Keeping your baby’s car seat clean is something we all strive to do, but it’s not always easy. Car seats are probably the hardest baby items you’ll ever have – they attract food, crumbs, spilled drinks, spit-up, and even vomit. Those who say don’t cry over spilled milk must not have been in a hot car after giving birth. Before you swear no more eating in the car for the 100th time, use these tips and tricks on how to clean your infant car seat.
Car Seat Cleaning Supplies
Remember, never use any cleaning products on your car seat that you are not sure if it is safe or not. These are the best cleaning supplies for cleaning child car seats:
- Handheld Vacuum Cleaners – Some parents even keep a small handheld vacuum cleaner in their garage or trunk so that they can always use it when breadcrumbs appear because they do.
- Baby wipes – clean the strap and base as soon as a spill occurs – is another reason to love baby wipes.
- Little soft brushes and sponges – we love using toothbrushes to scrub the gooey stuff kids sit in car seats.
- Warm Water – Prepare a small bucket of warm water for your toothbrush and sponge. Avoid straps getting soaked.
- Mild soaps, such as baby shampoo- Use mild soaps and use a sponge or toothbrush for spot cleansing.
How to Clean a Car Seat
You need to read about how to properly clean a car seat directly from the manufacturer, as different car seats require a slightly different cleaning method. Misbehavior (using too much water or harsh chemicals, or not properly putting back the seat cover or seat belt) can seriously affect the efficacy of a car seat. When cleaning a child car seat, the following tips will help you keep it safe:
1. Choose the right time to clean your child’s car seat; It takes up to 24 hours for air drying.
2. Clean the various parts of the car seat one by one. Before you begin, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to remove the harness and unfasten it. Usually, the manufacturer will provide a how-to video on how to remove the belt and cover and install it back properly.
3. Remove debris: Use a small handheld vacuum cleaner to suck up debris and hair around the hood and harness area. Enter any crevices with attachments.
4. If there is dirt on or around the strap or buckle, use a damp sponge to gently clean the area. When cleaning your child’s car cover, it’s a good idea to use a mild soap or detergent. Avoid using any chemicals or harsh solutions as this may damage the lid.
5. Clean the car seat cover with mild soap and water. Check your manual to see if you can wash it gently, or spot clean visible stains with a sponge and a mild detergent.
6. Use a sponge or small brush to clean the base of your car’s soldering iron.
7. Spot Clean Car Seat Buckles and Seat Belts – Each manufacturer may have different tips for cleaning buckles safely, but generally you can remove food or sticky spills and wipe them with baby wipes.
8. Allow the seat to air dry completely, then replace the seat cover and secure the straps.
Preventative Cleaning Tips for Child Car Seats
- Act fast: Clean up the mess as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage. Prepare a cleaning kit in the car, which includes baby wipes, tissues, travel-sized baby shampoo, and a vomit bag.
- Consult the manual: Read your car seat manual carefully to learn how best to care for its materials, as they are designed to absorb shocks and protect your child, so it is essential to follow the instructions to maintain their effectiveness.
- Be realistic about what’s in the car: never let your kids eat in the car – kidding, we want it to be that simple! Keep snacks in spill-proof snack cups and avoid anything sticky or creamy.
- Be prepared for motion sickness: If your child gets motion sickness, bring a quart cup with a sleeve bib and a vomit bag lined inside to avoid motion sickness. To reduce the chance of vomiting, ask your child to look forward rather than sideways, swap books and iPads for audiobooks or music, and ask the doctor if they can use dimenhydrinate.