Cleaning a pram or stroller can seem like a daunting task. But, with the right tools, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Today, we’re looking at how to clean a pram or stroller from head to toe, as well as each part individually.
This won’t only help to prolong your pram’s lifespan and ensure its durability but will also make sure your baby is kept safe from harmful bacteria that might be harbouring in it.
Key Points
- Parents should aim to regularly clean their prams for the health and safety of their children.
- The items needed to clean a pram are common household items and are easily accessible.
- You can deep clean your pram with just nine easy steps.
- Parents can make a non-toxic cleaning solution to remove mould stains.
Content in this article:
- What Materials Will I Need To Clean A Pram?
- How To Clean Pram Fabric?
- How To Clean A Pram Seat?
- How To Clean Pram Wheels?
- How To Clean A Pram Hood?
- How To Clean Pram Accessories?
- How To Dry A Pram?
- How To Clean A Mouldy Pram?
- How To Deep Clean A Pram?
- Can You Steam Clean A Pram?
- Can You Machine Wash A Pram?
- What Are The Benefits Of Cleaning A Pram?
- How Often Should I Clean My Pram?
What Materials Will I Need To Clean A Pram?
It’s quite likely that you’ll have almost all of the materials needed to clean a pram in your home already, which saves you a trip to the store and, most importantly, makes the job faster and easier.
Here’s a list of items needed to clean your pram:
- Soft, microfibre cloths
- Mild detergent or baby-safe cleaning products
- Small brushes or an old toothbrush
- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Soft sponges
- Clean, warm water
- Clean, dry towels
You may not need all of these materials depending on which parts of the pram you’ll be cleaning, but it’s worth keeping them in an easily accessible place at all times so they can be grabbed when needed.
How To Clean Pram Fabric?
This ultimately depends on the type of fabric used in your pram’s construction. Most are removable and machine washable, which is by far the easiest way of cleaning pram fabric.
Here’s how to clean the fabric if your pram does not feature removable covers:
Remove Loose Dirt
The first thing you need to do is grab a vacuum cleaner and remove any loose crumbs, dirt, or debris on the fabric. This needs to be done for all types of stains as well, as you’ll stand a better chance of saving the fabric by vacuuming it first.
Apply Warm Soapy Water
Using a clean cloth, apply some warm soapy water to the fabric using a circular motion. Try to apply gentle pressure when doing this rather than rubbing or pressing too hard, as this will help prevent damage to the fabric while allowing you to remove stubborn marks.
Make sure also that the cloth is damp, not soaked through. To do this, wring it out after you’ve submerged it in the water and ensure no water is dripping from it before you start cleaning the fabric.
Rinse The Soap
Empty the soapy water out of the bowl and replace it with warm, clean water. Do not add any soap or detergent to the water – you just want a bowl of clean water here.
Take a new, clean cloth or microfibre cloth and submerge it in the water, then wring it out until there are no drips. Use that cloth to remove the soapy residue left from cleaning, again using circular motions.
You’ll know when the soap has been rinsed out of the fabric as the water will stop frothing or won’t have a “milky” look to it.
Let It Dry
The final step is to allow the fabric to dry completely. The best way to do this is by leaving it in a warm place to air dry, but if you need the pram back in use as soon as possible, you can speed up the drying process by blasting it with a hair dryer or parking it in front of a radiator.
How To Clean A Pram Seat?
Pram seats, in particular, are susceptible to stubborn marks and seem to attract dirt like nothing else! Luckily, they are fairly easy to clean, but the methods will differ depending on whether the pram seat has removable padding or not.
Cleaning A Pram Seat With Removable Padding
Here’s what to do if your child’s pram or stroller has a seat with removable padding:
Step 1: Remove the padding and then vacuum the seat with a soft brush attachment to remove crumbs and other debris. You may also need to use your vacuum’s other attachments to get into all of the crevices and give them a deep clean.
Step 2: Wipe the seat frame with a damp cloth to remove any excess water from wet spillages. Depending on what’s been spilled (or expelled), it’s also a good idea to wipe the frame with a separate clean cloth and a disinfectant cleaner.
Step 3: Check the cleaning instructions and, if the padding is suitable for machine washing, place it in the washing machine following the advised temperature and cycle. Use hot soapy water and a cloth to clean the padding, and then rinse with clean water if it isn’t machine-washable.
Step 4: Allow the padding and seat to dry completely.
