How to Clean a Baby Stroller
Baby strollers do their magic when in an outing or shopping, calming your little one’s tantrums and giving them peace in the loud, fast-paced streets. However, when it comes to cleaning them, you just feel like you could throw a tantrum yourself!
There are too many parts to disassemble, different materials to clean, and above all, various kinds of dirt that require different techniques when cleaning. However, don’t fret; we’re here to help keep your stroller clean and your precious one in hygienic conditions.
If you find yourself asking questions like “how to clean a Baby Trend stroller” or any other stroller type, continue reading, so we can guide you through it all!
But First on How to Clean a Baby Stroller!
Before we get to the cleaning process, there are two things you need to keep in mind:
Not All Brands Are Alike
Baby Strollers come in a plethora of shapes and types, and each of them has its maintenance method, which is stated in the manufacturer’s manual. To know how the wheels, canopy, and fabrics can be removed without posing any damage to the stroller and whether they’re removable in the first place, you’ve got to go back to the manual.
We know that you may have lost it in the jumble of baby’s clothes, toys, and blankets, which is entirely understandable (hail for the mommas out there!). In that case, you can look for it on the manufacturer’s site, ask online, or see if you know anyone who has the same stroller brand and get the info from them.
Removable and Non-Removable Fabric
Check whether the fabric and seat are detachable. If they’re removable, the process is going to be way easier since you’ll have better access to the nooks and crannies of the stroller. Not to mention, you can just throw the fabric in the washing machine and run it on a low cycle to get it sparkly clean.
If they’re not, don’t worry! It’s not the end of the world. We’ll walk you through an easy way to clean them while they’re in their place.
Your Guide to Cleaning a Baby Stroller
To make the following steps easier to follow, we advise you to brush the crumbs and food bits off the stroller with a brush that has strong bristles or vacuum clean it to remove the dust on the surface. Spend some time on the seams and try to get the vacuum’s hose below and behind the seat; that’s where the crumbs take a hiding.
Also, don’t forget to empty the stroller from all your baby’s toys and belongings to avoid damaging them.
Now that you know what to consider before you begin cleaning, let’s jump right in.
1. Learn How to Clean Baby Stroller Fabric
Each stroller has different fabrics used on various panels. First, examine the type of fabric and see whether or not it’s removable. Full-size and double strollers may have removable seats, but umbrella and jogging strollers may require cleaning in place.
Keep in mind that even if it’s removable, it may not be suitable for machine washing. For example, some strollers use heat-treated fabrics that can swell and tear when washed with lots of water. These fabrics can’t be machine washed.
So what should you do with vulnerable and non-removable materials? All you’re going to need is a bowl, damp cloth, and any type of mild detergentmild detergent you have at home.
First, mix a small amount of the detergent with warm water in the bowl. Next, dip the cloth in the water, wring it out, then go over the fabric with the cloth and pay extra attention to the stained parts.
Don’t overdo the rubbing to avoid breaking the fabric. If you come across a stubborn stain, consider soaking it in the soap for a bit, then use a toothbrush to rub at it without going over the rest of the fabric. Finally, let the stroller dry in an airy area in your house.
Some people suggest using vinegar instead of soap or detergent, which is fine as long as you dilute it. The suitable proportion would be one cap of vinegar for every glass of water.
However, never use bleach, even if it’s diluted. Not only will it lower the lifetime of your stroller’s fabric, but it can also cause a respiratory illness or a sensitivity reaction to your baby.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew on Baby Stroller
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that grow on damp surfaces like the milk-stained seat of your baby stroller or moisture-damp fabric. These fungi produce spores that affect lung health, causing wheezing, coughing, and a lot of conditions that you want to spare your baby.
According to the severity of mold and mildew stains, the required cleaning process differs. However, all these methods should be applied before attending to the rest of the fabric.
- For mild stains: Spray the mold and mildew with a mixture of white vinegar and lemon, then sprinkle them with salt. Wipe the surface and enjoy the cleanliness.
- For tougher stains: Add ¼ tablespoon of baking soda to a cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mix, then spray the stains.
- For the harshest stains: Mix 5 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 caps of white vinegar until they make a paste. Apply the paste on the stain for 15-20 minutes, then scrub it with a toothbrush.
2. Proceed with Stroller Frame
To make cleaning the frame easier, make sure to detach all the removable parts, including the storage tray, cup holders, snack box, and weather cover.
Clean the exposed parts of the frame with a piece of cloth dampened with soapy water, just like you did with the fabric. Yet, make sure not to overuse water to avoid damaging the brakes and wipe it immediately afterward with a dry towel.
Also, pay extra attention to the places your baby has access to; these are usually the most contaminated parts and can be a source of infection to your child if still dirty.
Lastly, if you feel like the brakes and handlebar mechanism squeak or feel rough, you can apply some Teflon lubricant to them after cleaning.
3. Clean the Baby Stoller Wheels
Although wheels are designed to take all forms of punishment, they need to be attended to as well to keep being smooth and functioning. Most people overlook this part as the wheels will carry more dirt and grime anyway next time they hit the streets. However, we strongly recommend against that.
If the wheels have a release mechanism that allows you to remove them, take them off and use a damp cloth to remove all dried mud, grass, and residue that took residence in the gaps. For non-removable wheels, you can spray them with soapy water and wipe them with a dry cloth.
Remember never to soak the wheels in water, as this can damage their release mechanism. Also, you can use the same Teflon oil you used on the brakes to lubricate the bearings.
Final Word on How to Clean a Baby Stroller : Speckless, Mold-Free, and Hygienic!
Now your stroller is good to go! Just keep in mind that the more frequently you clean your baby stroller, the easier it’ll be to clean next time and the safer it’ll be on your kid’s health.
