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Mould is a significant concern to parents in their homes, but many household items used inside and outside of the house can be affected by mould. An example of a regularly used item that might be affected by mould is a pushchair, which is why parents must know how to keep their pram or stroller free.
It is helpful to know how to prevent mould from growing on a stroller, which we will offer tips on, but if you already have mould on your pushchair, you need to act. We’ll ensure you know the dangers associated with mould, how mould grows on a pushchair, and how you can remove it completely from your baby buggy or stroller.
Mould is a fungus that can grow in damp environments. When growing indoors, the mould produces spores into the air, which people and animals can inhale. Inhaling mould spores can cause various health problems, especially in infants with developing or weaker immune systems.
Inhaled mould spores can cause respiratory issues, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, mould exposure can even lead to lung infections.
Additionally, mould stains can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, especially in people who are already sensitive to mould or have allergies. For these reasons, it is vital to keep the home clean and dry to halt or limit mould growth, especially if there are infants or young children in the house.
This scenario also applies to items like a pushchair, so you cannot afford to take risks with your baby's health.
Mould thrives on moist surfaces, such as wallpaper, carpeting, insulation and wood, but it can also grow on a wet pushchair. When it starts to grow, it releases spores into the air. These spores are invisible to the naked eye and can cause allergies and respiratory problems.
Mould can also cause damage to the surfaces where it grows. It is important to keep surfaces clean and dry to prevent this problem from growing.
A mould stain can quickly develop on pushchairs and prams, especially if stored in humid or damp conditions. These conditions develop mould, so it is essential to clean the pushchair regularly when preventing mould.
Use mild detergent and warm water to clean the frame, fabric, and other pushchair parts. Pay special attention to areas where it forms, such as under the seat or in frame crevices. Once you have finished cleaning, air dry the pushchair to ensure it is completely dry before storing it.
If mould has already developed on the pushchair, you may be able to remove it with a mixture of vinegar and water. Be sure to rinse the pushchair afterwards to remove any residual mould spores. With a little effort, you can keep your pushchair clean and safe.
Begin by inspecting the pushchair for any visible signs of mould. Stains can typically be identified by its distinctive black, green, or white colour, and it often appears in damp or humid areas of the pushchair, such as the fabric or the crevices between the frame and the wheels. Check out our guide on how to clean pram wheels.
Once you have identified a stain on the pushchair, mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a small bucket. The vinegar will help to kill the mould and neutralise any unpleasant odours on stroller fabric.
Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the water and vinegar solution, and use it to scrub the mouldy areas of the pushchair. Be sure to wash thoroughly, especially crevices or hard-to-reach areas, and where your baby sits. If you want more energy, use a tougher scrubbing brush to get mould out of fabric.
Rinse the pushchair thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining stain or vinegar residue.
If you have detachable fabric inlays, remove them, and clean each aspect separately when looking to get mould out of fabric.
Allow the pushchair to air dry completely before using it again. Be sure to open any windows or doors to allow proper ventilation, and avoid using the pushchair until it is completely dry.
To stop mould from returning to your baby's stroller, clean and dry the pushchair regularly and avoid exposing it to moisture or dampness.
If the mould is particularly stubborn or widespread, you may need to use a commercial remover or tougher cleaning solutions to eliminate it. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging, and test a small, inconspicuous area of the pushchair before using it on the entire thing.
Always handle mould with care, as it can harm your health if inhaled or ingested.
Yes, vinegar is a beneficial substance when dealing with mildew stains. The antifungal and antibacterial qualities of vinegar make it an affordable way to get mould out of fabric. Some people add lemon juice to vinegar and water, and this improves the antibacterial and antiseptic characteristics of the cleaning solution.
Regular white vinegar, commonly found in the kitchen, has between 5 and 8% acetic acid. This is a strong acid, noted for its ability to prevent fungi from growing. While vinegar is suitable for most fabrics and materials used in pushchairs, you shouldn’t use vinegar on certain metals such as copper, aluminium or stainless steel.
This is because vinegar corrodes these metals.
If you have metal parts on your pushchair, please refer to the guidelines provided by most manufacturers to ensure you can safely use this material.
While baking soda removes mould, it is less effective on tough spots than bleach. However, this is a far safer product, and many parents prefer to use it on a pushchair than bleach or harsh commercial cleaning products.
Remember that baking soda dissolves completely in water, making it a great option when you want a cleaning product to spray.
As baking soda is affordable, child and pet friendly, and non-toxic, it is a great way to tackle light to medium mould spots, and stop mould growing.
It would be best if you mixed baking soda with water, in equal measures, to create a paste, and apply it to the mouldy areas of the pushchair.
After allowing the thick creamy paste to dry, scrub the mouldy areas with a toothbrush or small brush until it is gone. Depending on the severity of the stain, this might take repeated efforts.
If you want to stop mould from growing on your pushchair, clean it, and then mix two cups of water with two tablespoons of baking soda. Once mixed, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the treatment on areas of concern.
After the mixture dries in, repeat the same process, and then allow it to dry before rinsing off. Apply one final coating, and when dried, use the pushchair as usual.
While mould is a big worry for parents, toxic products and harsh chemicals are also a concern for parents close to their babies. This is why even though products like ammonia and bleach are often cited as ways to remove or halt mould, they are not viable options to use on a pushchair.
Hydrogen peroxide or Borax sound extremely toxic, but they aren’t as harmful as ammonia or bleach, which is why some households keep these cleaning products around.
It would be best if you started with baking soda, vinegar or safe commercial cleaning products, but as a last resort, opting for a stricter solution will help to remove it from strollers or prams.
When a baby spills food, a parent will jump into action, brandishing baby safe wipes, wiping down the baby stroller, and cleaning the stroller or pushchair fabric. By acting quickly, you remove mess before it stains or sticks, and this prevents bigger problems later on.
Most parents know the misery caused by missed milk spills on the seat fabric after a few sunny days. Checking and cleaning the stroller frequently ensures you stay on top of potential problems.
The same approach is true for removing mould stains from stroller fabric, and the chassis of your pushchair. If a mould stain is left unchecked, it becomes harder to remove, and can cause health problems.
You might not be able to remove mould out of seat fabric immediately from an older stroller, but there is no reason why you cannot improve affected areas on an old stroller.
No matter the substance you use, please ensure the stroller is thoroughly cleaned and dried before placing your baby in the seat.
Cleaning mould off a pushchair is vital for the health and safety of your child, and you can quickly remove it with the right products and techniques. It doesn't have to be a lengthy process, not when you work in such a way that kills and then prevents this growth.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can keep your stroller fabric clean, safe, mould free.
You can't always avoid crumbs or keep a stroller stain free, but there's no reason why you can't keep your stroller fabric, chassis and body free from mildew and tough stains over long periods.