Cleaning A Pram Seat Without Removable Padding
Here’s how to clean the padding on your pram seat if it is not removable:
Step 1: Vacuum all parts of the seat, including the fabric. You’ll likely need to utilise multiple attachments to do this, including a soft brush to prevent any damage to the fabric.
Step 2: Mix a mild detergent or liquid cleaner with warm water in a bowl. It would be worth choosing a cleaner that is non-toxic but capable of removing stains if the seat is quite heavily stained.
Step 3: Use a soft scrubbing brush to apply the cleaning mixture, working in a circular motion and applying gentle pressure.
Step 4: Dispose of the soapy water and replace it with clean water. Using a new clean microfibre cloth, rinse the seat. Make sure the cloth is damp when doing this by wringing it out until it doesn’t drip.
Step 5: Allow the seat and the padding to dry completely before using again.
How To Clean Pram Wheels?
The easiest way to clean the wheels on a pram or stroller is by hosing them down. You can also clean them using a bucket of hot, soapy water and a scrubbing brush to clean particularly muddy or dirty wheels.
For wheels that have become caked in mud or are in need of a real deep clean, you can remove the wheels from the pram and let them soak in a mixture of detergent and hot water for around half an hour.
Once their soaking time is up, use a steam cleaner or power cleaner to blast off the dirt and bring them back to their original glory. However, you shouldn’t use a power cleaner if your pram’s wheels are not removable and are still connected to the chassis, as this could cause damage to the wheels and wheel bearings.
How To Clean A Pram Hood?
Hoods are one of the trickier parts of a pram to clean due to the fact most aren’t fully removable, and even those that are won’t usually be suitable for washing machine use. There is a solution, though. Here’s how to clean your pram’s hood:
Step 1: Fill a bowl or bucket with a mixture of warm, soapy water and a liquid detergent. You may need a heavy-duty detergent if the hood is incredibly dirty or heavily stained or, failing that, a spot cleaner that you can apply directly to the hood.
Step 2: Using a soft-bristled brush or nail brush, apply the water to the hood using circular motions and gentle pressure. This will prevent damage to the fabric and allow the soap to get deep into the stains with minimal effort.
Step 3: Take a clean cloth and, using clean, soap-free water, rinse the soapy water out of the hood. Make sure you use a slightly damp cloth to do this, plunging and wringing it out every few strokes.
Step 4: Allow the hood to dry completely. This job is best done on a hot sunny day as this will help the hood dry faster, but if this isn’t possible, you can speed up the drying process by blasting it with a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
How To Clean Pram Accessories?
There are a couple of different ways in which to clean your pram’s accessories, and the method you choose will ultimately depend on the material they are made. Here, we’re going to take a look at cleaning both fabric and plastic accessories.
Cleaning Fabric Pram Accessories
First of all, check your pram’s manual and cleaning instructions to see if any of the fabric accessories can be cleaned in a washing machine. Follow the recommended temperature and settings, then allow them to dry completely before reattaching.
The best way of cleaning fabric pram accessories that aren’t machine washable is with soapy, warm water and then rinsing with clean water. It’s also worth giving them a good scrub with a stain removal cleaner If there are water stains or they are heavily soiled.
Cleaning Plastic Pram Accessories
It’s super easy to clean plastic pram accessories and other removable plastic parts such as cup holders. Simply remove them from the pram, place them in a bowl of warm water with soap, and hand wash them by wiping thoroughly with a soft, clean, wet cloth.
Rinse them under running water and allow them to dry in the open air before reinstalling them in your pram.
How To Dry A Pram?
The best way to dry a pram after cleaning is to leave it out in the open air, preferably on a warm day. The area you leave your pram to dry in should also be well-ventilated, as this will speed up the drying process and prevent mildew.
On days when it isn’t possible to leave your pram outside to dry off, you should leave it in a warm room. You can also speed up the drying process by removing as much excess water as possible with towels and then blasting the pram with a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
It may seem like drying your pram in this way is a bit of a hassle, but the longer your pram is left with wet or damp patches, the more likely you are to prevent rust and mildew from forming.
How To Clean A Mouldy pram?
The best way to remove mould from a stroller is to clean it with lukewarm water, some lemon juice, and a little sprinkle of salt. Rinse the stroller with clean water and allow it to fully dry before using it again.
You can also try mixing three parts white vinegar with two parts water if you’re still having an issue with mould stains, even after cleaning. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it to the fabric, then let the solution sit for a few minutes before giving the stroller a cool wash. To prevent future mould growth on a stroller, make sure it is stored in a dry, well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight.
