Your pushchair is bound to need cleaning from time to time, especially when sticky little fingers and muddy shoes are never too far away. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a little dirt and grime on your pram so don’t worry if yours is looking a little messy. We know parents are busy people so having a spotless pram is usually the last thing on your list.
But, to make sure your little passenger has a comfortable, safe and enjoyable place to ride, sleep and experience the world, it’s best to have a few, easy tips and tricks up your sleeve for the best ways to keep your pushchair as clean as possible.
In this post, we show you some basic cleaning tips for when your stroller needs a little spruce up, how to do a deep clean for when it needs a little more tender loving care, as well as how to get your pram looking like new again after being in storage.
How to do a basic clean of your pushchair
If you want to maintain the fresh, clean look of your stroller, we have some great everyday cleaning tips for you below. We understand that every parent needs more hours in the day to get everything done, but these cleaning tips only take a few minutes and will save you time in the long run because you won’t need to carry out a deep clean as often.
Vacuum the crumbs
Your first job is to use the pipe attachment nozzle on your vacuum to remove any crumbs from your pram. Make sure you get into the grooves and creases of the fabric as pesky crumbs tend to find their way here, as well as the basket underneath and any pockets or trays.
Clean the frame
Your stroller chassis is simple and easy to clean with a bowl of warm, soapy water and a damp, clean cloth. Wipe down the frame, handlebar and bumper bar to remove dirt or grease. Allow the frame to air dry or wipe the access water away with a soft towel. Don’t use harsh scrubbing tools or harsh chemicals on your frame as this can damage the paint and cause scratches.
Clean the wheels
The wheels are probably the dirtiest part of your stroller and it’s no wonder since they’re always rolling along the ground, through puddles, mud and anything else on the floor. Cleaning the wheels can give your pram a fresh new look and make it look brand new again. To clean the wheels, use a sponge and warm soapy water.
Make sure your sponge is soft and get into the groves and around the wheel with soap to remove any dirt. Allow to air dry or use a soft towel to remove excess water.
Spot-clean the fabric
For an everyday cleaning task, there is no need to remove the fabric or clean the whole thing as this is quite time-consuming and results in lengthy drying spells afterwards, meaning your pram is out of action. The best thing to do is to spot-clean your pram every few days to remove any dirt and grime that are easy to get rid of.
Again, don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach on your stroller fabrics as this can cause discolouration and weaken the fibres. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a bowl of warm, mild soapy water to remove bits of dirt.
How to do a deep clean of your pushchair
Every so often, you will need to do a deep clean of your pushchair to keep it looking new and fresh. How often you do this will depend on how regularly you do a basic cleaning of your pram, how often your pram is used and for what purpose. Typically, parents tend to deep clean their pushchairs every three months or so.
To begin, follow the basic cleaning tips above, before moving on to the deep clean.
Treat stains
The first thing you will need to do is treat any pesky stains. Don’t try to wash the stains before treating them as this embeds the stain even further in the fibres of the fabric and makes it almost impossible to remove.
To treat stains there are several methods you can use:
- Use bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar using a 2:1 ratio.
- Use stain-removing treatments that you can buy from most supermarkets.
- Take the fabric to a dry cleaner.
If you’re treating the stain yourself, leave the treatment on the stain for several minutes before removing it. Always read the label on the bottle of stain treatment and test your bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar mixture on a piece of fabric before using it on your stroller.
Scrub the straps
The straps on your stroller may have a build-up of grime, particularly if your little one enjoys a snack in there. The best way to scrub the straps to get them looking new again is to use a sponge with warm, soapy water and scrub until they are clean. Allow to air dry before using.
Remove the fabric
With most strollers, it is quick and easy to remove the fabric for a deep clean. It’s always best to read the label and manufacturer’s guide but most stroller fabrics can be put in the washing machine. If you do this, make sure you use a low temperature on your machine, a mild detergent and fabric softener (if using) and never tumble dry, always air dry.
Remove other removable parts
There are often other removable parts on your pushchair that require your attention such as the canopy, bumper bar, handlebar cover, baskets and cup holders. For a deep clean, take off all of the removable parts and clean with warm, soapy water. Allow to air dry before putting it back on.
Pushchair Accessories
Don’t forget to clean your pushchair accessories too such as footmuffs and changing bags. Always read the label for more specific instructions but some products can be put in the washing machine and if you’re unsure, use warm, soapy water and allow to air dry.
How to get your pushchair clean after being in storage
If you are reusing an old pushchair that you used for your older child but have kept it in storage for some time, it’s not always a pretty sight when you get it back out again. Prams kept in storage can become very dirty (depending on where they’re left), be covered in mould and have an unpleasant, old smell.
This, of course, is not ideal for a newborn baby so you will need to do a deep clean following the instructions above as well as a few other things. There are services available that collect your pushchair and do this for you, such as this 6-step buggy clean, but they can be quite expensive. To save money, you can do it yourself by following these steps.
How to remove mould
Mould occurs when prams are damp. Many people store their pushchairs in sheds, garages, lofts or car boots for some time and if the pram gets even a little damp and is left for a while, this is the ideal environment for mould to grow.
If this has happened to your stroller, don’t worry, it can be removed with a little elbow grease! If you’re dealing with mould, make sure you wear gloves and a mask as it can be harmful when breathed in. White mould is easier to get rid of and usually only needs to be cleaned using a cloth and a bowl of warm, soapy water.
If you have black mould on your pram, this is a little harder to remove and requires lemon juice, vinegar or a stronger chlorine solution.
Clean all buttons, zips and poppers
The last thing you might want to check if your pram has been in storage for some time is the buttons, zips and poppers as these often get forgotten about and can make a big difference in your pram looking new again. Use warm, soapy water and get into the tiny groves and spaces.
Now you know all the best ways to keep your pushchair clean from everyday cleaning tips to deep cleaning as well as giving your pram a second life after being in storage. You and your little one can now enjoy your pushchair over and over again.