Strollers are an essential part of your everyday life. They are ideal for taking your little ones out, regardless of the weather conditions.
However, your stroller will get dirty, so proper maintenance is crucial to preserve its quality.
You might be wondering: How to clean baby strollers?
Here you can learn the quickest tips & tricks when cleaning strollers and why adequate support prolongs their lifespan.
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Cleaning a stroller might not be on your to-do list. Many parents think it's another tiring chore. But, cleaning is necessary for more extended use. Read below for more information.
Take away key points:
Why should you clean a stroller?
A baby has a weaker immune system than an adult. Therefore, ensuring they come into contact with only clean objects is imperative. Since most parents use a stroller regularly, keeping it clean is mandatory.
How often should you clean a stroller?
You should clean the stroller at least once a week to preserve its quality. The longer you leave the buggy dirty, the harder it is for you to clean the entire stroller later.
Of course, you don't have to clean all parts thoroughly. Take off small things first - brush dirt or mud off the wheels. Wipe off your child's sticky mess and remove crumbs from the cloth. Doing regular cleaning will reduce detailed cleaning procedures.
How to clean the entire stroller? A step-by-step procedure
If you're uncertain where to start and how to maintain your stroller correctly, refer to the guide below. We discuss each part of the buggy individually.
1. The fabric area
To clean the fabric area adequately, here are the cleaning products you need to use:
Dealing with mold and mildew
Mold and mildew attack your pushchair if you don't use it regularly or during adverse weather conditions. Follow the steps below to remove mold and mildew from your stroller.
Step 1: Ventilation
Ensure you clean a stroller outside and wear a mask to avoid inhaling spores.
Step 2: Brushing
Use a stiff bristle brush to brush the mold away. Wet the area with lemon juice and sprinkle it with salt for mold and mildew.
In a spray bottle, you can mix three parts white vinegar with two parts water. Spray the entire area, and wash the stroller with soap afterward.
You can also mix water and non-chlorine bleach to remove mold. Mix ¼ of water with two tablespoons of bleach as the recommended ratio.
However, bleach is not safe for pushchairs and babies. To avoid further complications, read the instructions on the bottle before use, and always cover the exposed skin parts before you start cleaning.
If you don't need to clean a moldy area, you can skip the steps and focus on the cleaning method.
Cleaning method
Step 1: Reading the manufacturer's instructions
Read the stroller's manual to know how to clean your particular stroller. A pushchair is made of multiple materials, and some might need special care. These might be water-repellent or flame-retardant materials.
You might place the fabric in the washing machine for the washing process. Other materials might require cleaning on the stroller frame. So, stick to the rules to avoid accidents.
Step 2: Vacuum cleaning
Attach a flexible hose to suck up all debris and crumbs. Be careful with the hard-to-reach areas - where the stroller seat meets the rear part and seams. If you have had to remove mildew and mold, throw away the vacuum cleaner bag.
Step 3: Preparing the soap
Mix warm water and soap to clean the item. Don't make too many suds, as they may be hard to remove later.
Step 4: Clean the fabric
Dip the cloth into the mixture, then wring out the excess soapy water. Clean the stroller fabric gently. Pay particular attention to stains. You can use a stain-removing spray, soft fabric brush, or toothbrush for removal.
Step 5: Rinsing & wiping
Rinse the cloth in clean water, or change it with a new one. Remove excess soap or other items from the fabric by wiping it over gently.
Step 6: Disinfecting
Use disinfectant baby wipes to leave the buggy smelling fresh and germ-free.
Step 7: Drying
Place the stroller outside under the direct sun, and let it air dry completely. If you still need another clean, repeat all the steps.
2. Cleaning the stroller frame
Before cleaning the frame, remove stroller accessories (cup holders, bumper bars, food trays). You can hand-wash them once you tend the pushchair. You need the following products:
Step 1: Preparing soap and water
Mix the warm water and soap, but don't make the mixture too sudsy. Dip the sponge into the mixture and rinse excess water.
