Tips and tricks on how to wash a baby stroller at home

A baby stroller is one of the most intensively used items.

It is exposed to dirt, dust, rain and other negative factors. The child's activities also contribute to vehicle pollution.

To keep the stroller clean, it must be cleaned and washed periodically. So that it does not lose its consumer qualities and remains neat, beautiful, and safe, this must be done correctly.

Read the article about whether and how to wash a stroller (stroller, transformer, etc.) at home, how to disassemble it before and reassemble it after washing.

Is it possible?

Baby strollers are presented on the market in a variety of models designed for a specific age of the child. They include cleaning at home.

It should be remembered that the duration and efficiency of washing depend on the number of removable parts. It is easier and faster to wash a fully or partially disassembled structure than a non-disassembled one.

Before purchasing a product, you need to study the design of the stroller and the features of the material from which it is made.

Conscientious manufacturers indicate:

• material used (fabric, synthetic fabric, leather substitute);
• recommended washing (hand, machine);
• mode (temperature, speed, spin);
• chemical cleaning agents (allowed, prohibited).

Only directly from the manufacturer's instructions can you reliably know whether the stroller can be washed.

What about the new one?

If the new stroller was stored and transported in its original packaging, then before using it, just wipe it with a damp cloth. This will help get rid of fine dust and particles of packaging material.

How to disassemble a stroller, transformer, etc. before washing?

A transformer is a universal, practical, convenient transport for a baby.. It is used all year round, so you have to wash it more often than other strollers.

The complete set and mounting features of the transformer depend on the brand and the specifics of the model, but its main characteristics are the same for all types. The transformer consists of a large number of parts. It needs to be disassembled before washing.

To do this optimally, It is recommended to follow the suggested procedure:

1. Remove shopping cart.
2. Pull out the cradle and envelope.
3. Unfasten the fabric parts fastened with straps, Velcro, or buttons. Such elements include a muff, a mattress, a bag.
4. If the hood is attached to the base with bolts or screws, then use the appropriate tool to detach it.

   To quickly determine the connection locations, you can use the diagram from the instructions supplied with the product.

5. Remove all covers if possible.
6. Remove the bow that supports its shape from the hood.
7. Remove the wheels by pulling the special brackets.

What to do with non-separable ones?

Washing strollers with non-removable covers and elements is carried out without a complete disassembly stage. Such designs, if possible, preliminarily facilitate:

• remove the wheels,
• bumper,
• additional accessories.

The manual method is used for cleaning. For example, a stroller, otherwise called a cane, is washed with a large sponge or brush dipped in soapy water.

If a family lives in a private house with its own plot, then it is better to wash a non-separable stroller outside using a water hose. In urban environments, a bath is used for washing.

Preparation for the process

After maximum disassembly, preparation for washing begins. It involves removing dry lumps of dirt from the wheels and the outside of the stroller with a brush. If necessary, this stage is supplemented by removing stains from food and drinks.

If it is not possible to remove dried dirt using a dry method, it is moistened with water. Soaked dirt is removed with a damp cloth.

The dry cleaning procedure must be done carefully so as not to damage the fittings and the integrity of the fabric.

Step-by-step cleaning instructions

So that the child’s vehicle does not become deformed from washing, does not become covered with cracks, stains, creases, you should follow the rules:

1. To choose a washing method, the composition of the material from which the stroller is made is taken into account. For example, if all the removable parts are made of raincoat fabric, then they can be washed in a machine. If these parts are combined with artificial leather, the stroller can be washed by hand.
2. Individual parts may require different cleaning methods. For example, a hood is machine washable, while a bedspread decorated with an embroidered monogram can be hand washed. Hard-to-reach corners are easily cleaned with a steam generator.
3. The bottom of the structure, seat belts, and other non-removable parts are carefully cleaned with a brush.
4. Chrome parts are polished with a damp cloth.
5. The wheels are washed under running water.
6. Hypoallergenic washing and cleaning liquids are used.

In the washing machine

The fabrics from which stroller sets are made contain structured synthetic fibers. They add strength, water resistance, and increase wear resistance to the product.

Machine washability makes caring for these strollers easy. In this case, all that remains for manual work is cleaning the wheels and the main base.

