Terms of UseHow to Clean Baby Strollers Co-authored by Raymond Chiu
Last Updated: July 8, 2025
Cleaning the Fabric
|
Cleaning the Frame
|
Maintaining and Storing Your Stroller
|
Expert Interview
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 88,230 times.
If you have just returned from a day outside in the sun with your child, there’s a good chance you have a dirty stroller on your hands. A well-used stroller can easily get covered in dirt and grime, but never fear! All you have to do is clean the fabric and frame of your stroller thoroughly so your child will be safe and healthy and your stroller will run smoothly.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Cleaning the Fabric
1 Disassemble the fabric. If the canopy or padded portions are easy-on, easy-off, detach them by hand. Use a screwdriver to remove bolts that hold the fabric down. Put the pieces aside to clean later.
2 Brush away any debris. Use your hand to wipe away any crumbs or twigs that have collected on the seat. Look for larger pieces of food or dried leaves. For smaller crumbs that you can’t brush away by hand, use a vacuum. Advertisement
3 Vacuum up all loose dirt. Use a handheld vacuum or the flexible nozzle attachment from your standard household vacuum. Suck up all remaining crumbs or loose dirt from the fabric surfaces. Run the vacuum multiple times over all the pockets and storage areas. Pay extra attention to the spot where the back of the stroller meets the seat because that tends to be the dirtiest spot with the most crumbs.
4 Machine wash the seat and canopy if they are detachable. Always use the gentle cycle and avoid machine drying anything.[1]X Expert Source Raymond ChiuHouse Cleaning ProfessionalExpert Interview
5 Use soap and water to hand wash the seat and canopy if they are not detachable. Soak a soft towel with lukewarm water and soap and run the towel over all the fabric surfaces. Only use gentle, baby-safe soaps.
6 Rub the foam handlebar with soap and water. Just as you did with the larger fabric pieces, use a towel on the foam handlebar. Use lukewarm water and the same baby-safe soaps.
7 Hose down the seat and canopy. Bring the stroller to a spot outside where it is okay to make a mess. Use a hose to wet the entire stroller and rinse off soap residue. If you don’t have access to a hose, use a bucket to dump the water over everything.
8 Treat spots with a smaller brush. If stains or soiled spots still remain after the overall cleaning, apply a soft fabric brush or toothbrush to the area. Wet the spot thoroughly. Use a stain removing spray to target the spot directly. Strollers are made to withstand the elements so don’t be afraid to scrub as needed.
9 Scrub away any mold. Check all foam and fabric on the stroller, thoroughly, for mold. Bring it outside to clean it so you don’t inhale the spores. Scrub the moldy area with soap and water. Rinse it well and let it dry for several hours.
To remove any mold that still remains after the first wash, wet the area with lemon juice, sprinkle it with salt, and let it dry in the sun.
To remove larger mold stains, mix three parts white vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray over the area until it is fully saturated.
To remove mold from light or white fabrics, use 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach and 1 quart of water.[2]XResearch source
10 Air dry everything in the sun. Use a dry towel to wipe away excess water and soap. Hang any loose pieces of fabric up to dry. On a nice day, leave everything under the warm sun for a few hours. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Cleaning the Frame
1 Disassemble the frame. Remove the bassinet or seat, first. Next, take off any remaining accessories. Cup holders and food trays are easily detachable and can be cleaned more thoroughly once they are separated from the larger frame.
2 Inspect the parts. Check all the components to make sure they are in good working order. Confirm that all the moving parts or car seat adapters are fully functioning. Check for sticky spots or stuck levers that might need extra attention.
3 Brush away any crumbs or debris. Check the nooks and crannies. Clean snack trays the same way you would clean any surface that you eat on. Scrub vigorously with nontoxic cleaners.
4 Wipe down the surfaces with a gentle all-purpose cleaner. Using a baby-safe all purpose cleaner, wipe down the frame of the stroller with a soft towel. Make sure to use warm water. Wipe down detached metal or plastic parts as well.
5 Check the brake. Make sure the brake locks both wheels in place. Wipe away any dirt or debris that might be stuck in the brake. For squeaky or sticky brakes, spray WD-40 to keep the stroller running smoothly.
