How to Clean Soft Play Foam Blocks at Home
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Quick answer: Clean soft play foam blocks with a soft cloth wrung out in warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid, then wipe with clean water and let them dry fully. PVC or eco-leather covers just need wiping. Fabric covers like bouclé and corduroy need vacuuming and spot-cleaning, and can be washed only if the cover is removable and the care label allows it. Never soak the foam, and avoid bleach, solvents and abrasive sponges.
Foam blocks, slides, play sofas and pouffes get climbed on, sat on and dribbled on every day, and parents often ask Soft Play Market how to clean them without ruining them. The answer depends mostly on the cover. This guide covers home soft play: foam shapes, play sets and kids' foam sofas, with a routine you can stick to. If you run a nursery or venue, see our guide to cleaning products for soft play instead.
How do you clean foam blocks with PVC or eco-leather covers?
- Brush or vacuum off crumbs and dust, especially in the seams.
- Wipe with a soft cloth wrung out in warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid.
- Wipe again with a cloth and clean water to remove soap.
- Dry with a towel and leave the block to air-dry before stacking it.
This is the easiest kind of cover to keep clean, which is why our foam playground sets like the Mini Step & Slide set with ball pit (about £237) are a popular choice for toddlers.
How do you clean fabric covers like bouclé, corduroy and velvet?
| Cover | Weekly | Spills and stains | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC / eco leather | Wipe with mild soapy water | Wipe straight away | Solvents, scourers |
| Bouclé | Vacuum gently with a brush attachment | Blot, then dab with a barely damp cloth | Rubbing, which pulls the loops |
| Corduroy | Vacuum along the ribs | Dab, brush the pile up once dry | Scrubbing, which flattens the pile |
| Velvet | Soft brush or vacuum | Dab gently, brush with the pile | Over-wetting, which can mark |
| Jersey or cotton | Vacuum | Dab with mild soapy water | Hot washes, unless the label allows |
If the cover has a zip and the care label allows machine washing, wash it on a cool, gentle cycle with the zip closed, and let it dry naturally. Put it back on only when the cover and the foam are both completely dry. Always follow the care label over general advice.
How do you remove stains from foam play equipment?
- Act quickly. Blot spills with a dry towel before they soak into fabric or seams.
- Food and drink: dab with mild soapy water, then clean water.
- Crayon or pen: on PVC, a damp cloth with washing-up liquid usually works. On fabric, test any stain remover on a hidden spot first.
- Nappy leaks or sickness: remove the cover if you can and wash it. On fixed covers, clean thoroughly and dry fully before use.
What if water gets into the foam?
Take the cover off if possible, blot the foam with towels and press gently. Don't wring it, as foam can tear. Leave it in a warm, airy room until completely dry, which can take a day or more. Damp foam inside a cover will smell and can grow mould, so be patient.
How do you clean a kids' foam sofa or pouffe?
Treat it the same way: vacuum the seams and crevices weekly, spot-clean spills, and wash the cover only if it's removable and the label allows. Our kids' sofas and pouffes come in a range of covers, including bouclé and eco leather. The Bouclé Modular Kids Sofa (about £264) looks great in a living room but needs gentler cleaning than eco leather.
How should you store soft play blocks?
- Make sure every piece is dry before stacking or storing it
- Store indoors somewhere dry; a damp garage or shed can mark covers and cause mould
- Keep them out of direct sunlight to stop colours fading
- Don't put heavy items on top for long periods; foam can dent
- Use a breathable cover or old sheet, not a sealed plastic bag
How do you keep soft play equipment safe as it ages?
Every time you clean, check for split seams, broken zips, holes and foam that has gone flat or crumbly. Take damaged pieces out of use until they're repaired, because children can pick at exposed foam. Our ball pits can take a replacement cover (about £83) rather than being replaced entirely. For cleaning a ball pit, see how to clean a foam ball pit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use disinfectant wipes on soft play blocks?
On PVC or eco-leather covers, wipes labelled as safe for toys are fine. Wipe again with clean water if young children will mouth the blocks. Avoid them on fabric covers.
How often should I clean soft play at home?
Wipe or vacuum weekly and clean spills straight away. Do a fuller clean every month or so, or after illness.
Can soft play blocks go outside?
Some of our sets can be used outdoors in dry weather, but bring them in afterwards and make sure they're dry before storing.
Can I steam clean foam blocks?
We don't recommend it. Heat and moisture can damage covers, seams and foam.