How To Clean Pram Fabric

Cleaning the fabric on a pram is integral to maintaining the stroller and ensuring it stays in good condition. Over time, the material on a pram can become dirty and stained from use, and regular cleaning can help to keep it looking and smelling fresh. Following a few simple steps, you can effectively clean the fabric on your pram and keep it looking new.

We will provide top tips and guidelines for cleaning the cloth on your pram, including what cleaning products to use and how to spot clean tough stains. Regular cleaning and maintenance can keep your pram looking and functioning at its best for years to come.

What Fabrics Are Common With Prams?

Many different types of fabric materials feature in prams. Some common fabric materials that you may find on a pram include:

Cotton

Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric often used in prams because of its softness and durability. It is also easy to clean and maintain, which makes it a popular choice for pram fabrics.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric often used in prams because of its durability and resistance to wrinkling and fading. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to clean, which makes it a good option for pram fabrics.

Nylon

Nylon is another synthetic fabric often used in prams because of its durability and resistance to moisture and stains. It is also lightweight and easy to clean, which makes it a popular choice for pram fabrics.

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric made from extremely fine fibres, making it soft and smooth to the touch. It is also highly absorbent and quick-drying, which makes it a good option for pram fabrics.

In addition to these standard fabrics, you may also find other fabrics on your pram, depending on the specific model and brand. It is crucial to choose a durable, easy-to-clean, and comfortable fabric for your baby, as well as one that suits your personal preferences and needs.

What Stains Are You Likely To Find On Pram Fabric?

There are many different types of stains that you may find on pram fabric. Some common types of marks that you may encounter include:

Food and drink stains: Whether its food trays spills or accidents while feeding your baby, food that gets transferred onto the pram from your baby's hands or mouth is a common problem.

Natural baby stains: These can be caused by nappy leaks or blowouts, which can leave behind unsightly stains on the fabric.

Mud and dirt stains: If you take your pram on outdoor adventures, it can pick up mud and dirt along the way, leaving behind stains on the fabric.

Grass stains: Using your pram on grassy surfaces can pick up grass stains, especially if your baby likes to play with the grass while in the stroller.

Grease and oil stains: These can come from handling the pram or from contact with greasy or oily substances.

In addition to these common types of stains, you may encounter other stains on your pram fabric, depending on your specific situation and how you use the stroller. It is essential to regularly inspect the fabric on your pram and remove any stains as soon as possible to prevent the process from becoming harder.

Always Remove Loose Dirt Before Cleaning Fabric

No matter the stain, the starting process when you clean a pram is to remove debris.

Warm Water And A Soft Fabric Brush Are Essential In Cleaning Fabric

To clean the fabric on a pram, you can use the following steps:

• Remove loose crumbs, debris or loose dirt from the fabric using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Mix a solution of hot to lukewarm water and mild laundry detergent in a bucket or spray bottle (alternatively, mix three parts white vinegar and two parts water).
• Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and wring out any excess water.
• Gently scrub the fabric with a damp cloth, soft toothbrush or nail brush, removing any stains or dirt.
• Rinse the fabric thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue.
• Make sure the material is completely dry before using the pram again.

Using a gentle detergent (or lemon juice) and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners is essential, as these can damage the fabric or fade the colours. It is also an excellent idea to spot-test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the material before using it on the entire pram.

Use A Scrubbing Brush On Tougher Stains

If the stroller is particularly dirty, it is best to spot-clean it using soapy water and a scrubbing brush. You can use a gentle stain remover or pre-treatment product for tougher stains. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the fabric or fade the colours.

You Can Dry Fabric In Direct Sunlight

After cleaning, allow baby strollers to air dry completely before using it again. This will help prevent mould and mildew growth and ensure that the stroller is ready to use when needed.

How Do You Remove Urine Or Excrement From Fabric?

As a parent, you often have to remove unpleasant stains from fabrics, so knowing how to remove these stains and keep your baby safe effectively is essential when you clean a pram.

To remove urine or excrement from fabric, you can follow these steps:

• Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much excess urine or excrement as possible.
• Warm soapy water is essential when cleaning
• Dip a clean, soft cloth or towel into the solution and wring out any excess water.
• Gently scrub the stain with the damp cloth or small brush, removing as much urine or excrement as possible.
• Rinse and wipe the fabric thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Apply a small amount of white vinegar, or gentle disinfectant spray, to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
• Wash the fabric again with clean water to remove the vinegar.
• Air drying is the final step

Using a gentle detergent or disinfectant spray and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners is essential, as these can damage the fabric and irritate your baby. Urine and excrement create stubborn marks which are difficult to remove, so it may take several attempts to obliterate the stain.

How Do You Remove Grease Or Oil From Fabric?

To remove grease or oil from fabric, follow these additional steps alongside the standard tips:

• Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or towel to remove as much excess grease or oil as possible.
• Sprinkle the stain with talcum powder or baking soda. This will help to absorb the grease or oil and make it easier to remove.
• Let the powder sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes to absorb the grease or oil.
• Gently wipe the powder off the fabric using a soft brush or cloth.
• Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to the stain.
• Scrub the soap into the stain using your fingers or a soft brush.
• Wash the fabric with warm water to remove the soap and any remaining grease or oil.

It is essential to use a gentle soap or detergent and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can ruin the fabric. It is also a good idea to spot-test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area or out of reach places of the fabric before using it on the entire stain.

Can You Clean Brand Name Fabric?

There are many great companies manufacturing prams, like Silver Cross or Bugaboo. If you have concerns about how you wash the fabric of a specific pram, please check the given cleaning instructions.

Take Special Care To Extend The Life Of These Materials

One popular material used by Silver Cross for pram lining is bamboo, and bamboo can be cleaned in a washing machine, albeit on a gentle cycle. It is best to avoid extreme heat and bleach for fabrics like bamboo or hemp, and if you hand-wash these materials, be sure to clean them thoroughly.

Whether hand or machine washed, you can dry fabric in the sun without worrying about discolouration.

Is It Okay To Hose Down A Fabric Stroller?

It is generally not recommended to hose down a fabric stroller. Hosing down the stroller can damage the fabric, frame, and other components. Water can also become trapped in the moving parts, leading to mould and mildew growth. You want to prevent rust at all times, so dry the frame or canopy quickly and effectively.

Often, hot soapy water is all you need to clean pram fabric, but to remove stubborn marks, you might need a more robust process. Cleaning pram fabrics on a regular basis, while paying attention to manufacturer instructions, will care for your pram and child at all times.