How to Properly Clean Your Foldable Stroller
, by Artorias Tse, 10 min reading time
, by Artorias Tse, 10 min reading time
As a parent, it is incredibly important to keep your baby’s stroller clean. Not only does a dirty stroller look unsightly with food stains, mysterious sticky spots, and dirt trails, but it can also harbor harmful germs that could make your little one sick.
While it is ideal to give your stroller a quick wipe down after every use, finding time for a deep clean isn’t always feasible with a busy schedule.
That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive cleaning guide for foldable stroller.
Did you know that the right supplies and techniques distinguish between mediocre surface cleaning and truly deep cleaning every inch? That's why the proper cleaning materials and understanding the best methods for your stroller’s various components are key first steps.
Having the right gear makes stroller cleaning quick, easy, and effective. Here’s everything you need for the job:
Stroller manual: Check for specific care instructions for your model's fabrics, removable pieces, and approved cleaning methods.
Handheld vacuum: A vacuum with hose attachments removes loose dirt and crumbs wedged in crevices. Canister vacuums work, too.
Disinfecting wipes: Look for fragrance-free wipes with natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Wipes tackle frame grime easily.
All-purpose cleaner: Choose a gentle, non-toxic spray cleaner that is safe for baby gear. Sprays help lift stuck-on stains.
Spot cleaner: A dedicated spot cleaner is extremely effective for tough stains. Pick a baby-safe enzymatic cleaner.
Soft brush: Gently loosen set-in dirt on fabric or crevices with a soft brush, like an old toothbrush.
Microfiber cloths: These lift and trap dirt without spreading it around or leaving lint behind.
Laundry detergent: Check if your model’s seat fabric is washer-safe. Pick an eco-friendly, fragrance-free liquid detergent for machine washing if it is.
Before cleaning, refer to your stroller manual for safely removing pieces like the canopy, seat pad, basket, wheels, etc. Taking your stroller apart gives you access to every surface, ensuring the most thorough cleaning. Pay attention to how parts detach so you can properly reassemble everything later.
If possible, remove all machine-washable fabrics first. Then, tackle the remaining disassembly. Place hardware like screws or washers in labeled bags so they don’t get lost. Lay out parts organized so you know what needs to be cleaned and can efficiently reassemble.
Got everything laid out? Let’s get cleaning!
Now, we’re ready to tackle washing each stroller component. Here’s a foolproof system to lift dirt, eliminate odors, banish stains, and sanitize every inch of your foldable stroller.
The seat, canopy, liner, harness covers, etc., accumulate dirt and food and drip the most. Follow these steps to refresh fabrics:
On frames, handlebars, baskets, and small parts, follow these steps:
Wheels pick up plenty of outdoor muck. Get them clean in a few simple steps:
These often-handled components deserve some extra care. Follow this process:
Accidents happen. Strollers take a beating, from diaper leaks to car sickness to spilled snacks. Here’s how to lift those stubborn stains.
These are annoyingly common but thankfully removable:
Vomit, urine, and diaper leaks act fast, so a quick response is key. Follow these steps:
Does it seem like your stroller gets grimy days after you’ve cleaned it? You can extend the time between deep cleans through some simple habits. Try these:
Don’t let trash accumulate in crevices. Wipe up spills quickly using blotting and gentle scraping techniques to avoid pushing grime deeper into the fabric. The quicker you remove debris, the less likely it’ll become a stain.
At least weekly (or after very dirty outings), use disinfecting wipes on key spots like handlebars and harness buckles, which are prone to germ accumulation. Quick wipedowns inhibit buildup.
After each use, inspect the areas where your child’s face and hands make contact, like harness straps. Spot treat any new stains immediately to prevent setting in.
Failing to let moisture dry fully breeds mold and mildew. Always allow complete drying before folding up your stroller, whether hand washing or spot treating.
Sun exposure degrades fabric and tires. To minimize UV damage and extend component life, apply a protective spray formulated for stroller use. Reapply after deep cleaning.
During routine wipedowns, inspect for torn fabric or padding, cracks in plastic pieces, or rust on metal components. Address any issues promptly to prevent worsening damage.
There’s no way around it—if you use a stroller frequently, it’s going to get dirty. While quick wipedowns should happen routinely, finding time for a complete overhaul can be tough with a busy toddler.
Hopefully, these steps to thoroughly yet efficiently clean every inch of your foldable stroller, from machine washing fabrics to detailing wheels, will make tackling that grime a little less painful while keeping your baby’s environment clean.
For machine-washable fabric, use an eco-friendly liquid detergent on the gentle cycle. For spot cleaning, spray on an enzymatic cleaner, soak for 5-10 minutes, and gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing—avoid harsh scrubbing.
First, disassemble the stroller to access all affected areas. Clean with an all-purpose spray cleaner, using a soft brush on fabrics or a microfiber cloth on solid parts. Allow to dry before reassembly to prevent regrowth fully.
Remove solid waste gently with a plastic spoon and discard. Don’t rub the fabric, as that pushes residue deeper. Rinse the area well, then saturate it with disinfecting wipes to kill germs. Let it fully dry, then vacuum and repeat wiping to remove any lingering odors.
Apply an enzymatic cleaner like Grandma’s Secret Spot Remover for tough stains. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub using a soft brush in a circular motion to lift the stain. Rinse well, then blot dry. Repeat if needed.
Using a hose in a high-pressure setting can efficiently blast dirt, mud, and debris out of small spaces on wheels, tires, and frames. However, avoid using it at close range or directly on fabrics, which can damage the material. Instead, opt for spot hand washing delicate fabrics.
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