How to Clean and Maintain Your Bassinet

A clean bassinet isn't just about appearances—it's essential for your baby's health and comfort. Newborns have developing immune systems and spend a significant amount of time in their sleep space, making regular cleaning a priority for every parent. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about keeping your bassinet fresh, hygienic, and safe.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Babies are wonderfully messy. Between spit-up, nappy leaks, drool, and general wear, bassinets can accumulate bacteria, allergens, and odours surprisingly quickly. Regular cleaning helps prevent skin irritations, reduces exposure to germs, and ensures your baby has a comfortable, fresh-smelling sleep environment.

Additionally, routine cleaning gives you the opportunity to inspect the bassinet for any damage or wear that could compromise safety. Think of it as preventative maintenance that protects both hygiene and structural integrity.

Before You Start: Check the Manual

Every bassinet is different, and manufacturers provide specific cleaning instructions for good reason. Before you begin any cleaning routine, locate your bassinet's instruction manual and review the care guidelines. Pay particular attention to:

• Which components are machine washable versus spot-clean only
• Recommended water temperature for washing
• Whether bleach or harsh chemicals should be avoided
• Specific drying instructions (air dry vs. tumble dry)
• Parts that should never get wet (electronics, certain foams)

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Establishing a weekly cleaning routine prevents buildup and makes the job much easier than tackling months of accumulated grime. Here's what to include:

Fitted Sheets and Fabric Covers

Remove the fitted sheet at least once a week and wash it in warm water with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Fragrance-free is important because babies have sensitive skin, and artificial fragrances can cause irritation. If your bassinet has a removable fabric liner or cover, wash this weekly as well.

Use an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residue is removed. Detergent residue can irritate delicate newborn skin and may contribute to conditions like baby eczema.

Mattress Wipe-Down

While the sheet is off, wipe down the mattress surface with a damp cloth. If you notice any stains or residue, use a mild soap solution (a small amount of baby-safe soap mixed with water). Wipe away any soap with a clean damp cloth and allow the mattress to air dry completely before replacing the sheet.

Never soak the mattress or put it in a washing machine unless the manufacturer specifically states this is safe. Most bassinet mattresses should remain dry to maintain their firmness and prevent mould growth.

Frame and Structure

Wipe down the frame, legs, and any hard surfaces with a damp cloth. For metal or plastic components, a mild all-purpose cleaner is usually safe, but always test on an inconspicuous area first. Wooden frames may require specific wood-safe cleaners to prevent damage to the finish.

Deep Cleaning: Monthly or After Incidents

In addition to weekly maintenance, plan for a more thorough deep clean monthly, or immediately after any significant mess (major spit-up, nappy blowout, or illness).

Mesh Panels

The breathable mesh panels on many bassinets are excellent for airflow but can trap dust and lint. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment on the lowest setting to gently remove debris. For visible stains, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry completely.

Avoid scrubbing mesh aggressively, as this can damage the material and compromise its structural integrity or create holes that could trap tiny fingers.

Mattress Deep Clean

If the mattress has a removable, washable cover, remove and launder it according to the manufacturer's instructions. For mattresses without removable covers, consider these steps:

• Sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to absorb odours
• Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly using an upholstery attachment
• Spot clean any remaining stains with a solution of mild soap and water
• Allow to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area (sunlight helps eliminate bacteria)

Hardware Check

During deep cleaning, take the opportunity to check all screws, bolts, and connectors. Tighten anything that has loosened and look for signs of wear, rust, or damage. This is also a good time to check that folding mechanisms still lock securely and that wheels (if present) still lock properly.

Dealing with Common Stains

Spit-Up and Milk Stains

Address these as quickly as possible for easiest removal. Blot (don't rub) the excess, then apply cold water. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric. For set-in stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the stain, let sit for 15 minutes, then blot away with a damp cloth.

Urine Stains

Blot excess moisture immediately. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray or dab onto the affected area, and let sit for 10 minutes. Blot with clean water to remove the vinegar solution. The vinegar neutralises odours and helps break down the stain.

Faecal Stains

Remove any solid matter first. Pre-treat with an enzyme-based stain remover specifically designed for organic stains (many are marketed for pet stains and work equally well for baby messes). Follow with a regular wash if the component is machine washable.

Storage and Long-Term Care

If you're storing your bassinet between uses (such as between children), proper preparation prevents damage and keeps it ready for the next baby:

• Clean thoroughly and ensure all components are completely dry
• Store in a dry, climate-controlled environment (avoid garages or sheds where temperature fluctuates)
• Cover with a breathable fabric cover or sheet to prevent dust accumulation
• Store the mattress flat to maintain its shape and firmness
• Keep all hardware together in a labelled bag attached to the frame

Before using a stored bassinet again, perform a complete safety inspection checking for pest damage, mould, degraded materials, or structural issues that may have developed during storage.

When to Replace Components

Some parts of a bassinet may need replacement even with excellent care:

• Mattress: If it no longer springs back when pressed, shows permanent indentations, or has persistent odours despite cleaning
• Fitted Sheets: When elastic loses tension or fabric becomes thin and worn
• Mesh Panels: If holes, tears, or significant stretching occurs
• Fabric Covers: When stains cannot be removed or fabric is deteriorating

Always use manufacturer-approved replacement parts to ensure proper fit and safety compliance.

Creating a Cleaning Kit

Keep these items together for convenient bassinet cleaning:

• Fragrance-free, baby-safe laundry detergent
• White vinegar (natural deodoriser)
• Baking soda (odour absorber and gentle cleaner)
• Soft cloths and microfibre towels
• Soft-bristled brush for gentle scrubbing
• Spray bottle for cleaning solutions
• Vacuum with upholstery attachment

A clean bassinet contributes to better sleep for your baby and peace of mind for you. By establishing a regular cleaning routine and addressing messes promptly, you'll maintain a healthy sleep environment throughout your bassinet's use.