Strollers accumulate food crumbs, spilled juice, mud, and general outdoor grime in the seat and basket. The fabric components are the most important to clean thoroughly — mildew in a damp stroller seat can cause skin irritation, and food residue in the seat buckles is both unhygienic and attracts insects.
Fabric Seat and Canopy
- Check the care label on the seat fabric — most stroller seat pads are machine washable if removable
- Remove the seat pad and canopy (if removable) and machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent
- Air dry — do not put stroller fabric in a hot dryer; the heat can shrink, fade, or damage the material
- For non-removable fabric: spot clean with a cloth dampened with mild dish soap and water; blot rather than rub; rinse by blotting with a clean damp cloth
- Allow to air dry fully before use
Frame and Handlebar
- Wipe the entire frame with a damp cloth and mild dish soap — pay attention to joint areas where grime accumulates
- The handlebar is a high-contact surface touched with dirty hands — wipe with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70%) or a baby-safe surface spray
- Dry all metal parts to prevent rust at any exposed metal
Wheels
- Hose down or wipe wheels with a damp cloth to remove mud and dirt
- Use an old toothbrush to clean around the wheel hubs and in the spokes of spoke wheels
- Check that wheels spin freely — debris in the axle can cause the wheel to drag
- Some strollers have foam-filled tyres; these don't need inflation but do accumulate grime in the tread
Buckles and Harness
- Soak buckles in warm soapy water for 10 minutes and use an old toothbrush to scrub out food particles from the button mechanism — a clogged buckle that doesn't click securely is a safety concern
- The harness straps usually cannot be machine washed (the instructions often say to wipe only) — wipe with a damp cloth