Washing recommendations:

• all removable elements are placed in a special bag that protects them and the machine from mechanical damage;
• a delicate mode is established;
• the temperature is set to 40C°;
• super rinse function is used;
• push-ups are performed at low speeds.

Automatic spinning and drying cannot be used for parts with insulation. The water drain mode is suitable for them.

As a means Concentrated gels for children's clothing or sensitive skin are used for washing. Regular washing powders can leave streaks on the surface of items. Additional treatment with rinses and conditioners does not make sense.

Manually

If the product contains a leather substitute, artificial PVC fabric, or a lot of accessories, then it requires wet cleaning or hand washing. Considering the lightness and waterproofness of such materials, this most often applies to strollers.

If there is a removable hood and leg cape, their processing consists of the following steps:

1. Soak in warm soapy water for 20 minutes.
2. Carefully hand wash at 50C° with baby powder.
3. Rinse until completely free of soapy water.
4. Light squeezing.
5. Straightening things out.

Laundry or baby soap and dishwashing detergent are also suitable for hand washing.. The criterion for choosing a product is complete rinsing and anti-allergy.

Do not use chlorine-containing cleaning products or subject the stroller to aggressive mechanical cleaning.

How to apply the cleaner?

An alternative to washing is cleaning with foam cleaners for cars and carpets.

Advantages of this method:

• quick and easy application;
• thorough destruction of dirt and rust;
• removing stubborn stains;
• there is no need to disassemble the product.

To use, the contents of the can are sprayed onto surfaces. Dried foam with dirt particles is removed with a napkin, vacuum cleaner or shaken off.

To quickly clean an eco-leather stroller, You can use car interior leather cleaner. In this case, the bonus will be enhancing the color of the stroller, polishing, and eliminating odors and microorganisms.

The video will show you how to clean a stroller with a foam cleaner:

Are there differences for different models?

Types of children's vehicles are divided according to their main characteristics into classic, recreational, and transformers. They differ in purpose of use and functionality.

In addition to the manufacturer's instructions, when washing a specific stroller a combination of factors is taken into account:

1. The degree of disassembly of the structure.
2. Number of removable parts.
3. Composition of the material.
4. Availability of additional accessories.
5. The presence of combined elements.

Cleaning removable elements

The fabric parts of the stroller set can be washed by machine or by hand. The method is selected depending on the degree of contamination, material, presence and structure of the filler.

Mattress (coconut, etc.)

The way to keep a mattress clean depends on its filling. Popular are models with coconut flakes and foam rubber..

Coconut filler does not collect dirt, dust, or odors. Such mattresses cannot be washed, because moisture causes the shavings to lose their orthopedic properties.

If absolutely necessary, they are dry cleaned. The mattress cover is machine washable.

To do this you should:

• remove the cover;
• fasten it with clasps;
• Set the machine to delicate wash and heavy rinse settings.

The foam mattress absorbs odors, dust, and moisture. Considering the structure of foam rubber, wash it can only be done manually, following the instructions:

• soak the product in soapy water for half an hour;
• use a brush to carefully walk in a circular motion over the surface;
• repeat the procedure until the spots disappear;
• Rinse the mattress in several changes of water until the soap scum completely disappears.

cradle

A special feature of the cradle is its dense bottom, made of plywood or fiberboard. These materials should not get wet.

A combined approach is used for cleaning:

1. All removable parts come unfastened.
2. Depending on the type of fabric, they are washed in a machine or by hand according to the appropriate rules.
3. The walls and fixed parts are cleaned with a soapy cloth.
4. Use a cloth soaked in clean water to remove any remaining soap.
5. Surfaces are wiped with a microfiber cloth.
6. The bottom is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and wiped with a slightly damp cloth.

Cases

Dense, durable fabric is used to make the covers. If the manufacturer allows machine washing, then the sequence of actions is as follows:

• Spread heavily soiled areas with laundry soap and leave for a few minutes;
• put in a washing bag;
• Wash on delicate cycle, high rinse, light spin.

If only hand washing is allowed, then The procedure for cleaning removed covers contains the following steps:

• soaking in water with a cleaning agent;
• gently clean the dirt with a sponge or soft brush;
• Gently rinse until any remaining foam disappears.

