space where some of their first rolls, wiggles, giggles, and discoveries happen. It’s also a place for tummy time, nappy-free time, and maybe even the occasional snack! That’s why we’ve made our baby play mats with high-quality organic cotton, designed to be super soft, kind to baby’s sensitive skin, and better for the planet.
But we get it—life with little ones is messy. It could be a nappy explosion, mystery stains (was that mashed pumpkin or banana?)…your play mat is going to go through a lot. So, here’s Marmalade Lion’s easy, no-fuss guide to keeping your organic cotton baby play mat clean, fresh, and fabulous for as long as possible.
Why Organic Cotton?
Before we start with the nitty-gritty of care, let’s have a quick chat about why organic cotton matters. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without nasty chemicals or pesticides. It’s gentler on the environment and on your baby’s delicate skin. Plus, it’s breathable, durable, and feels beautifully soft to the touch—perfect for all those precious playtime moments.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Our play mats are designed with busy parents in mind. We’ve made them easy to clean and maintain, so you can spend less time worrying about stains and more time enjoying cuddles and chaos with your little one.
1. Quick Clean-Ups
There’ll be crumbs, spit-ups, and the occasional soggy biscuit. For everyday clean-ups, you can –
- Spot clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe. Use gentle dabbing motions rather than scrubbing, which can wear out the cotton fibres.
- For stickier messes, use a mild detergent diluted in warm water. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage the organic fabric and irritate your baby’s skin. End by dabbing with water using a hygienic sponge.
2. Deeper Washes
Eventually, your play mat is going to need a proper wash (especially after a particularly adventurous nappy change).
- Remove the cover (if you have a Marmalade Lion play mat with a removable cover—cheers to easy cleaning!).
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water.
- Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent. We recommend something fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Wash separately or with similar colours to avoid dye transfer.
- Avoid fabric softeners—organic cotton stays soft naturally and fabric softeners can reduce absorbency over time.
3. Drying Tips
Once washed, it’s tempting to chuck everything in the dryer and get on with your day. But a bit of patience can go a long way –
- Air dry your play mat cover whenever possible. Lay it flat in the shade to preserve colour and shape.
- If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting to avoid shrinkage and keep the organic fibres in top shape.
- Don’t wring the fabric too hard—it can stretch out the shape or damage the cotton.
Keeping It Fresh Between Washes
Sometimes your mat doesn’t need a full wash, just a little refresh.
- Give it a good shake outdoors to get rid of crumbs and fluff.
- You may run a powerful steamer over your playmat before popping it in the sun for extra cleaning.
- Pop it in the sun for an hour or two—the Aussie sun is a great natural deodoriser and helps kill germs.
- Sprinkle a little bicarb soda over the surface and vacuum it up to neutralise odours. This step might be somewhat redundant after leaving it to sun dry.
Storing Your Play Mat
If your little one has graduated from tummy time or you’re putting the mat away for future bubs, you’ll want to store it properly.
- Make sure it’s completely CLEAN and dry before folding or packing away.
- Store in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to avoid fading or mildew.
- Keep it in a breathable storage bag or pillowcase to protect it from dust.
What to Avoid
To help your organic cotton play mat last longer, steer clear of –
- Bleach or brighteners – These can break down natural fibres and irritate sensitive skin.
- Rough brushes or scrubbing – Be gentle to maintain the soft, cushy texture.
- High heat drying – This can shrink or warp your mat and damage the filling.
Why Marmalade Lion Play Mats Are So Easy to Love (and Clean!)
Our baby play mats aren’t just cute—they’re lovingly designed to grow with your family. With removable, machine-washable covers, durable non-slip bases, and eco-conscious materials, they tick all the boxes for comfort, safety, and easy maintenance. And let’s be honest, anything that makes parenting life easier is a win, right?
Plus, we’ve made them versatile, so they’re just as at home in your lounge room, nursery, or picnic rug setup at the park. And because we use premium organic cotton, you can feel good knowing you’re choosing something gentle on your child and kinder to the environment.
Caring for your organic cotton baby play mat is really about finding a rhythm that works for your household. Some weeks it’ll only need a shake and a spot clean. Other times, it might need a full machine wash after a particularly “eventful” day. Either way, your mat is built to handle the ups and downs of family life.
We hope this guide helps you keep your play mat looking beautiful and feeling cosy for years to come. And if you ever need a hand or have questions about your mat, just reach out to our friendly team—we’re always here to help.
From our pride to yours,
The Marmalade Lion Team
