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You’ll find cleaning pushchair fabric is a regular activity because stains and spillages are common. Parents want to ensure the material is clean and soft for their baby, but they also want to ensure it is safe. Cleaning pushchair fabric isn’t just about the appearance; it is also about killing germs and bacteria where your baby sits.
There is a wide range of pushchair fabrics, but no matter which material you have on your stroller, we’ll help you find the best cleaning method to keep baby strollers clean, soft and safe for your child.
If you have a pushchair at home, it is likely you have one of these materials:
All these materials have beneficial qualities. Cotton is a breathable, soft fabric that you can rely on. Cotton is a simple material to clean, so it is an excellent choice in a pram.
Polyester is a highly durable material, as it’s a synthetic fabric. Polyester is affordable and can be wiped clean. Another synthetic option is nylon, which is resistant to stains and moisture. Nylon is a light material that is ideal for summer months and easy to wipe clean.
Microfiber is another synthetic material which is soft, smooth, and absorbs liquid quickly. This is highly convenient for a pushchair.
These are the most common fabrics, but you also have bamboo, which is becoming popular with pushchair manufacturers like Silver Chair.
An exasperated parent might think it is quicker to list stains you won’t find on pushchair fabric; such is the mess these items often end up in. However, some of the most commonly occurring stains include:
Food and drink stains are expected, from food trays, cup holders, baby milk accidents, loose crumbs and everything else. You’ll shake and clean covers and blankets after every trip!
Natural baby stains are also prevalent, whether drool, snot, or biological bodily functions.
Mud and dirt stains are common, especially if you move your child in and out of the pushchair when outside to play. This is also why grass stains are common, which can be tough to remove.
Grease and oil stains might be less common than the rest, but they are far from impossible regarding dirty marks and stubborn stains on the fabric. Extreme heat is useful on grease and oil, as is high air pressure, but your blanket or bedding might not stand up to this interrogation.
This is why you might need to scrub for longer with a nail brush or soft toothbrush with very soapy water to remove stubborn marks.
It makes sense for parents or guardians to inspect their pushchairs to spot any stains or messes regularly. The sooner you resolve an issue, the easier it is to clean.
Before you start cleaning your pushchair, removing any loose dirt or debris is essential. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment. You can also check out our article on how to clean pram fabric.
Once you have removed the dirt and debris, you can begin cleaning the fabric. The best way to do this is to use mild soap and warm water. Mix the hot soapy water in a bowl, and then use a clean cloth to scrub the fabric gently.
Once you have scrubbed the material, you can wash it with clean water. Make sure you remove all the soap before moving on to the next step.
After rinsing, apply a stain remover to any stained areas. There are many different types of stain removers available, so be sure to choose a suitable product.
If you are looking to use a washing machine with soft materials, you can but you should use a gentle cycle with lukewarm water and gentle disinfectant.
Please read manufacturer instructions before cleaning fabric parts in a washing machine. For stubborn marks, you might need to add a stain remover in the wash to benefit from a machine washed finish.
The following items are standard stain remover solutions.
Baking soda is a common household item that can be used as a stain remover and effective cleaning solution. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda is especially effective at removing food stains from many fabrics.
Vinegar is another common household item that you can use to remove mess. Dilute vinegar with water, apply it to the stain, and then blot it with a clean cloth. White vinegar is especially effective at removing grease stains from fabrics, and you can add it to a disinfectant spray bottle for ease of use.
Lemon juice is another natural product that can be used to remove stains. Apply this juice to the stain and then blot it with a clean cloth. Lemon is especially effective at removing coffee stains from clothing.
Three parts white vinegar to two parts water is a common mix for tougher marks.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that you can use to remove tough stains such as grass or oil. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain and then blot it with a clean cloth.
Always dilute hydrogen peroxide with water (some sources suggest a 1:6 ratio) to wash fabrics and materials.
Once you have applied the stain remover, you can scrub the stained areas with a clean cloth. Continue scrubbing until the stains have been removed, and if you have tough marks, a stiff scrubbing brush is required.
Once the stains are removed, you can rinse the fabric with clean water. Be sure to remove all the stain removers before moving on to the next step.
Finally, you will need to dry the fabric thoroughly before using your pushchair again. The best way to do this is to air-dry it in a well-ventilated area.
Air drying the fabric can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the weather conditions, the thickness of the material and how much excess water there is. If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a fan or placing the material in a well-ventilated room.
Be mindful of direct sunlight, as this might affect some materials.
Once the fabric is completely dry, you may notice that it has developed some wrinkles. To remove these wrinkles, iron the material with a low-heat setting. Alternatively, you can place the material in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to help loosen up the fibres and remove any creases.
Once you have air-dried and ironed the pushchair fabric, it is essential to store it properly to prevent further damage. The best way to do this is to fold the item and store it in a cool, dry place. Good storage areas will prevent rust and prevent and remove mould.
With all cleaning and drying steps, please follow the supplied cleaning instructions for your pushchair.
Make sure you clean hard to reach places on a regular basis, and look out for moving parts. Crumbs and mess can get lodged in these areas, so take special care to wash and wipe all the fabric and plastic parts of your pushchair or stroller. This will protect the pushchair and your baby for some time.
