Babies have much lower immunity compared to adults; that is why it is important to keep clean the things they have contact with on a regular basis. Many parents use the stroller every day, even multiple times a day, this is why it is important to clean it and make sure it is germ-free.
Cleaning the stroller often will only make this task much easier compared to if you choose to wait longer to clean it. It would be wise to clean it every evening, thus making it clean and ready for the next day. We are not talking about deep cleaning it every night. Just take care of the little visible things for a start. By doing this, there will be less need for deep cleaning.
How to properly clean the stroller:
Step 1: The ventilation. If possible, do this step outside and it is recommended to wear a mask in order to avoid inhaling any spores.
Step 2: The brushing. If there is mold, brush it away with a stiff bristle brush. If the mold is being persistent, lemon juice and salt should do the trick. In case of large mold areas, you can use 2 parts water with 3 parts white vinegar mixed in a spray bottle. You can spray the mold and then wash it with soap.
Step 3: Always check the manufacturer specifics. There will be an instruction on how to properly clean the stroller. Some fabrics do need special care. There also can be flame retardant materials or water-repellent ones. Some fabrics can be removed from the stroller and put in a washing machine, while others will need to be cleaned on the stroller’s frame.
Step 4: Vacuuming. If the fabric cannot be removed from the frame, use a vacuum cleaner to suck the debris and crumbs. Make sure you clean the seams.
Step 5: Preparing the soap. Get a bowl and mix a little bit of soap and lukewarm water. Avoid making it too bubbly as it will be harder to wash off.
Step 6: Cleaning the fabric. Dip a cloth into your bowl and squeeze the excess soap. Carefully clean the stroller’s fabric. Make sure you don’t miss the stains; you will need a toothbrush or soft fabric brush for the stubborn ones.
Step 7: Rinsing and wiping. Get a clean cloth or rinse the previous one. Make sure there is no soap on the cloth and use it to wipe over the fabric on the stroller.
Step 8: Disinfecting. Wipe the fabric with an antibacterial baby wipe to eliminate the germs and make the fabric smell fresher.
Step 9: Drying the fabric. Air-dry the stroller thoroughly; the best option is to let the sun dry it if possible. If the stroller still looks dirty, repeat all the steps from above.
You will also need to remove the accessories like bumper bars, food trays, and cup holders. You can clean this separately off the stroller. Here is how:
Step 1: Prepare your sponge and soap. Mix a little bit of dishwashing soap and lukewarm water in a bowl. Don’t put too much soap. Put the sponge in the mixture and remove the excess water.
Step 2: Cleaning process. Rub-down, the frame, make sure you don’t forget the handle and all the little crevices. Use a scrubbing brush or toothbrush to remove dirt from the trickier crevices. For the stubborn stains, you will need a scourer to scrub them.
Step 3: Rinsing and wiping. Get a new cloth or rinse the one you used before and wipe all the soapy residue.
Step 4: Disinfecting. Clean the frame with antibacterial wipes to eliminate all the remaining germs.
Step 5: The drying. Unlike with the fabric, plastic and metal will dry faster, and you can use them again very soon. You can use the air-drying in the sun method here as well.
No doubt that the wheels on the stroller will get very dirty. No need to clean them every single day, but check them regularly. Grass and small stones, and glass can get stuck in the wheels and the brake area. This can affect how your stroller moves and how the brakes work. Here is how you can clean this area:
Step 1: Check out the wheels. See if the wheels can b removed as most models have a mechanism that releases the wheels from the chassis. This way it will be easier to clean them.
Step 2: Removing the bigger particles. Take a small brush and remove the dirt and sand from the rims and tires.
Step 3: Scrubbing the wheels. Use soapy water to clean the wheels and get rid of the dirt. Of the dirt is being stubborn, use hotter water and scrub harder.
Step 4: Rinsing. Rinse off all the soap on the wheels. Using a hose will be the easiest way to do so.
Step 5: Disinfecting. Use antibacterial wipes to clean the wheels.
Step 6: Dry it. A preferable way to dry the wheels is in the sun.
Step 7: Inspecting and re-attaching. Before you place the wheels on the stroller, check them for tear and wear. Check the air pressure if they are pneumatic.
You should also check if the brakes are functioning properly. If there is dirt caught in them, make sure you brush it off. Test if the wheels are moving smoothly and if the brakes are working properly. If there is some squeaking noise, apply lubricant.
The canopy, hood, and sunshade can be cleaned in the same way as you would the stroller’s fabric piece. Also, don’t forget the shopping basket placed under the stroller. You can vacuum clean it and if there are some stubborn stains, check the instruction on how to deal with it provided by the manufacturer.
Some useful tips:
- The fabric pieces you have removed and washed should be put back on while they are damp and let it air dry while on the frame. If you fully dry them, it will be a real struggle to put them back on.
- Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach places like seams and cup holders.
- Always check for the care labels attached to the stroller’s fabric section or on the frame. The label will inform you on how to clean them properly and safely.
- Consider the storage option of your stroller when you are not using it. If you fold up your stroller when it is damp or wet, it will boost rust and mold growth. Always air dry them before storing them.
- Never put your stroller in a place where it will be subjected to high heat, like directly on the sun or near a radiator. The heat will potentially ruin the plastic parts of the stroller.
- Make sure you buy a cover you will use to put over the stroller when you are not using it. It will protect the stroller from the sun and dust.
- Do not stack other items on top of the stroller. It can damage it.
- After you have cleaned your stroller, make sure there is no damage to fabric caused by the detergent you have used. Also, don’t use harmful chemicals that will destroy the stroller and also can cause harm to your baby.
