Amidst daily outings and exciting adventures with your little one, it’s easy for your stroller to accumulate dust, dirt, and germs. To better protect your baby from germs and extend your stroller’s lifespan, it’s important to clean your stroller regularly in a way that’s both child- and eco-friendly. In this article, we’ll provide you with helpful tips and a step-by-step guide to cleaning your stroller like a pro.
Before cleaning your stroller, you need to gather some supplies, including:
- The stroller manual
- A handheld vacuum
- A toothbrush and/or sponge
- A gentle stain remover or dish soap
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
Make sure any cleaning supplies you choose are eco-friendly, child-safe, and free of any harsh chemicals that could damage your stroller or harm your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Food-grade distilled vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Club soda
- Lemon
Before beginning the cleaning process, be sure to read the cleaning instructions provided by the stroller's manufacturer. These instructions are located in the stroller’s manual and detail product-specific instructions, such as how to remove fabric, detach wheels, properly clean harness straps, and more.
If you’ve misplaced your manual, most manufacturers have digital copies on their website. You may also be able to find YouTube videos from the manufacturer that teach you how to clean your specific stroller model.
Now that you have all the supplies you need, where do you start? Use the five steps outlined below to start the cleaning process.
1. Start with a Vacuum
To vacuum your stroller effectively, start by removing loose dirt and crumbs from the fabric and crevices. Focus on the seat, canopy, cupholders, and any storage compartments. Use a handheld vacuum to clean these areas thoroughly. For hard-to-reach spots, such as under seams or in buckles, use a toothbrush or sponge to brush them off.
Additionally, if your stroller fabric cover is removable, it may be helpful to lay it completely flat on the ground so all areas of the fabric are open and exposed. This will allow you to vacuum the seams and crevices thoroughly.
2. Clean the Fabric Components
How you clean your stroller’s fabric components, such as the seat, canopy, and storage compartment, varies by manufacturer; some fabrics are machine-washable, and others aren’t. Be sure to consult your product manual before choosing which method to use, as machine washing non-machine washable parts can damage the fabric, cause shrinkage, and reduce the overall lifespan of your stroller.
For machine-washable fabrics, follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely. Typically, they recommend using a gentle wash setting with cold water and mild detergent. Cleaners that are not child-safe, such as harsh chemicals and bleach, should never be used when cleaning your stroller because they may harm your little one’s sensitive skin and degrade the stroller’s fabric.
If the fabric is not machine washable or cannot be removed from the stroller frame, create a gentle cleaning solution using mild dish soap and warm water. Use a washcloth, sponge, or soft brush to gently scrub the area, being careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
3. Wipe Down Stroller Wheels
Many parents don't even consider cleaning their stroller's wheels unless they’ve gone on a particularly muddy or dusty outing. However, regular wheel maintenance can help keep a stroller riding smoothly for a longer period of time.
Begin by wiping down the wheels with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. To extend the life of your stroller’s wheels, lubricate the wheel axles and chassis connections with a silicone-based spray. Do not use WD-40, as dirt tends to stick to it. After applying the lubricant, use a clean rag to wipe off any excess residue.
4. Air Dry Before Reassembling
After cleaning, let all of the components air dry before reassembling your stroller to reduce the risk of mildew or mold. Never use a drying machine to dry stroller fabric, as it may cause the fabric to warp or lose its shape. It may take a few hours for all of the components to dry thoroughly, so make sure to leave plenty of time for the stroller to air dry before reassembling and using it.
If you’d rather have a trained professional clean your stroller, there are stroller cleaning services available online. It’s easy to find these services in your area by doing a quick Google search. When selecting a provider, be sure to read customer reviews thoroughly and ask the company about their process and what cleaning supplies they use.
Regularly cleaning your stroller is crucial for preventing the buildup of dirt, germs, and allergens. It not only ensures a hygienic environment for your baby but also prolongs your stroller’s lifespan. With the help of this guide and a little scrubbing, you can give your little one a safe, comfortable stroller ride every time.
For more helpful parenting tips and advice, visit the Chicco Baby Talk Blog! We’ll be here for you every step of the way.