Strollers can accumulate stubborn stains like mould if not regularly cleaned, especially if kept in humid or damp environments. Mould spores grow in fabrics and fibres very easily, making it vital to regularly clean and dry the stroller after use.
How To Deep Clean A Pram?
It’s a good idea to give your pram a deep clean every couple of months to remove ingrained dirt, stubborn makes, and bacteria that, despite your best efforts, have still managed to harbour in those hard-to-reach places.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to deep clean a pram:
Dust Off or Vacuum The Pram
This step is vital as it removes any dirt, dust, or crumbs that may have accumulated in the fabric of the pram, and, as any parent knows, babies and toddlers are pretty messy eaters. Ensure you get into all the little crevices using your vacuum’s attachments too, as the number of hidden crumbs will surprise you!
Remove Detachable Parts
Most removable fabric parts of a pram can be machine-washed, so to make sure they’re as clean as possible, remove the fabric pieces and wash them based on the instructions. Some might need to be hand-washed though, so check every label to avoid damaging the fabric.
Scrub Fabric That Can’t Be Removed
Mix warm water and mild, baby-safe soap to create a hot soapy water solution to clean any fabric parts that can’t be machine-washed. To prevent mould, ensure the stroller is completely dry before using it again.
Wipe Down The Exterior
Remove any smudges or dirt from the outside of the pram by wiping it down with your soap solution.
Disinfect The Pram
Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to remove any germs or bacteria that may have built up over time. This is especially important on surfaces or pockets where food is commonly held or served to your child.
Clean The Wheels
Clean the wheels of your pram with warm soapy water and a soft scrubbing brush. This will remove any dirt and debris stuck in the wheels. This is also a great time to remove any annoying rocks or pebbles that may have made your pram’s wheels their new home.
Dry The Pram
Place parts safe for dryer use in the dryer and wipe down any that are not with a clean, dry towel before allowing them to air dry. This step is vital to avoid any water spots or damage to the fabric.
Check For Any Loose Parts
This step is important to ensure all the parts are secure and functioning properly. It’s also beneficial to check that nothing has accidentally become loose or undone while you are cleaning it, even if you haven’t taken your pram apart.
Can You Steam Clean a Pram?
While you can technically steam clean a pram, there are some things you need to be aware of that may put you off the idea. For instance, it’s usually necessary to dismantle and remove certain components before steam cleaning a pram, which some people may struggle with.
Steam cleaning a pram can potentially leave water marks behind, especially on fabric parts. This can even happen when you’re using a steam cleaner to clean your pram on a sunny day, so it’s a good idea to avoid steam cleaning if you want to keep the pram’s fabric looking in great condition.
There’s also a chance that you could accidentally cause damage to your pram’s metal parts with steam cleaning, as it can blast away oils and grease used to keep them working properly. Likewise, you stand a chance of creating rust as water can become trapped in the tiny openings between metal parts.
It’s a good idea to employ the services of a professional cleaning company if your pram is really dirty and in need of a deep clean. They’ll have all of the equipment needed to get it looking great again and will be able to clean it without causing any accidental staining or damage.
Can You Machine Wash A Pram?
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to fit all the moving parts of your pram into a washing machine. However, most prams do feature removable sections that can be machine-washed.
Instead, it’s best to wash the different parts of your pram individually. The parts that are safe to machine wash should be cleaned following the manufacturer’s instructions, while the other parts can be cleaned following the advice we’ve outlined above.
What Are The Benefits Of Cleaning A Pram?
Cleaning a pram is a great way to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. Not only does it keep the stroller in good condition, but it can also help reduce the risk of your child getting sick from sitting in dirt and germs.
A regular cleaning routine is the best way to avoid dirt building up on the pram, reducing the risk of long-term damage or illness.
How Often Should I Clean My Pram?
You should give your pram a light cleaning at least once a week and a deep clean every couple of months. Of course, this all depends on how dirty your pram gets, and you may find that you need to clean it more regularly to stop bacteria from forming following spills and spit-ups.
Regular cleaning may also help to improve the pram’s appearance, making it look brand new. Cleaning a pram can be a great bonding experience for both you and your child too, if they are old enough. You can make the cleaning task fun and interactive by encouraging your child to help you with simple tasks like washing the wheels or creating bubbly water with mild soap.
Conclusion
Keeping your stroller clean helps the health and safety of your child and can reduce the risk of bacteria and other contaminants coming into contact with your little one. Taking a few minutes regularly to clean your pram will help keep your stroller in good condition as well and positively contribute to your child’s health and safety.