How to Sanitise Ball Pit Balls and Soft Play Safely
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Quick answer: To sanitise ball pit balls, clean them first in warm water with mild washing-up liquid, then apply a disinfectant that is labelled as safe for toys or children's play surfaces. Dilute it exactly as the label says, leave it on for the full contact time, rinse if the label tells you to, and air-dry the balls completely. Cleaning removes dirt; sanitising kills germs. You need both, and in that order.
Nurseries, childminders and play venues often ask Soft Play Market which product to use to sanitise their ball pit balls and soft play. We don't recommend a single brand, because the right product depends on your setting and your own infection control policy. What we can do is explain how sanitising works, how to choose a child-safe product and how to use it so it actually does its job without damaging your equipment.
What's the difference between cleaning and sanitising?
| Cleaning | Sanitising or disinfecting | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Removes dirt, grease, saliva and food | Kills or reduces germs on a clean surface |
| What you use | Warm water and mild washing-up liquid | A disinfectant used as the label directs |
| When | Every time | On your schedule, and after sickness or body fluids |
| Works on a dirty surface? | Yes, that's its job | Poorly. Dirt stops many disinfectants working |
The most common mistake is spraying disinfectant onto dirty balls or foam and wiping it straight off. That doesn't clean the surface and doesn't give the disinfectant time to work.
How do you choose a child-safe disinfectant?
- Read the label for toys or food-contact surfaces. Products labelled for use on toys or in childcare settings are designed to be used where children will touch and mouth surfaces.
- Check it kills what you need. The label or product data sheet lists what it's tested against. If your setting has a sickness bug going round, check the product covers it.
- Check the rinse instruction. Some products must be rinsed off surfaces children will mouth. Follow the label.
- Check it's suitable for the material. Foam play covers are often PVC-coated fabric; balls are plastic. Avoid anything that says it can damage plastics or vinyl.
- Avoid bleach on play equipment. It can discolour and weaken covers and plastic, and leaves a residue.
- Keep a safety data sheet. Under COSHH (the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002) employers need to assess the chemicals staff use. Keep the data sheet and note the product in your COSHH assessment.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Your local authority's environmental health team or your setting's infection control guidance can tell you what's expected for your premises.
How do you sanitise ball pit balls step by step?
- Take the balls out and remove debris and any cracked or damaged balls.
- Clean them in warm water with mild washing-up liquid, in a tub or using mesh bags.
- Rinse off the soap. Some disinfectants don't work well with detergent residue.
- Apply the disinfectant at the dilution on the label, by soaking the bags or spraying the balls so every surface is wet.
- Leave it for the full contact time. This is the time stated on the label. Wiping or rinsing too early means it hasn't worked.
- Rinse with clean water if the label tells you to.
- Air-dry completely before the balls go back in the pit.
- Record it in your cleaning log: date, product, who did it.
Don't use a washing machine, very hot water or bleach for the balls. Our guide to how to wash ball pit balls compares the bath and mesh bag methods in detail.
How do you sanitise soft play foam and mats?
- Vacuum or brush off dust and crumbs, especially in seams and joins.
- Wipe with warm water and mild washing-up liquid using a soft cloth.
- Apply the disinfectant at the correct dilution and leave it for the contact time.
- Rinse or wipe with clean water if the label says so.
- Let the pieces dry fully before children use them, and don't let water soak into seams or zips.
Check covers as you go. Splits and tears let liquid into the foam, where it can't dry out properly, so take damaged pieces out of use.
How often should a nursery or venue sanitise?
Clean high-touch surfaces daily and sanitise on a schedule set out in your own cleaning plan, plus straight away after any sickness, nappy leak or body fluid. For a full breakdown by day, week and month for a soft play centre, see our soft play cleaning schedule.
What about sickness and body fluids?
Close the area, remove the affected balls and pieces, and clean and disinfect them as above, using the product and procedure in your own policy for body fluids. Staff should wear disposable gloves. Keep the area closed until everything is dry.
Equipment that's easier to keep hygienic
- Wipe-clean covers, like the PVC artificial-leather covers on our soft play sets for venues
- Smooth, non-PVC 7cm balls. Ours are made in the EU, free from BPA and phthalates, and EN 71 tested. See bulk ball pit balls for trade pricing
- Spare balls, so you can swap in a clean set while the rest dries. A box of 750 is £142.50
Frequently asked questions
Can I use antibacterial wipes on ball pit balls?
For a few balls after a spill, yes, if the wipes are labelled as safe for toys. They're too slow for a whole pit.
Is steam cleaning safe for soft play?
Check with the equipment supplier first. Steam and high heat can damage some covers, seams and plastic balls.
How do I know the disinfectant worked?
You can't see it, which is why following the label matters: clean first, correct dilution, full contact time.
Do parents need to sanitise a home ball pit?
Usually not. Washing with warm soapy water and drying fully is enough for a home pit. Disinfect after illness if you want extra reassurance.