Bag

To restore the cleanliness of this quickly dirty item, follow these steps:

1. The hard bottom is pulled out.
2. The bag is machine washable on a delicate cycle with minimal speed.
3. Instead of spinning, the water drain mode is used.
4. The washed item is wrapped in a dry towel and gently patted until excess water disappears.

Hand wash is used if the hard base of the bag is sewn inside. In this case:

• the bag turns upside down;
• immersed in a warm soapy solution to the bottom level;
• washes off dirt and stains without touching the bottom;
• rinses under running water;
• straightens out and hangs over the bathtub with the handles down.

Hood

When machine washing a hood, you should follow the following algorithm:

1. Pull out the metal shackle.
2. Wash in an acceptable mode, with intensive rinsing, spinning at low speeds.

The hood can be washed by hand if it contains permanent knitting needles or arcs that give it its shape. For this we use:

• cleansing with a brush dipped in soapy water;
• wiping with a sponge and clean water;
• polish with a clean cloth until streaks disappear.

How to remove difficult stains?

It is possible to remove old stains from the stroller using stain removers and cleaning aerosols. Alternative methods using available home remedies are safer for the child’s health.

Mold

Fungal mold appears when the stroller comes into contact with moisture for a long time. To avoid this, you need to follow simple rules:

• store the vehicle in a dry, ventilated area;
• after exposure to rain or snow, wipe all parts dry;
• After washing, dry the stroller thoroughly.

Chemical antiseptics will help destroy mold. Products that do not contain chlorine are more convenient, for example “Persol”, “Oxy Crystal”.

The order of their application:

1. Dilute with water in the proportion indicated on the label.
2. Treat affected areas.
3. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry the product thoroughly.

Before treating with chemicals, you must wear work clothes, protective gloves, and goggles.

Liquids are poured into a spray bottle. Apply the selected product to areas with mold and leave for 2-3 hours.. After drying, the treatment areas are thoroughly wiped with a viscose napkin.

Traces of milk

Oxygen stain removers in the form of a pencil, for example Faberlic, UdalixBaby, are suitable for removing milk marks.

Rules for their use:

• wet the stain;
• rub with a pencil until foam appears;
• after 10-15 minutes, remove the residue with a cloth;
• if the milk traces are old, then you need to repeat the procedure several times.

Popular wisdom suggests using chalk, salt, sodium borate. Crushed chalk or salt is sprinkled thickly on the soaked spot in the evening. In the morning, dry crumbs are brushed off with a brush.

The dirty area is treated with an aqueous sodium solution. After half an hour, the solution is thoroughly washed off.

Whitening methods

It is possible to refresh the color and return the whiteness to the parts of stroller transport by bleaching. The product used depends on the type of material:

1. Oxygen bleaches, as well as hydrogen peroxide, laundry soap, and soda are suitable for fabrics. The parts are immersed in an aqueous solution with ready-made bleach or peroxide for the time required for brightening.

   Small pieces of laundry soap along with baking soda are diluted with a small amount of water. The surface is impregnated with this mixture. After a couple of hours, the products are rinsed with plenty of water.

2. For leatherette, citric acid or juice, shaving foam, and denatured alcohol are suitable. The selected product is carefully rubbed into the part. After a few minutes, the residue is removed with a wet cloth.

How to dry?

You need to dry the stroller so that the parts do not shrink or warp. There are rules for this:

• washed items are shaken and carefully straightened;
• wet parts are stretched onto the stroller frame;
• the stroller is placed in a ventilated place, preferably on a balcony;
• it is not allowed to be exposed to sunlight;
• if there is no balcony, then the structure is installed away from the radiators.

It is recommended to spray the dry parts with a protective agent.

How to collect after?

The last step in washing the stroller is to assemble it into its normal working position. To do this you need:

1. Insert a metal arc into the hood.
2. Put on and fasten the covers.
3. Fasten the removable parts.
4. If necessary, secure the hood with bolts.
5. Install wheels.
6. Put the cradle and envelope.
7. Hang and place additional accessories.

Video on the topic

This video will show you how to wash a stroller:

Conclusion

It is easy to return a stroller with any degree of soiling to its original cleanliness, color, and freshness if you choose the right way to wash it. It is not necessary to always wash the entire item.

You can selectively clean individual parts, remove fresh stains and dirt with wet wipes. In this case, close attention should be paid to places in direct contact with the child.