Kids love ball pits, but for parents, they can be a cleaning nightmare. Sure, you can remove the balls, give them a good shake, and maybe even run them through the washing machine. But if you really want to get down to business and make sure your little ones are playing in a safe and hygienic environment, you have to do more than that.
Fortunately, there are some simple but effective steps you can take to ensure a thorough cleaning of your ball pit balls. But first, let’s look at why it’s so important to clean them properly in the first place. Then, we’ll provide 06 steps that will help you make sure the job is done right every time. Let’s get started!
Why You Should Clean Ball Pit Balls
When you hear “ball pit balls,” you probably think of children having fun and being active. What you may not realize is that those fuzzy balls can harbor germs and bacteria, which can be harmful to your little one if they put them in their mouth.
This is why every parent should take the time to thoroughly clean their ball pit balls. This will protect your child as they play by reducing the likelihood that they will come into contact with infections and other harmful germs.
Ball pit balls are often cleaned using a disinfectant solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. The ball should be fully submerged in this solution for a few minutes, removed, and well dried before being put back in your child’s play area.
What Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Ball Pit Balls
Cleaning ball pit balls doesn’t require a lot of supplies, but it’s important to make sure you have everything you need before you start.
Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Bleach and water mixture – For sufficiently sanitizing the balls, you should make an effective cleaning solution using bleach and water. The right ratio of bleach to water is usually 1 part bleach to 30 parts water.
- Washing machine – If you want to clean the ball pit balls without damaging them, a washing machine is the answer! Just make sure that the pit balls are well-secured while in the washer.
- Specialized ball cleaning equipment – If your ball pit balls get really grimy, investing in specialized cleaning equipment might be the way to go!
Having these supplies on hand will help ensure that your ball pit balls are cleaned thoroughly and safely.
How to Sort and Separate the Balls
Sorting and separating the balls is the next step. This can be done by color, size or pattern. You can even have some fun with it and make a design with the balls!
Simply scooping them out with your hands and sorting out the ones you need is the simplest approach to arrange them. Another option is to pour them all into one bucket, then scoop them out again into a fresh bucket. This will assist separate any chunks that may have become stuck together.
If you’re feeling particularly organized, you may even group them further according to color or pattern so that any items that are particularly soiled or damaged won’t mingle with the clean ones.
Sorting and separating the balls beforehand will make cleaning them a much easier task — plus you’ll be able to keep track of how many balls you had originally – so nothing gets lost in the process!
Pre-Cleaning Tips for More Efficient Cleaning
There are a few techniques you may do while pre-cleaning ball pit balls to speed up the cleaning procedure. First off, by breaking up dirt, pre-cleaning with a general purpose cleaner aids in improving cleaning performance. Use a sponge or brush to agitate the surfaces after spraying them with all-purpose cleaner to help break up dirt and speed up the cleaning process.
Also, it’s important to pre-clean surfaces with soap and water before applying disinfectant. The soap and water solution helps prepare the surface by removing loose dirt and other organic matter that can inhibit the disinfectant from working correctly. Make sure you allow enough time for the surface to air dry as well before applying disinfectant.
Last but not least, you might want to think about soaking ball pit balls in a cleaner or specialty soak before any further washing in extreme situations if they are seriously dirty or contaminated. Although it is not necessary, this step may be useful in the worst-case scenarios to assist remove soil and stains from surfaces before scrubbing them clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Ball Pit Balls
Now for the nitty-gritty of how to clean ball pit balls.
First, you’ll want to wash the ball pit balls with soap and water using a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly with plain water after they’re sudsy. This will remove any dirt or grime that could prevent proper cleaning and sanitizing.
It’s time to sanitize the balls in a bleach and water solution after they have been thoroughly cleaned. The CDC advises adding one-third cup of bleach to one gallon of water, then soaking the balls for five to ten minutes in the mixture.
After that, rinse the balls under cold running water to ensure that all bleach is gone before putting them back in the ball pit. (or play area). In order to prevent them from leaving any damp spots in their new home, it is best to dry them off with a towel as well.
Drying Out the Ball Pit Balls
Drying the ball pit balls is the next step after washing and rinsing them. This step is crucial because mildew and mold can grow on the balls if they are not fully dried. As setting the balls down on a towel can leave marks on their surface, you should hang the balls in a washing net or other sort of bag to dry them correctly. You could also want to go the additional mile to make sure they are entirely dry and ready for use after they have been hung up to dry.
Tips for Drying Out Ball Pit Balls
- Hang drying is recommended over laying flat to avoid shrinking.
- If possible, put them in direct sunlight as this will help speed up the process.
- Let the balls dry until no moisture is present.
- Shake them frequently to get rid of excess water.
People Also Like: Clean Your Brake Rotors Without Removing Wheel to Save Time
Conclusion
Cleaning ball pit balls doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the proper tools and knowledge of the steps, you can quickly and effectively clean your ball pit balls. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your ball pit is free from germs and dirt.
When cleaning your ball pit, don’t be too overzealous and scrub them too hard, as this can damage the surface of the balls. Simply follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be able to enjoy a clean ball pit with peace of mind.
Hey there! I’m Alton Smith, your Clean Expert blogger. I’m on a quest to help you conquer chaos and embrace the joys of a tidy life.