How to Care for Your Cot Mattress and Crib Sheets

Quick answer

Clean a cot mattress by spot-treating stains with a mild detergent and cool water, then air-dry it fully before making the bed. Wash crib and co-sleeper sheets weekly at 40°C, and use a waterproof mattress protector to keep accidents away from the mattress core. This routine takes about 20 minutes and helps your mattress last from newborn to toddler.

Why a fixed weekly routine matters more than deep cleaning

Most cot mattress damage comes from repeated small exposures—spit-up, leaky nappies, dribble—rather than one big spill. If those sit in the fabric or reach the core, they can encourage odour and mildew. A quick weekly check and wash prevents that buildup without harsh chemicals. Set a recurring day (for example, every Sunday morning) so it becomes automatic. If your baby has reflux or is teething heavily, check the mattress surface every two to three days instead.

What you need before you start

Gather two clean sheets (so one is always ready), a waterproof mattress protector, mild non-biological detergent, a soft cloth or sponge, and a drying rack or washing line. Avoid fabric softener and bleach on baby bedding—they can leave residues that irritate skin and break down elastic. Check the care label on your mattress and sheets first; if a label says dry clean only, follow it.

How to spot-clean a cot mattress without soaking it

Mix a teaspoon of mild detergent with 500ml cool water. Dampen a cloth—not dripping—and blot the stain from the outside in to stop it spreading. Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then press a dry towel over the area to absorb moisture. Stand the mattress on its side in a well-ventilated room until completely dry, which usually takes 4–6 hours. Never put a mattress back on the bed frame while damp; trapped moisture is the main cause of musty smells.

Washing crib and co-sleeper sheets correctly

Wash sheets at 40°C on a normal cycle with a mild detergent. If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin, choose a non-biological formula and skip fabric softener. Tumble dry on low or air-dry; high heat shrinks cotton and weakens elasticated corners. For co-sleeper sheets, check the fit after every wash—if the elastic feels loose, it is time to replace them so they stay secure. A two-pack like the 2 Pack Universal Crib/Co-Sleeper Sheets - Cashmere Meadow lets you rotate one on the bed while the other is in the wash.

Mattress protector cleaning and rotation

A waterproof protector is the single best way to extend mattress life. Wash it every two weeks, or immediately after any leak, following its own care label. While the protector is off, vacuum the mattress surface with a upholstery attachment on low suction, then air it for 30 minutes. Rotate the mattress head-to-foot every three months if it is not a no-turn model—this evens out the dip that forms where your baby sleeps. If you use a sprung mattress with anti-allergy fibres, like the Mother&Baby Rose Gold Anti-Allergy Sprung Cot Mattress 120 x 60cm, follow the maker's cleaning guidance rather than soaking the surface, because the TENCEL™ and Purotex® layers are designed to work best when kept dry and aired.

Storing bedding and keeping the nursery fresh

Store clean sheets folded in a dry cupboard, not in the bathroom or a damp garage. If you keep spare bedding in a drawer under the changing unit, add a small cotton bag of lavender or just leave the drawer slightly open for airflow. Change the sheet immediately after any illness or leak, and air the room for 10 minutes daily. A dresser with dedicated drawers, such as the Clara 6 Drawer Dresser - White & Ash, makes it easy to keep fresh sheets separate from dirty laundry so you are not hunting for a clean one at 2am.

Your 20-minute weekly bedding care steps

1. Strip the bed and check the mattress surface: Remove the sheet and protector. Look for stains, damp patches, or crumbs along the seams and corners. Common mistake: skipping this check and only washing the sheet, which lets small spills sit on the mattress. If you find a damp patch, spot-clean it before putting on fresh bedding.
2. Wash sheets and protector at 40°C: Use a mild non-biological detergent and a normal cycle. Do not add fabric softener or bleach. Common mistake: overloading the machine, which stops sheets rinsing properly and leaves detergent residue. Check the care label first; if it says 30°C, use that instead.
3. Air-dry or tumble dry on low: Hang sheets outside if possible, or use a low tumble setting. High heat shrinks cotton and weakens elastic corners. Common mistake: putting bedding away slightly damp, which causes musty smells. Make sure sheets and protector are completely dry before they go back on the bed.
4. Vacuum and rotate the mattress: While the bed is empty, vacuum the mattress with an upholstery attachment on low suction. Rotate head-to-foot every three months if your mattress is not a no-turn model. Common mistake: forgetting to rotate, which creates a dip where your baby sleeps. Set a calendar reminder for the next rotation.
5. Remake the bed with a snug sheet: Fit the protector first, then the sheet. Check that all elasticated corners are fully under the mattress and the sheet is smooth. Common mistake: using a sheet that is too loose, which can bunch up during sleep. If the sheet feels loose after washing, replace it—a secure fit matters for safe sleep.

Products that make this routine easier

• 2 Pack Universal Crib/Co-Sleeper Sheets - Cashmere Meadow: 2 Pack Universal Crib/Co-Sleeper Sheets - Cashmere Meadow are made from 100% soft, breathable cotton with elasticated edges for a secure fit on most bedside cribs. Having two sheets means you can wash one and still have a clean, snug-fitting sheet ready for the next sleep.
• Mother&Baby Rose Gold Anti-Allergy Sprung Cot Mattress 120 x 60cm: Mother&Baby Rose Gold Anti-Allergy Sprung Cot Mattress 120 x 60cm combines TENCEL™ fibres with Purotex® anti-allergy protection. The anti-allergy layers are designed to stay fresh, so keeping the mattress dry and aired—rather than soaking it—helps it perform as intended.
• Clara 6 Drawer Dresser - White & Ash: Clara 6 Drawer Dresser - White & Ash has six generous drawers for keeping essentials close to the changing area. Dedicated drawer space keeps clean sheets separate from dirty laundry, so your washing routine is faster and less chaotic.