How to Clean a Pushchair: Everything You Need to Know

Pushchairs put up with a remarkable amount of abuse. Rain, mud, spilled milk, biscuit crumbs, the occasional nappy disaster — and that's just a typical Tuesday. Keeping it clean isn't just about appearances; it's about hygiene and longevity too.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start, it helps to have everything to hand. You'll need a mild detergent or baby-safe soap, warm water, microfibre cloths, a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly), and a vacuum with a nozzle attachment. For stubborn stains, white vinegar or a dedicated fabric stain remover will come in handy.

Remove and Wash the Fabrics

Most pushchair fabrics are removable — seat liners, hood covers, shoulder pads, and harness covers. Check the care labels first. Many can go in the washing machine at 30°C on a delicate cycle. If in doubt, hand wash in a basin of lukewarm soapy water, gently working the suds into any stained areas.

Never tumble dry pushchair fabrics. Lay them flat or hang them up to air dry naturally. Putting them back on while still damp is a recipe for mould.

Clean the Seat and Chassis

Vacuum the seat area thoroughly to pick up crumbs and debris trapped in seams and folds. Then wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap solution. For the chassis and frame, work your way along every bar and joint, clearing any built-up dirt.

Pay Attention to the Hood

The hood or canopy is often the first place mould appears, especially if the pushchair has been folded away damp. Wipe the inside and outside, and check the seams carefully. If you spot mould, treat it with a diluted white vinegar solution before it spreads.

Clean the Wheels and Brakes

Remove the wheels and give them a proper scrub. Clear out any hair or thread wrapped around the axles — this is a surprisingly common cause of stiff, squeaky wheels. Wash with warm soapy water, dry, and lightly lubricate the moving parts.

Reassemble and Protect

Once everything is completely dry, reassemble your pushchair. Consider applying a fabric protector spray to help repel future stains and make cleaning easier next time.

Professional Cleaning for a Deeper Result

For pushchairs that need more than a home clean — perhaps they've been in storage, bought second-hand, or just haven't been cleaned in a while — a professional deep clean makes a world of difference. Every component is stripped, cleaned, sanitised, and reassembled to a standard that's very hard to achieve at home.