How To Get Cigarette Smell Out Of A Pram

If you or someone you know is a smoker, you may have noticed that the smell of cigarette smoke can cling to clothing, furniture, and other surfaces long after the cigarette has been extinguished. This can be particularly problematic for parents who want to keep their baby's pram free from harmful toxins and odours.

We will explore some practical methods for removing cigarette smells from a pram so that you can keep your baby's environment clean and safe. Whether you are dealing with a new or a second hand pram, these tips and tricks can help you get the smell of tobacco and nicotine out of your stroller and keep your pram smelling fresh and clean.

Can The Smell Of Cigarette Smoke Be Harmful To A Baby?

Yes, due to issues relating to third-hand smoke.

Third-hand smoke is the term used to describe the residual tobacco that can linger on clothes, furniture, and other surfaces long after a cigarette has been extinguished. This residual smoke can contain several harmful matters, including lead, arsenic, and benzene, which can be detrimental to people and pets. Third-hand smoke can be hazardous for young children and infants, who are more susceptible to the effects of toxic elements.

A 2012 paper entitled; “Parental Smoking Cessation to Protect Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” indicates exposure to third-hand smoke is a significant risk factor in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

With various studies indicating third-hand smoke contains over 250 chemicals, this isn’t an issue parents should take lightly. Cleaning smells out of prams, pram fabrics and any items associated with children is essential.

Quick Tips To Remove Cigarette Smells From A Pram

You can try several methods to get the smoke smell out of a pram. Here are a few suggestions:

• Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the pram. The vinegar will help to neutralize the smell.
• Leave the pram outside in the fresh air for a few days. This will help air out the pram and eliminate the smell.
• Use baking soda to absorb the smoke smell. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the pram and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it.
• You may need a commercial smoke odour eliminator if the smell is powerful. These products are specifically designed to neutralize odours and can be found at most grocery and hardware stores and online.

If you are keen for an environmentally friendly option, an enzyme cleaner is your best option, and this is a highly effective way to remove a range of smells, including cigarette and pet odours.

Always follow the instructions on any cleaning products you use, and test a small, inconspicuous area of the pram before using a product on the entire thing. This will help ensure that the product doesn't damage the pram or its components.

Fresh Air Will Always Help But You Can Do More

If you're a non smoker, tobacco odours will be prominent, and a great starting point is to air the pram out. Don't leave the buggy to sit in a room, car or garage where smells are trapped, place it outside for a while, if it is safe to do so.

However, while this will likely minimise the smell, it is best to be proactive in caring for your pram, and loved ones.

Do Commercial Products, Such As Febreze or Natures Miracle, Get Rid Of Cigarette Smoke?

The Febreze range offers many odour-eliminating products. Of course, while Febreze is the market leader, there are many brands and products to consider in this range. In addition to general odour eliminator products, Proctor & Gamble offer specialist products focusing on removing tobacco smells under the Febreze brand.

Will A Spray Bottle Only Hide Or Mask Smoke Smell?

While leading odour eliminators do a great job in masking or neutralising unwelcome smells, there is a concern they don't treat the underlying issue.

Removing the smell is one thing, but many parents want to deep clean items to remove all lingering odours and traces of nicotine and tobacco. While Febreze is an excellent option for items that are difficult to clean to a high standard, such as a couch, when it comes to a pram or pushchair, a deep clean is a more effective solution to remove tobacco smells and all lingering traces.

How Do You Deep Clean A Pram Or Stroller?

Here are some steps you can follow to deep clean a stroller:

• Remove any detachable parts of the stroller, such as the tray, cup holders, and storage compartments. Wash these parts with warm, soapy water, and dry them thoroughly.
• Use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to scrub the stroller frame, particularly to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to clean the wheels, the handlebars and any other parts of the stroller that come into contact with your hands.
• Once you have scrubbed the pram, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt or grime.
• To disinfect the stroller, use a solution of equal parts water, white vinegar, or a mild household disinfectant.
• Once the stroller is clean and disinfected, let it air dry completely before reattaching any detachable parts.

If you can, avoid using harsh chemical products or abrasive cleaners, as these will damage most strollers materials.

How Do You Deep Clean Pram Fabric To Remove Cigarette Smells?

Here are some steps you can follow to deep clean the fabric on a pram:

• Remove the material from the pram frame. If the fabric is not removable, make sure to secure any loose parts of the pushchair, such as the handles and wheels, to prevent them from moving during the cleaning process.
• Vacuum the fabric to remove any loose dirt or debris. Pay special attention to any crevices or folds in the material, as these areas are more likely to trap dirt and grime.
• Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, such as dish soap or laundry detergent. Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush into the solution and use it to scrub the fabric, working from top to bottom and paying special attention to any stubborn stains.
• Once you give the material a good scrub, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
• Allow the material to air dry completely in the sun before reattaching it to the pram frame.

If you would prefer to wash the fabric in a washing machine, choose a bio washing powder and wash it at a higher temperature. Be careful if the instructions advise against using hot water to clean it, but if this isn't an issue, you can clean it in the washing machine with confidence.

Can You Freshen Up Fabric?

Even after washing fabric and covers, on a new or second hand pushchair, you might have concerns about lingering smells, but there are ways you can freshen up material. Adding drops of lavender oil or citrus, such as lemons or limes, to the material creates a fresh smell that your baby will love, and will get rid of concerns over the smell of the fabric.

While smokey smells eventually dissipate, most parents aren’t prepared to wait for this to happen naturally. For the well being of your child, it is best to be proactive, and removing cigarette smoke from a pram provides a parent with confidence and assurance.