Can You Wash a Pram Mattress? Here's How to Do It Safely

The pram mattress is the surface closest to your baby, which makes keeping it clean a genuine priority. Between milk dribbles, sweat, and the occasional nappy leak, mattresses need regular attention. But can you actually wash one? The short answer is yes — with the right approach.

Check the Care Label First

Before doing anything, look at the care label. Some pram mattresses have removable, machine-washable covers. Others are spot-clean only. The fill material matters too — foam, hollow fibre, and coconut coir all have different care requirements.

Removing the Cover

If your mattress has a removable cover with a zip, take it off and wash it according to the label instructions. Most can be machine washed at 30-40°C on a gentle cycle. Air dry completely before putting it back.

Spot Cleaning the Mattress Core

For the mattress itself, spot cleaning is usually the safest approach. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and use a damp cloth to gently dab stained areas. Avoid soaking the mattress — excess moisture can damage the filling and create a breeding ground for mould.

Dealing With Tough Stains

For milk stains, a solution of cold water and a little white vinegar works well. For food or general discolouration, a paste of baking soda and water left for 15 minutes before wiping away can lift stubborn marks.

Deodorising Your Pram Mattress

Mattresses can develop a stale smell over time. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface, leave for at least 30 minutes (longer is better), and then vacuum it off. This absorbs odours naturally without adding any fragrance chemicals near your baby.

Sanitising Without Harsh Chemicals

To sanitise, lightly mist the surface with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, then allow it to air dry completely. The vinegar kills bacteria and mould spores, and the smell disappears as it dries. Alternatively, leaving the mattress in direct sunlight for a few hours provides natural UV sanitisation.

Drying Is Critical

This cannot be overstated: the mattress must be completely dry before you put it back in the pram. Any residual moisture can lead to mould growth inside the filling, which is both a health risk and nearly impossible to fix. Allow at least 24 hours of air drying, ideally in a well-ventilated area.

When to Replace a Pram Mattress

If your mattress is heavily stained, has visible mould inside the filling, has lost its firmness, or has a persistent musty smell that cleaning doesn't fix, it's time for a replacement. Mattresses for most popular pram brands are readily available and relatively inexpensive.