FEATURED
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
ExPLORE
NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
FEATURED
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
ExPLORE
NON-TOXIC CLEANING 101
Babies breathe faster than adults and spend 12 to 17 hours a day sleeping with their face pressed against their mattress. Any chemical residue left behind by conventional cleaners — fragrances, bleach, ammonia, or harsh disinfectants — goes directly into the air they're breathing. Conventional stain removers and disinfecting sprays often contain ingredients that can irritate developing respiratory systems and sensitive skin.
When choosing a cleaner for your baby's crib mattress, look for products that are fragrance-free, dye-free, and made without harsh chemicals. Plant-derived formulas that use bio-based enzymes to break down stains are effective without leaving behind toxic residue.
Strip the bedding and vacuum the mattress surface to remove dust, hair, and crumbs. Spray the surface lightly with Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner and wipe down with a clean cloth. Let it air out for 15 to 20 minutes before putting fresh sheets on. Doing this weekly helps prevent buildup between deeper cleans.
Blot up as much liquid as you can with a clean towel — press firmly but don't rub. Apply Truly Free Home Enzyme Stain Remover directly to the affected area. The bio-based enzymes break down uric acid and odor-causing bacteria rather than just masking the smell. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot again with a damp cloth and allow the mattress to air dry completely.
Scrape off any solids first, then blot the area. Apply enzyme cleaner and let it work for 15 minutes. For lingering odor, sprinkle baking soda over the area after blotting, let it sit for 30 minutes, and vacuum it up. The combination of enzyme treatment and baking soda handles both the stain and the smell without any harsh chemicals.
Remove solids carefully, then blot with cold water, not hot, which can set the stain. Apply enzyme cleaner generously and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Blot clean with a damp cloth and repeat if the stain is still visible. For older or set-in stains, a second application usually does the job.
Bassinet and playpen mattresses are thinner and more delicate than crib mattresses, so they need a gentler approach. Remove the cover if it's detachable and machine wash it with Truly Free Home Laundry Wash. For the mattress pad itself, spot clean with Everyday Cleaner and a damp cloth. If your bassinet doesn't come apart, spray the surface lightly, wipe down, and prop it up in a well-ventilated area to dry. Never soak a bassinet mattress — the foam interior can trap moisture and develop mold.
Wipe down the surface weekly during your regular sheet change. Spot clean immediately whenever there's a pee, vomit, or poop incident. Do a deeper clean — vacuuming, full surface wipe, and airing out — once a month. And wash all crib sheets, mattress pads, and waterproof covers weekly in a gentle, non-toxic detergent.
A waterproof mattress protector is the single most effective thing you can use to cut down on deep cleaning. It catches leaks and spills before they soak into the mattress itself, and most are machine washable. Keep two on hand so you always have a clean one ready during middle-of-the-night sheet changes. Double-sheeting (waterproof pad, sheet, waterproof pad, sheet) saves time at 2 a.m. — just peel off the top layer and the clean set is already in place.
