How Soft Play Equipment Should Be Cleaned and What to Ask Before You Book

When little ones are crawling, climbing and occasionally chewing on the equipment, cleanliness isn’t a detail. It’s the first thing a parent should ask about. Here’s what proper cleaning of soft play equipment looks like, based on public-health guidance for children’s play areas, and the questions worth asking any rental company before you book.

Clean first, then sanitize

These are two separate steps, and the order matters. The Minnesota Department of Health’s guidance for indoor play areas is clear: surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly with soapy water before they’re sanitized. Sanitizers work by reducing germs to safe levels, and they work far better on a surface that’s already free of dirt and residue.

1. Clean: wipe every surface with soapy water to lift dirt, crumbs and fingerprints.
2. Rinse or wipe clear if the product label calls for it.
3. Sanitize: apply a sanitizer suited to vinyl and soft play surfaces, leave it for the contact time on the label, and let it air-dry.

How often

For play areas in regular use, the same guidance calls for cleaning and sanitizing daily or more often, and immediately whenever dirt is visible. For rental equipment, that means a full clean between every event, not just a quick wipe of whatever looks dirty.

When there’s an accident

Spit-up, a leaky diaper or a nosebleed happens. Bodily fluids call for a step up: close off the area, clean with soapy water, then disinfect (stronger than sanitizing) before anyone plays there again. At a party that’s easy: pause play for a few minutes, clean the spot, and carry on.

Five questions to ask any soft play rental company

Your part on party day

• Shoes off before stepping onto the equipment.
• Keep food and drinks at a separate table, and wash hands after eating.
• Keep baby wipes and a small trash bag nearby for quick spills.
• Kids who are unwell sit this one out. Their friends’ parents will thank you.

Planning a party? Start with our week-by-week soft play party checklist, or ask us about your date.