How to clean your stroller, and it's easy!

SQ Tip:  Cleaning your stroller, as promised! 

 First of all, don't be intimidated. In a previous tip, I mentioned the importance of preventative maintenance. What that means is, don't let it get to the point where you want to throw your hands up and scream. Because then that can feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, you have to start from where you are. And if where you are is a big mess, so be it. 

 




The easiest way for a lot of people is to take off all the seat pads, and throw them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. If your seat covers have a lot of stains, use some Oyclean first, or something similar. You may also have to wash them a few times. After that, I recommend hanging them in the sun to dry. Some people throw them in the dryer, but I am not that brave. I have had fabrics shrink, or fray, doing it that way.

Now if you've taken the seat covers off, it is really easy to clean the frame. Just get a clean sponge or washcloth, and scrub away. Recently, some companies have come out with organic cleaners, if you prefer. But we in Strollerland have always used mild dish soap, with no ill effects. Don't forget to pay particular attention to the harness/buckles/straps. They can get pretty gruesome.

What if it is too hard to get the seat fabrics off, or they don't come off? No worries! Then you can just stick your whole stroller in the shower, and give it a bath! And with the weather warming up, you can do this outside with the garden hose. Some people even use steam cleaners, but you don't have to. I do recommend toweling them off, to prevent waterspots on the legs. And also, try to get the excess water out of the fabrics. Then your stroller will dry in the sun pretty quickly.

You can scrub the canopy with a soft brush. But one thing a lot of people do is to stick it in the dishwasher! I am not kidding. They say it comes out beautifully.

Don't forget to clean the wheels. You will be amazed at all the grime, hair, etc, that collects in them. Again, use a soft brush and mild dish soap. Now what is REALLY important, and you must do, is to lube the wheels when you are done. Otherwise, you will get those annoying squeaks, and they just won't turn as well You will be amazed at the difference it makes in your stroller's performance. I personally use silicone spray, because WD-40 tends to attract dirt and grime like a magnet. Other people use sewing machine oil, and the Peregos have even recommended Lemon Pledge!

And while you are at it, don't forget to spray all of your stroller's moving parts, joints, folding hinges, etc. It will make your stroller so much easier to fold, and operate. Now how often should you do this? The Peregos recommend every 6-8 weeks. But just try and do it whenever you think it needs it, and you have time. You will be so proud to get out and stroll in your sparkling clean stroller! 

* If you need help choosing a stroller, click on "Consultations" above. And If you would like to see all of the new stroller models coming out, go to: StrollerQueen.Net