You don’t need us to tell you how vital a pushchair is in the everyday life of a family with a young child or children. Pushchairs deal with a lot, with challenging weather conditions and the natural dirt and mess a child encounters or causes. Whether you are worried about germs and bugs, trawling mess back into your home, or the impression a dirty pushchair creates, we can help.

This means you need to know how to clean a pushchair, and at Valet Queens, we are happy to take you from start to end. It will be helpful to have your pushchair manufacturer’s instructions to hand so you have specific guidance for your pram or buggy, but as a comprehensive overview, we’re here to assist you. You can also check out our article on how to clean a pram.

What Cleaning Materials Are Best For Cleaning A Pushchair?

If you want to compile a shopping list of essential cleaning items, please consider the following items:

Mild Detergent

A gentle cleaning solution safe for the fabric and other materials found on a pushchair. (An alternative can be to create a natural solution, perhaps using lemon juice, and placing it into a spray bottle to create a safer disinfectant spray.)

Warm Water Or Warm Soapy Water

To mix with the detergent.

Sponge Or Cloth

Apply your solution and scrub away dirt and stains.

A Stiff-Bristled Brush And Soft Fabric Brush

A handy scrubbing brush or two are handy to use in areas that are particularly dirty or stained.

A Vacuum Cleaner

To remove dirt, crumbs and debris from the nooks and crannies.

You should also consider:

• Clean cloths, a soft towel or microfiber towels
• A bucket or basin
• Disposable wipes
• Lubricant
• A soft toothbrush
• A dustpan and brush
• All-purpose cleaner
• Covering or sheets
• Plastic bags

With these items, you have everything you need to clean your pushchair to a high standard. You can also check out our post on what can you use to clean a pram.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Before you start the cleaning process, disconnect as many removal parts as you can. This makes it easier to get into corners, folds, creases and hiding places. Also, if you have fabrics or materials, removing them gives you a chance to wash by hand or in a washing machine.

Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all these steps, and you should consider removing the seat cushion, tray, storage areas, removable fabric and all other removable parts of the pushchair.

Cleaning The Frame

Cleaning your stroller frame should be a simple process with these steps:

• Disconnect any removable parts and fabric of the pushchair before cleaning the frame
• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the frame with clean water to remove loose dirt, loose crumbs and debris
• Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and use a spray, sponge or cloth to scrub dirty or stained areas of the frame
• Pay particular attention to joints and crevices that tend to accumulate muck and grime
• Use a scrubbing brush on stubborn marks or stains, being careful not to damage the frame or plastic parts
• Rinse the frame thoroughly to remove any remaining solution or mess
• Use a microfibre cloth to dry the frame, wiping away any water droplets or moisture
• Apply a small amount of lubricant on metal frame moving parts to prevent rust
• Clean the frame at least once a month or as needed.

Check out our guide also on how to clean a pram frame.

Cleaning The Fabric

With most of these materials, due to their soft nature and they’ll be in contact with a child, it is best to avoid bleach and fabric softeners, and if you use a detergent, opt for a mild one.

A Gentle Cycle Saves Time And Delivers Good Results

If you can use a washing machine to clean fabric, consider a cool wash and gentle cycle. If you prefer to hand wash these items, lukewarm water with gentle disinfectant is a good alternative to a washing machine.

Tips On How To Clean The Most Common Pushchair Fabrics

Polyester: Polyester can be machine washed on a delicate cycle and tumble dried on a low setting or air dried.

Cotton: Like polyester, you can machine wash cotton on a delicate cycle, and you should air dry this material.

Nylon: Nylon is often used in pushchair fabrics to add strength and durability and you clean it in the same way as polyester and cotton.

Canvas: Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric, typical on pushchair frames. The more robust nature of this material means you should use soap and warm water (or a mild detergent) with a soft brush scrubbing dirt away. After you have washed the canvas, rinse the fabric and dry it completely.

