How to care for your
Rugabub play mat.
Your Rugabub play mat is made from premium TPU foam, a material we chose because it is the safest and most considered option available. Like all quality products, it rewards a little care. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your mat looking and performing its best for years to come.
Unboxing and settling your mat.
Your mat arrives rolled and strapped, this is completely normal. Because our mats are made from premium memory foam, they may need a little time to relax, settle, and adjust to their designed flat form after unboxing.
Important: We recommend unboxing your mat as soon as you receive it. Leaving it rolled in the box for too long may cause it to retain its rolled shape for longer. The sooner you unroll it, the sooner it flattens, and the sooner your little one can enjoy it.
Roll the mat in the opposite direction to how it arrived, re-strap it, and place it back in the box for a night or two. This gently encourages the foam to settle flat faster.
Your mat comes with 2 velcro straps, hold on to them. They are incredibly convenient for rolling, moving, storing, and transporting your mat. Do not throw them away.
Trip hazard reminder: Please allow the mat to flatten fully before use. An unflattened mat can create a trip hazard. Follow the settling steps above if needed.
Keeping your mat clean.
Your Rugabub mat is designed to be wipe-clean, no scrubbing, no soaking, no washing machine required. A damp cloth or mild soapy cloth is all you need for everyday cleaning.
- ✓Wipe clean with a damp cloth or mild soapy cloth
- ✓Use a mild, non-alcoholic, non-acidic detergent
- ✓Allow to dry fully before flipping over
- ✓Ensure the mat is on a dry surface after cleaning, wet surfaces are a slip hazard
- ✓Wipe spills immediately, including poop, vomit, and urine
- ✗Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or alcohol
- ✗Do not use grainy cleaners such as Jif or Gumption
- ✗Do not use oils, including citrus, eucalyptus, essential oils, or oil-based sprays
- ✗Do not use wet wipes with alcohol or acid content (even 99% water wipes contain chemicals that can discolour the play mat)
- ✗Do not hose down or submerge in water
- ✗Do not steam clean
- ✗Do not vacuum
Act fast on spills: Poop, vomit, and urine are acidic and can cause staining or fading if left to sit. Wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Do not let liquids pool or soak into the surface.
Slip hazard reminder: Always allow the mat to dry completely after cleaning before placing it back on the floor. A wet mat on a hard floor is a slip hazard.
Getting the most out of your mat.
Rugabub mats are designed for smooth indoor surfaces, timber, tile, and polished concrete. Sharp or rough surfaces may puncture, tear, or graze the outer layer.
Your mat is double-sided and designed to flip easily. Move it from room to room, or flip it for a fresh look, it is lightweight enough to make this effortless.
Do not place heavy objects on the mat for extended periods of time. This will cause irreparable damage to the foam structure.
Pens, crayons, permanent markers, paints, and textas can permanently mark the surface. Keep these away from the mat entirely.
Keep away from heaters, fireplaces, and hot liquids. High temperatures can warp or damage the foam and outer coating.
We love furry friends, but sharp claws and teeth can damage the surface. Supervise pets around the mat or store it away when not in use.
Taking your mat outside.
Rugabub play mats are designed and intended for indoor use. However, with the right precautions and for short periods, they can also be enjoyed outdoors.
Choose a shaded and protected spot with a smooth, clean surface. Keep sessions short and bring the mat back inside afterwards.
Prolonged sunlight exposure is one of the main causes of discolouration and surface damage. Always use in shade outdoors.
Slight yellowing over time is normal, and actually a good sign.
Rugabub play mats are made without any toxic plasticisers or chemical colour stabilisers. This is deliberate, we removed these chemicals because they are harmful, not because we forgot them.
As a result, over time you may notice some slight yellowing, most noticeable around the outer edges.
This is not a fault. It is a feature of premium, clean-material construction. The yellowing is more pronounced around the edges due to the heat-sealing process used during manufacturing, and the absence of chemical stabilisers. It is a sign that no toxic chemicals are present.
The three main causes of discolouration are sunlight, improper cleaning products, and exposure to high temperatures. Following this care guide will significantly reduce these effects and prolong the life and appearance of your mat.
Your warranty, clearly stated.
We stand behind every Rugabub play mat. However, please be aware that warranty is invalid if faults are caused by improper use or failure to follow this care guide.
This includes damage from harsh cleaning products, heavy objects, sharp surfaces, heat exposure, pets, or submersion in water.
If you have a question about your mat or believe there is a genuine fault, please reach out to us. We are always happy to help.
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