6 Wash the wheels with disinfectant. Find your wheel release mechanism and remove the stroller wheels. Clean the rims with a gentle disinfectant. Use a small brush to remove sand and dirt from the tires.
If your stroller has pneumatic tires, check the air pressure in the wheels to make sure they are inflated correctly.
For tires without air, check the tread and make sure there aren’t any holes or other issues that would stop the wheels from working.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Maintaining and Storing Your Stroller
1 Reassemble the pieces. Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the fabric pieces to the frame. Use screws or tools if needed, otherwise just snap the parts into place. Reattach the cup holders, trays, and all other accessories.
2 Spray the stroller with a disinfectant. Give the fabric and frame a once over with disinfectant spray. Next, deodorize everything with a pleasant smelling spray to keep it fresh and new.
3 Protect the frame. To prevent rust or mold, wait until the stroller is dry before you fold it. Remove car seat adapters before folding it. Store the stroller at room temperature to preserve any plastic pieces that are at risk of morphing or melting. Avoid stacking other items on top of it.
4 Pick a safe spot. If your stroller is near a window, cover it to protect from dust build-up or sunlight that will fade the colors on the fabric. Avoid putting it on a dirty garage or basement floor. Consider utility hooks to lift the stroller up and away from debris. Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question I am restoring an heirloom basket weave baby pram and would like to inquire how best to condition the material. Coconut and lemon oil have been suggested, what should I use? Community Answer I would not use lemon oil, it is too strong. You can use coconut oil and a small amount of lavender oil, which is relaxing to the baby. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question How do I take the basket off the frame? Community Answer That's going to depend on what type of stroller you have. Your stroller should have come with instructions that will detail how to remove the basket, but if not, you should be able to find that information online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question Is it safe to put a moldy stroller seat in the washing machine? Will spores transfer onto the next load? Sapphia Community Answer No, it is not safe to put a stroller seat that has mold on it in the washing machine. It could affect other things, as washing machines are not made for removing mold. It is best to throw away the seat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 4
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Tips
Keep track of when you last cleaned your stroller; don’t wait too long in between cleanings. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don't machine dry anything. If it shrinks, you won’t be able to reassemble it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid using abrasive cleaners on the metal or plastic pieces. They will erode the frame. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
A dish towel or rag.
A small soft brush.
Rubber gloves.
WD-40.
Stain removing spray.
Lemon juice.
Salt.
White vinegar.
Chlorine bleach.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about cleaning baby strollers, check out our in-depth interview with Raymond Chiu.
References
↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 88,230 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7Updated: July 8, 2025 Views: 88,230Article SummaryX
To clean baby strollers, brush away any debris with your hands or use a vacuum to get into the crevices. If the seat and canopy are detachable, wash them on a gentle cycle and allow them to air dry. Otherwise, soak a soft towel in lukewarm water and soap and handwash the fabric surfaces as well as the foam handlebar. Once everything has been wiped down, use a hose or bucket of water to rinse the entire stroller. Additionally, remove mold by wetting the area with lemon juice, sprinkling it with salt, and setting it out in the sun. To learn how to clean the frame of your baby stroller, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 88,230 times.
Reader Success Stories
Ivory W.
Dec 11, 2018
"I like how there is a visual for the instructions (as always!). I am interested in this WD-40 trick for wheels. Thank you for making this."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7Updated: July 8, 2025 Views: 88,230
Ivory W.
Dec 11, 2018
"I like how there is a visual for the instructions (as always!). I am interested in this WD-40 trick for wheels. Thank you for making this."..." more
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Nov 12, 2016
"I found the article very informative!" More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 88,230 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7 Updated: July 8, 2025 Views: 88,230 Article SummaryX
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 
564 
1 Disassemble the fabric. If the canopy or padded portions are easy-on, easy-off, detach them by hand. Use a screwdriver to remove bolts that hold the fabric down. Put the pieces aside to clean later. 
2 Brush away any debris. Use your hand to wipe away any crumbs or twigs that have collected on the seat. Look for larger pieces of food or dried leaves. For smaller crumbs that you can’t brush away by hand, use a vacuum. Advertisement 
3 Vacuum up all loose dirt. Use a handheld vacuum or the flexible nozzle attachment from your standard household vacuum. Suck up all remaining crumbs or loose dirt from the fabric surfaces. Run the vacuum multiple times over all the pockets and storage areas. Pay extra attention to the spot where the back of the stroller meets the seat because that tends to be the dirtiest spot with the most crumbs. 
