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How to Clean a Stroller:
6 Simple Steps to Spotless
Trying to guess what that mystery stain is on your baby stroller takes a lot of sleuthing (and sometimes, you still can’t figure it out in the end).
Of all baby gear, a stroller is the workhorse item that sees it all—from spit-up to sunscreen and snacks. Despite the rigors that a baby stroller endures, it can remain in use for years with a little maintenance and regular stroller cleaning. It can grow with your child as they develop into a toddler, be passed down to siblings and handed over to friends.
Once you choose your child’s stroller, ensuring that it holds up to wear and tear requires knowing how to clean a stroller regularly, especially when it comes to big messes and sanitizing situations. While some spills may be big enough to tempt you to immediately uncoil the garden hose, you’ll first want to know a few basic tips and tricks on stroller cleaning before you do.
Let’s review six simple steps on how to clean a stroller and the supplies you’ll need, plus address a few of parents’ frequently asked questions so you can keep your child’s chariot looking brand new for years to come.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment
- Bucket
- Mild dish soap or detergent
- Warm water
- Washcloth, sponge or scrub brush
- Toothbrush or bamboo grilling skewers
- Disinfecting wipes
1. Check Labels and Guides
Before beginning any stroller cleaning project, remember to first consult your manufacturer’s guide for care instructions specific to your individual model. Not all types of strollers are made exactly alike. Some may have parts that are machine-washable, and others may recommend spot cleaning only.
2. Vacuum Crumbs and Debris
While your stroller is still fully assembled, be sure to vacuum out any crumbs or dry debris from cracks, crevices and folds. You’ll want to first eliminate the dry mess before adding water or cleaning solution to the mix. Tools that work well for the job include either a battery-operated handheld vacuum or your household vacuum’s upholstery attachment.
3. Detach Any Removable Parts
Next, be sure to detach the stroller fabric and any other removable parts, like cupholders or snack trays. You’ve already consulted your stroller’s guidebook, so you should know whether the fabric components are machine-washable and whether any of the plastic parts are dishwasher-safe. If you uncover additional crumbs or dry messes in the process, be sure to take a second pass with a vacuum.
4. Clean the Stroller Fabric
Can you put stroller fabric in the washing machine? For some models, the answer is yes. For these types of strollers, you’ll want to place your fabric in the washing machine as soon as it’s detached from your frame, following your care instructions.
If your stroller fabric isn’t machine-washable, create a gentle mix of mild dish soap or detergent and warm water, and use it to wet the soiled areas. Then, with a washcloth, sponge or brush—depending on the severity of the stain—gently scrub the area. Test your technique in a low-profile area first to be sure your solution will not stain or damage the fabric.
PRO TIP: Household items like a clean toothbrush or a bamboo grilling skewer are helpful tools for freeing debris and dried messes from crevices and tight spaces.
5. Clean the Stroller Frame
Next, while your stroller fabric is detached from the frame, use either your mild soapy solution or disinfecting wipes to deep clean any hard parts of the stroller, like the frame and handlebar. A little elbow grease and saturation with your cleaning solution may be required to remove spots that have accumulated on the hard surfaces.
6. Let Dry and Reattach
Once your frame and fabric have received a thorough cleaning, soak up any excess water with a dry washcloth and hang the fabric to dry. Once it has fully dried, gently reattach the removable parts to the stroller frame and enjoy a relaxing walk with your little one.
PRO TIP: Resist the urge to place your stroller fabric in the dryer, which could cause it to lose its structure or warp its shape.
Stroller Cleaning FAQ
From mold and mildew concerns to hosing down your stroller in the driveway, let’s review a few frequently asked questions, stroller misconceptions and common concerns.
How Do You Make a Stroller Look New?
To make a stroller look new again, a thorough cleaning is often all you really need, but additional attention to the sun shade and wheels can help it look as spotless as the day it arrived.
Stroller wheels may be detachable on certain models and can be wiped clean with disinfecting wipes or a soapy solution with a mild detergent.
Is It OK to Hose Down a Stroller?
Many strollers can in fact be hosed down, which can be a helpful option for heavy messes or when strollers are caked with mud and debris. As always, first consult your stroller’s guidebook to ensure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommended care instructions.
Once you’ve determined that it’s safe for your model, the process is not unlike washing a car by hand in the driveway:
- Wet the surface
- Gently apply a mild, soapy mix with a sponge
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to dry
What Can I Use to Clean a Baby Stroller?
A soapy mix of cold or warm water and mild dish soap or detergent are generally safe for many stroller models. Disinfecting wipes and sprays are typically safe for hard surfaces, such as stroller frames and wheels.
Can You Clean a Moldy Stroller?
Given their constant exposure to moisture and bacteria, it’s not uncommon for stroller fabric to show signs of mold and mildew over time. Knowing how to clean a moldy stroller is uncomplicated, and there are several chemical-free cleaning solutions you can use to rid your fabric of mold and mildew. They include:
- Water (1 cup) + white vinegar (2 cups) + lemon (1/2 cup)
- Water (1 cup) + baking soda (1/4 tablespoon)
- White vinegar (2 cups) + baking soda (5 tablespoons)
Is a Baby Stroller Washable?
Most baby strollers can be cleaned, either through spot cleaning with mild soap and water or wiped clean with disinfecting wipes. Additionally, many stroller models are made with fabric that is machine-washable for added convenience. Before using any stroller cleaning technique, be sure to check your stroller’s care instructions for recommendations specific to your model.
Over the years, a baby stroller endures a tremendous amount of wear and tear from infants and toddlers. Strollers are built to withstand heavy use—and subsequent care. With a little routine maintenance and regular cleaning, they can be kept looking like new for years to come.
Ready to find the perfect baby stroller for your family? Explore our stroller guide now.