Tips & Tricks - Cleaning your Carseat
Parents or caregivers know all too well that washing can take over your life if you have small humans! After all, kids will be kids! With this being said, car seats can go from their sparkly brand new state to a treasure chest of crumbs, drinks, stains, and even bodily fluids all too quickly.
- Of course, prevention is better than a cure – in an ideal world you wouldn’t allow any food or drink to be consumed in the seat (however we do understand this is easier said than done!)
- A full-sleeved bib (worn over the straps) could be the next best option, catching any messes before they hit the seat.
- Sand can get everywhere and interfere with the working mechanisms of a car seat so it’s advised to do a thorough pat down after your child has been playing in the sand pit or at the beach.
- If any major incidents happen (vomit, overflowing diapers, or spilled drinks) clean these as soon as they happen.
- Aim to give your seat a deep clean once a month. The weeks in between a quick vacuum here and there if you notice crumbs or mess will help in the long run!
- Car seat covers and mats can help eliminate any overflow of mess that may cause damage to your car.
Here at Dimples, we have put together a few suggestions to get your seats looking like new again!
Vacuum your seat
Give your seat a bit of a shake and vacuum up any loose bits to stop them from spreading as you remove the car seat for a full clean.
Remove and Wash your Car Seat Covers
The first step is to read your instruction manual – it should have cleaning instructions and a guide for which parts can be removed for washing. The manufacturer may even have a video guide to follow.
We suggest you take some photos or video yourself whilst removing the cover to make your life easier when it comes to putting it back together.
Many car seat covers are able to be put in a washing machine, however, some may need a handwash.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: You must check your instruction manual for any specific guidelines such as detergents, water temperature, which parts can or can’t be submerged in water, or if any parts need to be removed before washing.
That being said, a mild detergent/ soap and water are typically recommended. It’s also recommended that you avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage or weaken the materials. Be aware that just because a product is natural or “green”, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to use.
When it comes to drying your covers, we would suggest hanging these on the line to dry. This will also help air them out and remove any lingering odours. Make sure to allow sufficient time to line dry as it’s unlikely the covers can go in the dryer – again check your instruction manual.
Clean the Harness & Straps
You can spot clean your harness and straps with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth (ensure you follow your instruction manual for advice as some manufacturers allow the use of soapy warm water).
Clean the Buckles
Buckles cannot be removed and shouldn’t be lubricated or immersed in water.
We recommend spot cleaning with warm water and a non abrasive cloth. However, do not use any soap or cleaners on these parts that are critical for keeping your child secure in their seat.
Cleaning the Shell
You can vacuum your shell to pick up any loose bits, an old toothbrush or cotton bud can be great for getting those hard to reach nooks and crannies of the seat. Use a damp cloth to give the shell a wipe down and clean sticky or dirty areas. Allow your seat to fully dry before putting back together.
Reassembling your seat
If you took some photos while taking your seat apart, these will be very handy for reassembling! Make sure all your parts are clean and dry, and check your manual to be sure everything is going back where it belongs. Once this is all back together double check the harness and buckles are all fitted correctly to your child!
Please note: this is just a guide, be sure to follow all instructions given for your car seat as per the manual for warranty purposes.
