Cleaning your baby’s high chair can be a daunting task, but it’s an essential one. High chairs are notorious for accumulating food crumbs, stains, and germs that can be harmful to your baby’s health.
This guide breaks down effective methods for ensuring your high chair and its straps remain spotless, ensuring a hygienic dining environment for your baby.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the different parts of your high chair is crucial for proper cleaning.
Gathering the necessary supplies and preparing for cleaning is essential.
Cleaning the tray, seat, cushion, straps, and base, as well as deep cleaning non-removable parts and sanitizing the high chair, are all necessary steps to keep your high chair clean and safe for your baby.
Preparation for Cleaning
Cleaning your child’s high chair may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a quick and easy process. Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies. You will need dish detergent, a cleaning solution, a sponge or cloth, and a bucket of warm water.
When selecting a cleaning solution, consider a non-toxic and biodegradable option made without animal fats or synthetic ingredients. This will ensure that your child is not exposed to harmful chemicals during mealtime, remember babies have a weaker immune system. Check the label for any warnings or precautions before using it.
Before you start cleaning, brush off any loose crumbs or visible food residue from the high chair. This will make it easier to clean and prevent any leftover food from attracting pests. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cloth to remove any debris.
Next, remove any detachable parts of the high chair, such as the tray or seat cushion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning these parts. Some high chairs may be dishwasher safe, while others may require hand washing.
Once you have removed the detachable parts, use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the high chair with warm, soapy water. Pay special attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where food may have accumulated. Rinse the high chair with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel. If you have a montessori high chair or a montessori weaning table, these normally don’t come with any cushioned parts and are much easier to clear.
Cleaning the High Chair Tray
The tray of your high chair is where most of the mess happens. It’s important to clean your baby’s high tray thoroughly after each use to keep your baby safe from harmful bacteria. Here are some tips on how to clean the tray of your high chair:
Tasks that should be done daily include brushing off loose crumbs and wiping down the high chair to remove food particles. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the tray down. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners where food can get stuck.
If your high chair has a dishwasher-safe tray, this can make cleaning a lot easier. Simply remove the tray and place it in the dishwasher. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the tray is dishwasher-safe.
Cleaning the Seat and Cushion
The seat and cushion of your high chair are where your little one spends most of their time, and it’s essential to keep them clean. Here are some tips to help you clean the seat and cushion effectively:
Wipe it down regularly: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the entire seat and cushion after each use. This will help remove any food particles or spills before they become stains.
Tackle stains with a stain remover: If you notice any stains on the seat or cushion, use a stain remover to get rid of them. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
Remove and wash the cushion: Most high chair cushions are removable and machine washable. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct way to remove and wash the cushion. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach.
Clean High Chair Straps and Base
Cleaning the baby’s high chair straps and base of your high chair is essential to maintain hygiene and keep your baby safe. Here are some simple steps to follow:
Remove the Straps: First, is the highchair has removable straps, remove them from the high chair. Follow the instructions in the manual to detach the straps from the seat. If the straps are not removable, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Wipe Down with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the straps and base of the high chair. Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies where food and dirt can accumulate.
Use a Cleaning Solution: For stubborn stains, use a cleaning solution. You can use a commercial baby item cleaner, dish soap, or a water and white vinegar solution. Apply the solution to the straps and base and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub Away Stains: If the stains are particularly stubborn, use a cleaning toothbrush to scrub them away. Be gentle to avoid damaging the straps.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the straps and base thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Hang the straps up to air dry. Wipe down the base with a dry cloth.
How to clean non removable straps in a high chair
If you do not have removable high chair straps, then To clean non-removable straps on a high chair, start by removing any loose debris or food particles. Prepare a soapy solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Using a damp cloth or sponge, gently wipe down the straps, focusing on areas where food or debris might have accumulated.
For stubborn spots or hard-to-reach areas, use soft brush dipped in a baking soda solution. Create a paste by combining baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste onto the straps, especially concentrating on stained or soiled areas. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the straps, working the baking soda mixture into the fabric. The baking soda acts as a natural cleaning agent and deodorizer. After scrubbing, wipe away the baking soda mixture using a clean damp cloth.
Pat the straps dry with a towel and, if possible, allow them and the entire high chair to air dry in a well-ventilated area or under direct sunlight to ensure thorough drying.
Deep Cleaning Tips
If your high chair has seen better days, it’s time for a deep clean. A deep clean is more thorough than your regular cleaning routine, and it will leave your high chair looking brand new. Here are some step-by-step instructions to help you with the deep-cleaning process:
Remove all removable parts: Start by removing the tray, seat, and any other removable parts. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re doing it correctly.