4 Machine wash the seat and canopy if they are detachable. Always use the gentle cycle and avoid machine drying anything.[1] 
5 Use soap and water to hand wash the seat and canopy if they are not detachable. Soak a soft towel with lukewarm water and soap and run the towel over all the fabric surfaces. Only use gentle, baby-safe soaps. 
6 Rub the foam handlebar with soap and water. Just as you did with the larger fabric pieces, use a towel on the foam handlebar. Use lukewarm water and the same baby-safe soaps. 
7 Hose down the seat and canopy. Bring the stroller to a spot outside where it is okay to make a mess. Use a hose to wet the entire stroller and rinse off soap residue. If you don’t have access to a hose, use a bucket to dump the water over everything. 
8 Treat spots with a smaller brush. If stains or soiled spots still remain after the overall cleaning, apply a soft fabric brush or toothbrush to the area. Wet the spot thoroughly. Use a stain removing spray to target the spot directly. Strollers are made to withstand the elements so don’t be afraid to scrub as needed. 
9 Scrub away any mold. Check all foam and fabric on the stroller, thoroughly, for mold. Bring it outside to clean it so you don’t inhale the spores. Scrub the moldy area with soap and water. Rinse it well and let it dry for several hours. 
10 Air dry everything in the sun. Use a dry towel to wipe away excess water and soap. Hang any loose pieces of fabric up to dry. On a nice day, leave everything under the warm sun for a few hours. Advertisement 
1 Disassemble the frame. Remove the bassinet or seat, first. Next, take off any remaining accessories. Cup holders and food trays are easily detachable and can be cleaned more thoroughly once they are separated from the larger frame. 
2 Inspect the parts. Check all the components to make sure they are in good working order. Confirm that all the moving parts or car seat adapters are fully functioning. Check for sticky spots or stuck levers that might need extra attention. 
3 Brush away any crumbs or debris. Check the nooks and crannies. Clean snack trays the same way you would clean any surface that you eat on. Scrub vigorously with nontoxic cleaners. 
4 Wipe down the surfaces with a gentle all-purpose cleaner. Using a baby-safe all purpose cleaner, wipe down the frame of the stroller with a soft towel. Make sure to use warm water. Wipe down detached metal or plastic parts as well. 
5 Check the brake. Make sure the brake locks both wheels in place. Wipe away any dirt or debris that might be stuck in the brake. For squeaky or sticky brakes, spray WD-40 to keep the stroller running smoothly. 
6 Wash the wheels with disinfectant. Find your wheel release mechanism and remove the stroller wheels. Clean the rims with a gentle disinfectant. Use a small brush to remove sand and dirt from the tires. 
1 Reassemble the pieces. Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the fabric pieces to the frame. Use screws or tools if needed, otherwise just snap the parts into place. Reattach the cup holders, trays, and all other accessories. 
2 Spray the stroller with a disinfectant. Give the fabric and frame a once over with disinfectant spray. Next, deodorize everything with a pleasant smelling spray to keep it fresh and new. 
3 Protect the frame. To prevent rust or mold, wait until the stroller is dry before you fold it. Remove car seat adapters before folding it. Store the stroller at room temperature to preserve any plastic pieces that are at risk of morphing or melting. Avoid stacking other items on top of it. 
4 Pick a safe spot. If your stroller is near a window, cover it to protect from dust build-up or sunlight that will fade the colors on the fabric. Avoid putting it on a dirty garage or basement floor. Consider utility hooks to lift the stroller up and away from debris. Advertisement 
Community Answer I would not use lemon oil, it is too strong. You can use coconut oil and a small amount of lavender oil, which is relaxing to the baby. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4 
Community Answer That's going to depend on what type of stroller you have. Your stroller should have come with instructions that will detail how to remove the basket, but if not, you should be able to find that information online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2 
Sapphia Community Answer No, it is not safe to put a stroller seat that has mold on it in the washing machine. It could affect other things, as washing machines are not made for removing mold. It is best to throw away the seat. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 4 