Stroller cleaning is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of baby gear maintenance.
With the daily hustle and potential for spills, ensuring your stroller remains a hygienic haven is crucial for your baby’s health.
If you’ve been staring at that stained or dusty stroller, wondering about the best cleaning techniques, you’re not alone.
Backed by experience in baby gear care and hygiene, I’ve devised a thorough guide to tackle every nook and cranny of your stroller.
Delve into this guide with me, and together, we’ll ensure your stroller shines, providing a clean and comfy ride for your little one.
Preparation for How to Clean A Stroller
Before starting to clean a stroller, it is important to gather all the necessary supplies. This will make the cleaning process more efficient and effective. Here are some supplies that are commonly used:
Vacuum cleaner with attachment
Dishwashing soap
Warm water
Soft fabric brush or sponge
Disinfectant baby-safe wipes
It is important to note that different strollers may require different supplies, so it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to clean the stroller.
Cleaning the Stroller Frame
Removing Debris and Dirt from the Stroller Frame
The first step in cleaning a stroller frame is to remove any debris or dirt that may be stuck on the stroller seat (the same when cleaning your car seats). This can be done using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner (a handheld vacuum is ideal). If there are any hard-to-reach areas, use a toothbrush to gently scrub them, its important to clean all the fabric surfaces.
For more stubborn dirt or stains, mix some warm water with a mild detergent and apply it to the affected areas using a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the stroller frame. Let the fabric air dry completely.
Also remove all the stroller toys attached (don’t forget how to attach stroller toys back on later)
Wiping Down the Stroller Frame on Baby strollers
After removing any debris or dirt, you can wipe down the stroller frame and stroller wheels using a damp cloth. Make sure to use a cloth that is not too wet to avoid damaging the frame. If there are any areas that are difficult to clean, use a toothbrush to gently scrub them.
If the stroller frame is made of metal, you can use a metal polish to restore its shine. Apply the polish to a soft cloth and rub it onto the frame in a circular motion. Once you are done, wipe off any excess polish with a clean cloth.
For stroller frames made of plastic, you can use a plastic cleaner to restore its shine. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe down the frame in a circular motion. Once you are done, wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean cloth. Remember to clean all the plastic components such as cup holders and car seat adapters.
Cleaning the Stroller Fabric
Removing the Fabric
Before cleaning the fabric, it’s important to remove it from the stroller. Check your stroller’s manual for instructions on how to do this on your particular stroller. Typically, you will need to unsnap or unzip the fabric from the frame but your stroller manual will tell you exactly how. Once the fabric is removed, shake it out to remove any loose dirt or debris, just like you do when cleaning your high chair.
Spot Cleaning
If there are only a few small stains on the fabric, spot cleaning may be enough to remove them without taking apart the entire stroller. Mix a small amount of mild detergent, such as castile soap, with water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and rinse off any excess soap then gently rub the stain. Be careful not to saturate the fabric with too much water. Alternatively you can use a disinfectant wipe.
Rinse the cloth with clean water and continue to blot the stain until it is gone. Allow the fabric to air dry completely before reattaching it to the stroller.
Machine Washing
If the fabric is machine washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing. Typically, you will need to use a mild detergent and wash the fabric on a gentle cycle in cold water. It’s important to remove the fabric from the washing machine immediately after the cycle is complete to prevent wrinkles.
Hang the fabric to air dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the fabric and affect its flame-resistant properties, but have a look at some eco bleach options.
Drying and Reassembling
After cleaning the stroller, it is important to dry it properly to prevent mold and mildew growth. The best way to dry a stroller is to use a clean towel to wipe away excess water and then leave it to air dry in a warm, dry place.
If you need to speed up the drying process, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry the stroller. Avoid using a high heat setting as it may damage the fabric or plastic parts of the stroller.
If you have washed the stroller fabric, do not put it in the dryer as it may shrink or become damaged. Instead, hang the fabric up to dry in a well-ventilated area. If possible, hang it outside in the sun to help it dry faster and to kill any remaining bacteria or germs.
Reassembling
Once the stroller is completely dry, it is time to reassemble it. Begin by putting the wheels back on the frame and make sure they are securely attached. Then, reattach the seat or bassinet, making sure it is properly aligned and securely fastened to the frame.
If the stroller has a canopy or other accessories, reattach them as well. Check all the straps and buckles to make sure they are in good condition and working properly. If any parts are damaged or broken, replace them before using the stroller again.
Give the stroller a once-over to make sure everything is in place and working properly. Test the brakes, wheels, and other features to ensure they are functioning correctly. This includes checking all the components, such as the air pressure on pneumatic tires, the wheel release mechanism, food trays etc.
FAQS on Stroller Cleaning
What is the best way to clean a stroller?
Cleaning a dirty stroller can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be (or if it is just use a strolling cleaning service)! For plastic surfaces or metal frames, simply wipe them down with warm soapy water and then rinse off. If there are any stubborn stains or dirt that won’t come off, try using rubbing alcohol or a mild bleach solution to further clean the area.
After cleaning, use a towel to dry your baby stroller and make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away. You can also periodically give your stroller a deep clean with an upholstery cleaner and then cover the fabric portion of the stroller in waterproof spray for extra protection.
Is it OK to hose down a stroller?
Hosing down a stroller is generally not recommended, as it can cause water to get inside the frame and potentially cause rust. It could also cause certain parts to become loose or malfunction if they are not manufactured for water-resistance.
If you need to give your stroller an extra deep clean, it is best to use a mild cleaner such as warm soapy water or an upholstery cleaner with a soft cloth. After cleaning, be sure to properly dry the stroller with a towel and apply waterproof spray on the fabric portions if needed.
Can you take a stroller apart to wash it?
You can take a stroller apart to wash it, but it is important to make sure that you reassemble the parts correctly and with care. Taking a stroller apart can also void any warranties or guarantees that come with the stroller.
If you decide to disassemble your stroller for washing, it’s best to use warm soapy water and then rinse off with a damp cloth. Dry the parts thoroughly with a towel before reassembling them and make sure no water has been trapped inside the frame.
How do you get the smell out of a stroller?
Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash the stroller fabric, then use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any debris or dirt. If you want to get rid of odors, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist over the stroller fabric.
Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping down with a soft cloth. You can also sprinkle baking soda onto the fabric and leave overnight before vacuuming up the next day.
Can you wash stroller fabric?
Yes, you can wash stroller fabric. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the fabric and then use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any debris or dirt. Make sure to dry the fabric thoroughly before letting your baby sit in it again.
How do you get mold and mildew off a stroller?
To remove mold and mildew from a stroller, you’ll need to clean the fabric with a mild detergent and warm water. If the stains are particularly bad, use a brush or soft cloth to scrub away as much of the stains as possible. Once done, use a vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment to remove any debris or dirt.
For tough stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist over the fabric before wiping down with a soft cloth. You may also need to sprinkle baking soda onto the fabric and leave it overnight before vacuuming up the next day.
