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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Cleaning a moses basket

15 replies

JetLi · 05/01/2011 16:27

Hi - I've been given a second moses basket by my sis (it was missing when I had DD but has turned up during my mother's recent house move in time for DC#2 due next month). Since it has been stuck in the loft for 4 years, it needs a good clean. The covers have been whipped off and have come out of the washer like new. How would you clean the wicker basket? I'm pondering a massive blast with my steam cleaner or would that make it too wet? Thorough vacuuming & wiping with diluted Milton maybe?
Anyone have any suggestions?
Many thanks

OP posts:
HettyAmaretti · 05/01/2011 16:36

My first thought was a steam clean too. you'd have to get it dry quite quickly though, I think. Will it fit in your airing cupboard? Maybe a blast with the hairdryer afterward if not?

TBH it's not something I've ever had to do.

soppypreggyloon · 05/01/2011 17:14

I was going to Hoover mine and re wash the linings. I'm going to dettol the mattress. Don't have a steam cleaner but would worry it'd get too damp.

HettyAmaretti · 05/01/2011 18:59

soppy, you really must replace the matrass.

soppypreggyloon · 05/01/2011 20:16

Why?

Ds was in it for less than 12 weeks and it is not soiled in any way.

I'm not being short- I'd like to know why. :)

HettyAmaretti · 05/01/2011 20:31

Have a google.

YOur baby. your choice. But, knowing the guidelines, I couldn't sleep easy if I failed to mention the importance of a new mattress when I hear about one which is going to be reused. DYSWIM? If I saw you post about dettoling the mattress, didn't say anything, and then heaven forbid I saw you posting with awful, awful news at a later date...

LadyintheRadiator · 05/01/2011 20:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mousesma · 05/01/2011 21:19

I vaccumed and used milton on my second hand moses basket.

Agree you could reuse the mattress as long as it is not soiled or damaged in any way but its only a tenner for a new one if you wanted to be on the safe side.

Dunoon · 05/01/2011 21:31

Hello. I sponged my second hand one with dilute antibacterial spray and then air dried it. It was summer though and I thought the sun would help not only with drying but also by killing any germs.

Dunoon · 05/01/2011 21:32

Oh and one my other one I used the original mattress as used by DD2 but I knew she had never been sick on it or anything.

soppypreggyloon · 06/01/2011 09:13

Glad it's not just me who thinks reusing a mattress is ok.

Hetty- I have googled and couldn't find any conclusive evidence about mattress reuse. I will be following the FSID advice to make sure it's clean, firm and well fitting- basically if it is still in 'as new' condition. It is also PVC coated so there should be no transmission of anything in or out of the foam pad.

There are many factors at play in SIDS and it is always tragic but there is no way of knowing what the cause was.

BelieveInLife · 06/01/2011 19:08

I believe the concern with second hand matresses is more about where they've been stored. ie. the danger comes if they've been stored in a damp or dusty place.

My moses basket mattress has been stored in my airing cupboard for 11 mths in between and I will have no worries at all about reusing it.

Original poster
JetLi · 07/01/2011 21:39

Thanks all for the advice - soon as the weather is a wee bit nicer I'll take it outside & blast it with the Polti. It has no mattress TBH - think that was slung after DN - he had chronic reflux from a couple of weeks old.

OP posts:
fonkii · 06/02/2011 22:45

This is what I found on fromthemosesbasket.com/safer-crib-mattresses/

If Moses basket ,or crib mattresses are too soft, they can mold to the baby?s body shape, increasing the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So a firm mattress is essential , seek out the firmest, heaviest mattress you can find. Don?t worry that it perhaps feels too hard to you . If it feels good to you, it?s probably too soft for your infants safety,

justabigdisco · 22/11/2011 12:02

sorry to resurrect an old thread.
I have borrowed a used moses basket from a friend for my baby which is due in 4 weeks time. we were going to buy a new mattress for it, and the bedding is all new.
was just taking it apart today to clean the covers etc, and have noticed that there is mould growing on the outside of the basket. not sure if this has come from my house or hers to be honest, I never looked at it that closely before.
I've found a couple of websites which tell you how to clean moses baskets with solution of vinegar and water (presumably white vinegar??) but I am wondering whether it is worth the time and effort - will it be safer to just buy a new basket?
thanks

Moredofbumsnet · 22/11/2011 13:30

No way is it worth the risk of you newborn breathing mould spores. I bought dc3 a new moses basket as I was concerned about mould and the whole thing only cost £20 more than a new mattress. £20 is nothing in the world of baby spending!

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