Vinyl: Vinyl is mostly waterproof and easy to clean but could be more comfortable. Wiping vinyl down with a microfibre cloth and sponge is usually sufficient using warm, soapy water or a disinfectant spray.

Cleaning The Tray Of Your Pushchair

The tray cleaning process is the one you’ll do most often. Some parts of your pushchair don’t need to be cleaned every day, but for hygiene and comfort reasons, most parents will give food trays and cup holders a once-over every time it is used.

At many times, a disinfectant wipe on a regular basis is sufficient, but if you’re looking for a more reliable cleaning process, please follow these steps:

Remove any debris or trash from the tray. This might include food crumbs, used tissues, or other debris. Wipe the tray with a damp fabric or sponge to remove any remaining dirt or grime. Use a mild detergent and wet towel if needed.

Use a small brush, such as an old toothbrush, to scrub away any stuck-on food or other debris. Be sure to pay attention to the crevices and corners of the tray. Rinse the tray with water to remove any soap residue, and wipe it dry with a clean towel.

Check for any hard-to-remove stains or build-ups, such as food or drink residue, and repeat the cleaning steps until the tray is clean. A scrubbing brush and hot soapy water is often all you need to remove stubborn marks from baby strollers and prams.

Once the tray is dry, consider sanitising it by wiping it down with a disinfectant or placing it in a UV sanitiser.

If your stroller tray is removable and dishwasher safe, consider running it through the dishwasher on a hot cycle with a detergent.

How To Wash The Wheels Of Your Stroller

Before you begin, make sure that the pushchair is in an upright and stable position. This will make cleaning the wheels easier and help prevent the pushchair from tipping over.

Also, check the manual to confirm if the wheels are not removable, as in some models, and it is possible to remove them for more ease of cleaning.

• Remove any loose debris or dirt from the wheels before starting the cleaning process
• Look out for small stones and dependant on where you've been, if you need to remove sand or mud, do so
• Fill a bucket or a sink with lukewarm water and mild soap, stirring to fully dissolve the hot soapy water
• Gently wash each wheel with a sponge or cleaning brush, paying extra attention to stubborn stains and all those nooks - alternatively, spray your stroller wheels
• Use a mild degreaser or mixture of two parts water and three parts white vinegar for a good scrub on dirty or greasy wheels
• Rinse the stroller wheels thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap and dirt
• Wipe down the wheels with a clean, wet towel to remove remaining debris
• Allow to dry completely before using the pushchair again
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers or strong solvents that can cause damage.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean the wheels of your pushchair and ensure they are safe and ready for use. Keep in mind that regular cleaning of the wheels of your pushchair will help prolong its lifespan and maintain its overall appearance.

Drying The Stroller And Seat

Start by removing excess water from the baby stroller using a clean, dry towel. Make sure to get into all the hard to reach places, nooks and crannies, as these areas can easily retain moisture.

Next, lay a clean towel or sheet on a flat surface and place the pushchair on top. This will help absorb any remaining moisture from the pushchair.

Use a second clean, dry towel to gently pat down the pushchair, particularly in areas that retain water, such as the fabric seat, the canopy, and any pockets or compartments.

Remove any removable parts on the pushchair, such as the seat pad or canopy, and lay them out separately on the towel to dry.

If the stroller has a metal or plastic frame, wipe it down and remove any remaining water or moisture.

Be Cautious When Air Drying A Stroller Outside In The Sun

Leave the pushchair and all parts to air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This can take anywhere from several hours to a full day. The total time depends on the humidity and temperature of the area.

The Sun Can Damage Some Stroller Fabric

Allowing the stroller to dry in the sun is tempting, but exposing it to prolonged periods of direct sunlight or extreme heat without moving the pushchair can cause discolouration.

Once the pushchair is completely dry, you can reassemble it and use it as usual.

All parents want to keep their baby safe, which is why you need to know how to remove stubborn marks from a pushchair. When cleaned separately, it's easier to clean fabric parts to prevent mould spores and keep your baby safe, happy and healthy.