You have to face reality, kids get messy, and baby car seats often pay the price. When your little one spits or dumps food or soils his seat in some other way, you'll want to remove it and wash it really well. In general, the process requires a bit of work and you will have to remember how to disassemble and reassemble the seat. However, please note that straps and buckles require special care for safety reasons.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare Everything for a Deep Clean
Step 1. Pick a good time to wash the seat
Unless you have a spare seat, it's important to start the cleaning process when you're sure you won't need it for a while. Assuming the seat is not so dirty that it needs immediate attention, wait until you feel comfortable knowing that you will not have it for at least several hours. An ideal time could be at night, when you have already put your baby to bed.
However, whether it's vomit, an open diaper, or some other urgent accident, emergency cleaning is the best way to save the seat
Step 2. Remove as much dirt as you can
Use baby wipes, a damp cloth, or paper towels to remove all loose, mushy, sticky, thick grime, etc. The details of the types of dirt you might face are left to your imagination.
Removing all loose dirt will make the rest of the cleaning easier to handle
Step 3. Take out the baby seat
Untie all the straps and uninstall the seat. Hacerto will allow you to thoroughly wash the seat without having to get into the car and wet everything around it and, in addition, you will be able to easily reach all parts of the baby seat.
Take notes of the uninstallation to help you reinstall the seat. If necessary, take photos
Step 4. Shake, brush or vacuum the surface
Brush crumbs and dirt off the car seat. Shake the seat to remove any crumbs or hidden debris that have accumulated.
If you have a vacuum with a small attachment, use it to remove any extra debris that may be stuck in the crevices and corners
Step 5. Remove the cover and straps
Most infant car seats have removable cloth covers. If you have the manual handy, check it out. If not, you can usually start at the top, undoing all the snaps, pins, and buttons until you reach the base of the seat.
- Once you've removed the cover, you can also remove the straps. Try to memorize their location or take a photo so you know how to put them back in place. Keep in mind that this is especially important if you don't have the manual for your seat.
- For safety reasons, the harness straps and, to a lesser degree, the buckles, will require a special and gentle cleaning. Please read the relevant section of this article for more information and always refer to the user manual for your seat.
Part 2 of 4: wash the cover and base
Step 1. Clean any obvious stains on the fabric cover individually
Once you've removed the fabric cover, you can easily scrub dirtier spots or spots with a mild detergent. Rub in circular motions to clean these spots as best you can.
If the seat does not have a removable cover, do your best to remove the stains using a sponge and a little soap. Rub until stains fade
Step 2. Wash the cloth cover
Consult your manual or the label on the cover for specific instructions, although in general it is best to wash it on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent, remember that your baby's skin could be in contact with the cover. Make sure it is rinsed off completely.
- In general, cotton covers can be washed at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). However, if your cover is made of synthetic fibers or has dark colors, limit yourself to washing it at no more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
- If you cannot remove the cover to wash it in the washing machine, you will have to wash everything by hand. Use a sponge and a mild detergent to clean the entire cover.
Step 3. Clean the plastic base
Once you've washed the cover, continue washing the plastic and metal parts of the seat. Use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild detergent and water. Rub off all the dust and dirt, then rinse well under running water. Spray with disinfectant if desired.
- This is the part of the cleaning where you can vent some of your frustrations. As long as you're not using an abrasive cleaner or scouring pad, like steel wool, feel free to go out of your way and scrub off all the grime. Use a garden hose to rinse everything off, if you like.
- As a general rule of thumb, it is best to tilt the seat in several directions after rinsing it. This will prevent water from accumulating in any of its parts.
Step 4. Clean the straps and buckles according to the manufacturer's instructions
Be aware that washing these parts in the washing machine or with strong cleaners can degrade the strength of the straps and create a safety hazard.
Follow the instructions in the manual carefully and refer to the relevant section of this article for tips on how to clean the straps and buckles
Part 3 of 4: Wash the Straps and Buckles
Step 1. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Most, if not all, baby car seat manufacturers recommend that harness straps not be machine washed and not hand washed with harsh detergents. Superficial washing with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap, if necessary, are typical recommendations.