Step 2: Deep clean
Clean the frame and plastic pieces with the sponge, removing marks, dirt, or stains. Focus on the handle and ensure to reach all inaccessible parts. Apply a scrubbing brush or a toothbrush to remove dirt and debris from all hard-to-reach areas. Use a scourer and gently scrub all persistent marks and similar stains from the frame.
Step 3: Rising & wiping
Rinse a cloth in the water, or use a new one. Also, wipe away soap residue.
Step 4: Disinfection
Apply disinfectant baby wipes over the frame to eliminate loose dirt and lurking germs.
Step 5: Drying stroller
Place the pushchair outside to dry all hard parts - metal and plastic parts. You can air dry the frame under the direct sun to speed up the procedure.
3. Cleaning stroller wheels
Wheels will inevitably get dirty. You don't have to clean them after each stroll; however, you should examine them regularly. Bits of glass or small stones can get embedded in wheels, especially in the brake area, affecting the stroller's movement. Here's what you need:
Step 1: Inspecting the wheel system
Examine if you can remove the wheels before cleaning the pushchair. Most wheel systems have specific mechanisms to release them from the chassis. Releasing them makes the cleaning process quicker.
Step 2: Removing larger parts
Remove sand and dirt from the rims and tires via a small brush.
Step 3: Scrub the wheel system
Apply warm, soapy water to remove the dirt and scrub the wheels. Keep scrubbing with the brush and hot water to remove persistent dirt.
Step 4: Rinsing
Rinse off all excess soap with a dry towel. Apply a hose for the best results, and use any water source.
Step 5: Disinfecting
Use a gentle disinfectant to wipe the wheels.
Step 6: Drying
Place the wheels in the sun to fully air dry.
Step 7: Examining & re-attaching
Check the tires for wear and tear before you reinstall the stroller. Check the air pressure if the tires are pneumatic. Examine holes and other issues that will prevent them from working correctly.
Examine the brake system to ensure it won't endanger your child's safety. Brush away any dirt or debris. Test both wheels and brakes. Apply a lubricant if you notice squeaking or if the movement is too fluid.
4. Cleaning the stroller accessories
Do not exclude the accessories, although they're not part of the leading construction. You can wash them either in the washing machine or dishwasher. Read the instruction manual before the washing process.
When a washing machine is not recommended, hand-wash the accessories in soapy water with a soft towel or wipes for a complete process (cup holders, for instance.). In addition, stroller parts such as sunshade, stroller canopy, hood, and other factors can be washed as other fabric pieces.
Clean the storage basket under the stroller seat as well. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris and dust caught up inside. However, return to the instructions to see how to kill stubborn stains and know if they're machine washable or hand washable only.
Best tricks for effortless cleaning
Below you can find additional cleaning steps to clean and maintain your stroller quickly:
FAQs
How do you sanitize a stroller?
You can use water and gentle soap to spot-clean the fabric of the basket. If a stroller has removable fabric or cover, soak or rinse in cold water to scrub stains. Finally, air dry and sanitize it with a disinfectant spray.
How do you clean a stroller without taking it apart?
Follow the steps below:
- Disassemble the fabric
- Brush away debris
- Vacuum all loose dirt
- Clean the seat and canopy in the machine if they're detachable
- Hand-clean the seat and canopy if they're not detachable
- Use water and soap to rub the foam handlebar
- Hose down the canopy and seat
- Use a small bush to treat spots
- Scrub away mold and mildew
- Air dry the wholesome construction
Can you machine wash strollers?
Yes, you can machine wash strollers if the seats and canopies are removable and the instructions allow it.
How do you get the urine smell out of a stroller?
Mix three tablespoons of baking soda, a cup of peroxide, three tablespoons of baking soda, and a couple of drops of dish detergent. Spray the tough spot, allow it to dry for twenty minutes, and rub the area until you kill the odor.
How to clean the Mockingbird stroller?
You can wipe clean with mild detergent and a damp cloth, as the materials are spill-proof. Also, use a seat liner for a deeper clean. You can machine-wash it multiple times.
Summary
Busy parents don't have much time to clean the baby stroller perfectly. However, regular maintenance can prolong its lifespan and ensure good quality for your child.