Soak the parts: Fill a sink or bathtub with warm water and add a mild detergent. Soak the parts for 30 minutes to loosen any dirt or debris.
Scrub the parts: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the parts thoroughly. Pay extra attention to any nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate.
Rinse the parts: Rinse the parts with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Dry the parts: Use a clean towel to dry the parts thoroughly. Make sure there is no moisture left before reassembling the high chair.
Clean the frame: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame of the high chair. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild cleaning solution.
Reassemble the high chair: Once all the parts are clean and dry, reassemble the high chair according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning Non-Removable Parts
Cleaning non-removable parts of a high chair can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s important to keep these areas clean to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles.
Use a Toothbrush
One of the best tools for cleaning nooks and crannies is a toothbrush. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub away dirt and grime from non-removable parts of your high chair. Be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the surface.
Use a Damp Cloth
A damp cloth is another effective way to clean non-removable parts of your high chair. Simply wet a cloth with warm water and use it to wipe down the surface. You can also add a drop of dish soap to the cloth for extra cleaning power.
Clean Underneath the Tray
The area underneath the tray can be a breeding ground for bacteria and food particles. To clean this area, use a toothbrush or a damp cloth to remove any debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up any crumbs or dirt.
Clean Behind the Cushion
Food particles can get stuck behind the cushion of your high chair, so it’s important to clean this area regularly. Use a toothbrush or a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime. If the cushion is removable, you can also wash it in the washing machine.
Don’t Forget the Crevices
Crevices in your high chair can be difficult to clean, but they can harbor bacteria and food particles. Use a toothbrush or a damp cloth to clean these areas thoroughly. You can also use a cotton swab to clean tight spaces.
Sanitization Techniques
When it comes to cleaning a high chair, sanitizing is an essential step to ensure that you remove any bacteria or germs that may be present.
Bleach Solution
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill germs and bacteria effectively and ideal to keep a child’s high chair clean. To make a bleach solution, mix 2 teaspoons of Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with CLOROMAX® with 1 gallon of water. Soak the tray in the solution for 2 minutes for sanitizing. Wipe down the rest of the high chair with the bleach solution and wait for 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a natural and safe way to sanitize your high chair. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the high chair and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. Vinegar has a strong odor, but it will dissipate once it dries.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and viruses. Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the high chair and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
All-Purpose Cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner can be used to sanitize your high chair. Look for a cleaner that is safe for use on high chairs and follow the instructions on the label. Spray the cleaner on the high chair and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Drying and Storing the High Chair
Once you’ve finished cleaning your high chair, it’s important to make sure it’s completely dry before storing it away. Here are some tips on how to dry and store your high chair properly:
Air dry: After cleaning, give your high chair enough time to air dry completely. This will help prevent any mold or mildew from forming in the damp areas of the chair. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a clean towel to dry off any excess water before leaving it to air dry.
Damp cloth: If you’re in a rush and need to use the high chair again soon, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the chair and tray. This will remove any excess water and speed up the drying process.
Store: When storing your high chair, make sure to find a dry, cool place to keep it. Avoid storing it in damp or humid areas, as this can cause mold or mildew to form. If you have a space-saving high chair, make sure to fold it up properly before storing it away.
Portable: If you have a portable high chair, make sure to clean it thoroughly before packing it away. This will prevent any food particles or bacteria from building up in the chair while it’s in storage.
FAQS on How to Clean high chair
How often should you clean a high chair?
A high chair should be wiped down and sanitized after every use to remove food residues and prevent bacterial growth. A deeper cleaning, where you address the nooks, crannies, and straps, should be done at least once a week or more frequently if there are visible spills or stains.
Can you put high chair cover in washing machine?
Yes, many high chair covers are machine washable. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label first. Generally, it’s advisable to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. After washing, let the cover air dry to maintain its shape and fabric integrity.
How do you clean high chair straps that don’t come off?
For non-removable high chair straps, you can clean them using a solution of mild dish soap and water. Using a cloth or an old toothbrush, scrub the straps gently, paying extra attention to stained areas. If there’s stubborn grime, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied and scrubbed in. After cleaning, rinse the straps by wiping them with a damp cloth and then let them air dry.
What should you clean a high chair with?
For everyday cleaning, a simple mix of mild dish soap and warm water works effectively for wiping down a high chair. For disinfecting, especially during flu season or after illness, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water or a commercial non-toxic disinfectant. Ensure you rinse the high chair after using any cleaning agents to ensure no residues are left behind that could come into contact with your child’s food.