While such gentle care might seem strange for these strong protective belts, which are intended to withstand car accidents, the problem lies in the fact that vigorous washing and harsh chemicals can weaken the tensile strength of the belt material. This can happen even if the straps are still strong. Keep in mind that this weakening could increase the chances of failure in the event of an accident
Step 2. Clean the harness straps gently with water
Concentrate on cleaning surface stains and forget about trying to deep clean them. Use only a mild soap, such as hand soap, if necessary.
If the straps are so horribly dirty that you can't bear to keep wearing them, or they look worn or damaged in any other way, replace them immediately. Contact the seat manufacturer to find out if you can buy new straps. This could save you from having to buy a whole new seat
Step 3. Dip the buckle in warm water
Whether made of plastic or metal, buckles will surely be able to withstand more vigorous cleaning than straps. However, they are essential components that should undergo minimal wear and tear to ensure that they function properly when required.
Simply hold the buckle hanging from the strap and soak it in a bucket of warm water, then swirl it around a bit to soften any debris stuck inside the mechanism. Clean the surface with a soft cloth and water, use a mild soap if necessary
Step 4. Let the straps and buckles air dry
Fresh air, sun, and weather are the best ways to remove odors from harness straps. If this is not possible, at least let them dry thoroughly before reinstalling them.
- Never put the harness straps in the dryer or use a hot air dryer to dry them. Extreme heat is likely to damage their tensile strength.
- Also make sure the inside of the buckle is completely dry to prevent rust or corrosion.
Part 4 of 4: Drying and Reassembling the Seat
Step 1. Dry all parts very well
If the seat cover is removable, dry it in the clothes dryer, if the label says it can, or hang it outside to dry.
- Put the plastic surface to air dry. Once you've rinsed the plastic and metal parts of the seat, you can simply arrange them somewhere to dry. If you wipe them dry, the process will be a little faster but, in general, it is best to leave them for a few hours, or a full day, to dry completely.
- As stated, always air dry harness straps and buckles.
Step 2. Fight odors with time and sun
If you can't remove the cover, you can leave the entire seat, including the cover, in a sunny spot to dry. If you don't have a sunny area, it will take a little longer.
- If desired, you can use a spray odor remover on the base and fabric cover. However, remember that your baby's skin will be in contact with the cover, so be careful with the ingredients of the product you are going to use.
- Do not spray the harness straps. Just rely on air as a deodorant.
Step 3. Replace the cover
Once it has completely dried, reattach the fabric cover to the seat base. Consult the instruction manual if necessary.
Basically, you will have to reverse the process you went through to remove the cover, so if you took mental or written notes, or took a photo or video, or made an outline, everything will be fine
Step 4. Reattach the straps
Pull the straps through the seat slots in the correct order to properly install the seat and make sure it is safe for your child. Again, consult the instruction manual if necessary.
- Make sure the straps don't twist when you put them through the seat slots. Kinks in the straps could cause them to wear faster and could rub against your baby's skin and cause discomfort. What's worse, if the straps are severely twisted, they may not hold your baby well in the event of a crash.
- If you have any questions about how you reinstalled the seat, take it to the fire department or another location where free reviews of the safe installation of car seats will be done. Someone will be happy to verify that the installation is secure.
- In the same way, if you have doubts regarding the integrity of any component, especially the straps and buckles, replace them or replace the entire seat. Your child's safety is always a worthwhile investment.
Advice
- Consider purchasing a cover made for your baby's car seat model. Some are available in beautiful colors and designs and protect the seat from dust and dripping. This means that you can easily remove the cover for washing.
- If you need to use the car seat before it has completely dried, you can try using a small electric heater or electric fan to blow air through the parts and dry them. However, do not overheat the harness straps.
- Many police and fire stations will check your baby's car seat installation to make sure it is safe. It's a good idea to request this fix after you've washed and reinstalled it.