Have you seen a kid that isn’t a slob? I believe this is something on which we can all agree. In addition to food stains, markers, crumbs, and spills, infant car seats may become rather filthy.
Before you have a chance to pull over, their accidents are so disgusting that you cannot help but recoil. The question that immediately follows is, “How can I even clean this up?”
Well, this is likely a question you ask yourself frequently when you have children. If the most recent crime scene is the car seat, you need not fret since we are here to assist you. There are different ways to make it look like new again, so keep reading to find out more.
In a perfect and easy world, some of these disasters would happen at home, where they would be easier to handle. However, you typically only hear the ominous retching sound once you’re well on your way in your family car.
In order to make you feel better, regardless of how chaotic things become, you will eventually laugh about it. Perhaps not now, because it will inevitably happen again, but your time will come.
What to do before cleaning infant car seats?
If you allow stains and spills to remain for too long, it will be nearly impossible to remove them. Sometimes, dry messes can wait, but moist messes cannot. You will likely attend to the infant first and ensure that they are okay.
Your second priority should be to quickly clean everything that can be cleaned with a rag or wipes. If time is limited, at least presoak the seat cover. This will prevent the spill from drying and becoming entrenched.
If this is your first time cleaning the car seat, you should familiarize yourself with the handbook. While the majority of car seats will be made of comparable materials, you should not overlook the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.
The manual for a car seat should tell you how to clean it in every way possible. Can’t locate the instructions for your car seat? The majority of producers sell their products online. Go to their website and locate the model of your car seat (you may get this information on a label on your car seat if you’re unsure); the manual should be linked nearby!
This is the most crucial phase since omissions can lead to disastrous results. You might render it useless if you use the incorrect cleaning materials or techniques. For instance, it’s tempting to use a power washer to blast away all that grime, but doing so might harm your vehicle seat. With accurate directions, it will be simpler to do the task securely.
Every time my husband and I have to clean a car seat, we resolve to never again consume food in the car. However, this is not an option since you alter your opinion sooner rather than later. When you have children, road rage is real, and treats are the only way to keep them off your back.
How to clean Kids’ car seats?
Material required
- Baby wipes and a soft cloth can be used to remove dirt.
- A sponge for scrubbing damp spots.
- This is useful if you have a little portable vacuum cleaner.
- A tiny pail of hot water.
- A mild soap like Dawn Dish Soap or Johnson & Johnson Baby Wash.
Collect solid waste material
Before you begin cleaning the nooks and crannies, collect as much solid waste as possible. This will make it a lot simpler to clean the seat, despite the fact that it may appear like you’re picking for hours.
For this stage, you can use baby wipes or a basic cleaning cloth. It would be even better if you had a portable vacuum.
Remove the car seat cover
Remove the seat’s cover and any detachable cushioning to facilitate cleaning. The majority of car seats include coverings that are simply removable. Remove any clips or buttons used to fasten it in place, beginning at the top.
Wash it
Many fabric coverings may be laundered using the delicate cycle and cold water. Check your handbook to ensure that this is allowed. Utilize a gentle detergent and ensure thorough rinsing. If you use a washing machine, you should not use a dryer. Putting car seat components in a dryer might affect their structural integrity.
If the cover cannot be machine-washed, clean it by hand with warm water. Use the sponge to scrub the blemishes and stains until they disappear. Apply the mild soap to the spots that you can see, and then rub in a circular motion.
With warm water and mild detergent, thoroughly clean the harness. You may be tempted to use a stronger cleaner, such as Clorox, but this is not advised.
Abrasive cleaners might harm the harness’s webbing and endanger the safety of the seat. They may also irritate your infant’s skin. Even natural cleaners such as vinegar should not be used on automobile seats; instead, mild soap should be used.
Clean the buckles
The buckles are rather simple to clean. Generally, you should be able to swish them in water to remove any material lodged in the grooves and nooks. Each manufacturer has different rules about how to clean the buckles, so check your owner’s manual for more information.
Clean the base and frame
The base and frame are the simplest to clean on a car seat. If you are dealing with a dry mess, your best option is a vacuum cleaner. Then, wipe the entire frame with soap and warm water, then wipe it with a clean towel to remove any soap residue.
After washing, position the car seat in a location where it may air-dry entirely. Air drying in the sun can eliminate any remaining stink, and leave the item smelling fresh. If the cover is detachable, hang it out to dry and leave it alone.
If the cover cannot be removed, let the entire car seat dry in the sun. It will likely take longer than if it were dismantled, but it is preferable to leave it to develop mold or mildew. It is recommended to let the car seat dry for many hours or up to a full day.
If you continue to experience odor difficulties, consider washing and sun-drying your clothing. If the odor persists, contact the car seat manufacturer for instruction or replacement component information.
Chris Miller is an auto journalist who specializes in reviewing new cars and providing helpful advice on family vehicles. He has a passion for cars and enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
