Ball pits are a fun place for kids to relax and play. However, they can be a source of dirt, germs, and grime. Here are some tips for keeping them clean! Especially with friends coming and going – it is important to keep the ball pit clean.

With these tips – you and your loved ones should be able to enjoy your ball pit for years to come!

Check out what ball pits we recommend, how many balls are needed for your ball pit, and whether to use non-crush or crush-proof plastic balls

Table of Contents

Ball Pit Cleaning Steps

1. Frequent Surface Wiping: Regularly wipe down the surface of the ball pit with a mild, child-safe disinfectant. This helps eliminate germs and keeps the play area clean. To do this – dump out the balls (or have your child do it) – and go to town.
2. Individual Ball Cleaning: Consider washing individual plastic balls regularly. Use a gentle soap solution and ensure they are thoroughly dried before placing them back into the ball pit. You can put them in the bathtub and wash them. Be careful not to use water that is too hot. Once done washing them – lay them out on towels to air dry overnight. Pro Tip: The key biggest time waster is picking up individual balls. Do what you can to move all the balls in one go – for instance – dump all the balls straight into the ball pit, and then once the bath is empty of water, use towels to scoop up as many balls at once. Then let the balls dry on those towels before dumping the towels out into the ball pit!
3. Spot Cleaning for Accidents: Address spills or accidents promptly. Spot clean the affected area using a mild cleaning solution to prevent stains and maintain cleanliness.
4. Ventilation for Drying: Allow the ball pit to dry thoroughly after cleaning. Proper ventilation helps prevent mold and mildew growth, ensuring a fresh and hygienic environment.
5. Periodic Deep Cleaning: Schedule periodic deep cleaning sessions for the entire ball pit. Remove the balls, clean the pit with a mild detergent, and let it dry completely before reassembly. If you have a memory foam ball pit – you can throw the cover in the washer and dryer! The important thing here is having a schedule. Put a reminder in your phone for every 4 months to wash the ball pit cover and balls.
6. Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect the ball pit for any signs of wear and tear. Repair or replace damaged parts promptly to maintain a safe play space.
7. Storage in Clean Conditions: When not in use, store the ball pit in a clean and dry area. This prevents dust and contaminants from settling on the surface.
8. Educate Family Members: Ensure that all family members know the importance of keeping the ball pit clean. Encourage everyone to wash their hands before entering the play area.
9. Use Child-Friendly Cleaning Products: Opt for safe cleaning products for children. Non-toxic, child-friendly solutions will help keep the ball pit clean without exposing your child to harmful chemicals.
10. Promote Regular Handwashing: Emphasize the importance of handwashing before and after playtime. Installing a handwashing station near the play area can be a helpful reminder.

FAQ:

Question: Can I put my ball pit balls in the washing machine?

Answer: We don’t recommend putting balls in the washing machine as the balls can deform. Hot water especially will cause the balls to possibly irreversibly lose their shape.

Question: If a ball is moldy – can I clean it off and reuse?

Answer: We recommend getting rid of any balls that are gross in any way. Ball pit balls can be found relatively cheaply online new or through buy nothing groups. If you are running short on balls – get more.

Question: How often should I clean my ball pit?

Answer: Obviously use matters – but a good rule of thumb would be once every season or whenever the balls go inside after being outside for a long period.

Question: How long does it take to wash all those balls?

Answer: The actual work of cleaning the balls doesn’t take more than 10 minutes – with the longest time related to the movement of the balls between the ball pit, to the tub, to the drying area, and then back to the ball pit.