Clean your pushchair. The easy way.
Stroller lost its sparkle? A clean pushchair is a happy pushchair. It looks, feels and even smells great and keeps your precious passenger comfy and safe. From everyday splodges to muddy wheels and even stubborn mould, keep your baby’s pride and joy gleaming with this step-by-step guide to cleaning your pushchair. These hacks include how to wash pushchair fabric, remove mould safely, deodorise seats and clean stroller wheels, all using gentle, baby-friendly methods. Your pushchair is your long-term family friend and you want to keep it that way, so here’s how to banish grime and extend adventure time.
How Often Should You Clean a Pushchair?
Your pushchair is in the thick of the action every day, whatever the weather. Regular cleaning prevents stains, odours and mould from developing, especially in damp conditions. Routine is key, giving less chance for sneaky splodges to set up home in nooks and crannies. Whether daily, weekly or monthly, it becomes less of a chore. You could even make it fun, pop the tunes on, sing a stroller song, turn it into a game, whatever it takes to develop a happy habit. Keeping it in tip-top condition keeps the pushchair party going.
As a general rule you can follow our suggested routine:
Weekly: Wipe down handles, frame and wheels
Monthly: Deep clean fabric and seat padding
Immediately: Clean spills, food mess and wet fabric
What You’ll Need to Clean a Pushchair
Keep it simple. With different types of material, funny-shaped components, plus a sea of advice online, cleaning your pushchair can seem mind-boggling. The answer is close to home. You can actually use everyday items from your kitchen cupboard to remove stains, food residue, mud or to ensure it’s spick and span in general.
The following everyday items are perfect for tackling any pesky stains or odours:
- Mild detergent or baby-safe fabric cleaner
- Warm water
- Soft brush or toothbrush
- Microfibre cloths
- White vinegar (for mould and odours)
- Baking soda (optional deodoriser)
- Bucket or bowl
- Clean towel or drying rack
Love your Label: Always check your Cosatto pushchair care label or user guide before washing any fabric parts.
Remove Pushchair Fabric: Most pushchairs have removable seat covers, liners and harness padding. Ensure you unclip, unzip or unsnap the fabric sections, remove harness pads carefully and shake out crumbs and loose dirt outdoors. Removing the fabric fully allows for a deeper, more hygienic clean.
Clean Pushchair Fabric: The big question: Can you machine wash your pushchair fabric? Many pushchair fabrics are machine washable, but only if the care label allows it. If not, don’t despair, scroll down for handy handwash tips.
Machine Wash Tips
- Use a gentle cycle
- Wash in cold or 30°C water
- Use mild detergent only
- Do not tumble dry
- Air dry away from direct heat
If You Need to Hand Wash Pushchair Fabric
For delicate or non-machine-washable fabric:
1. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and mild detergent
2. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or brush
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue
4. Squeeze excess water out gently
5. Lay flat or hang to air dry
Avoid bleach, stain removers and harsh chemicals, these can damage fabric coatings and irritate sensitive skin.
How to Remove Mould from a Pushchair
Mould is a menace but can be removed safely with a bit of know-how. If a pushchair is stored damp or used frequently in wet weather, especially during winter and autumn months, mould can develop. White vinegar is a natural, effective mould killer and safe when used correctly, however it is important that you NEVER mix vinegar with bleach.
Best Way to Remove Mould from Pushchair Fabric
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water
- Apply to mouldy areas using a cloth or soft brush
- Gently scrub until the mould lifts
- Rinse with clean water
- Allow to dry fully. Sunlight can help prevent regrowth if you get a dry day.
How to Deodorise Pushchair Seats
Get freshness fast. If your pushchair smells musty or stale, you can sprinkle baking soda lightly over dry fabric and leave for 15–30 minutes, then just vacuum or shake off the residue. This should neutralise odours without using fragrance-heavy sprays.
How to Clean Pushchair Wheels & Frame
Stroller Wheels Cleaning
Mud is a mither, especially when it’s caked on. Pushchair wheels collect mud, grit and debris that can affect performance. Keep your old toothbrushes from now on, they’re wheely handy.
- Remove wheels if possible
- Knock off dried mud
- Wash with warm, soapy water
- Scrub grooves and hubs with a toothbrush
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
Cleaning the Pushchair Frame
When cleaning the frame, it can help to focus on the joints and folding mechanisms to ensure nothing is missed or any hidden dirt is trapped. First, wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then check those joints and folding bits for sneaky splodges you don’t see normally. Make sure the frame is fully dry before folding down and putting away. This prevents rust or stiffness in the frame. A tiny drop of lubricant (check your manual first) can also help restore smooth movement.
Pushchair Cleaning FAQs
What kills mould on a pushchair?
White vinegar is one of the safest and most effective natural mould removers for pushchair fabric. NEVER mix vinegar with bleach.
How often should you deep clean a pushchair?
A full deep clean every 4–6 weeks is ideal, or more often with heavy use.
Can I hose my pushchair down?
Sounds fun but upsets strollers. Best avoided. Excess water can damage bearings and joints. Hand washing is best.
Is it safe to use disinfectant sprays?
Only use baby-safe products and never directly on areas your child’s skin touches.
Keep Your Pushchair Looking Like New
Cleaning your pushchair regularly helps keep your little passenger comfy while protecting their happy space on wheels. Show your stroller some love and it loves you right back.
Explore the full Cosatto pushchair range and accessories designed to make life a breeze.