One of the questions we get asked most is if our prams and strollers are washable. Yes! That is the short answer, but here are some top tricks for keeping your stroller in ship shape for a long-term use! Afterall, it isn’t something you can afford to replace when it could have been avoided!
It is obvious how much maintenance a pram needs when you come to think of how often your little one uses it (which is likely every day) and where you take the pram out for a stroll. More the walks, more the maintenance as it gets used more. And you thought right! Just like a car with more mileage- regular use needs regular preventive maintenance. Think about the dust, gravel, mud, and sand your tires collect on their stroll. Especially if you’ve invested in a quality pram product with puncture proof wheels that suit any terrain! And of course, for the hygiene of your baby, the fabrics need to be clean and dry always. Here are the 7 tips and tricks to maintain your pram or stroller, that you needed to know!
1. Clean fabrics and stroller liners
Good quality stroller liners are your best friend. They will help keep food, and liquids from staining the stroller and it’s seats. It is a much easier cleaning option, than washing the stroller itself. Imagine having to wash your stroller or high chair, in the shower, and put it out in the sun so it doesn’t smell damp! With stroller liners and washable seat covers, you’ll never have to face that again!
If you don’t have stroller liners yet, and you’ve had a dirty accident, try clipping off the pram fabrics, to test if they can be removed. If they are detachable, check if they are able to be machine washed. Most fabrics are washable in mild or delicate settings. If you aren’t sure, the best option is to handwash the covers in a basin, or bath tub. Smaller attachments such as straps and foot covers can be handwashed as well. Be sure not to add any buckles or buttons to the washing machine as you wash these items.
For fabrics that you cannot remove from your stroller frame, it’s easier to vacuum to remove any tiny particles and crumbs. If you have furry friends at your house, it is also helpful to use a lint roller to make sure no fur gets trapped within the pram fabrics and the frames.
2. What can I use to clean my stroller?
First, try water. Water is a neutral solvent that can dissolve almost any mild stain you may have on your pram with baby soap. Again, be sure not to use a soap that will stain your fabrics- sticking with foam is the best option. For stubborn stains, try a pinch of baking soda with water, and scrub very gently with a brush.
For leather-like or leather fabric on your pram (usually the handles and bars), the safest is to think what you’d do for your car’s steering wheel. Use a leather cleaner and a protective coat to go an extra step to prevent your leather parts that are often exposed to the elements, and most importantly sweat!
3. Mechanical Services to your stoller
When looking after your pram wheels, it’s important to remember that this is the part that is subject to most friction, and is closest to the dust, dirt, mud, and sand. It must be cleaned regularly with a brush, and maintained properly. In any case otherwise, you might be off to a rough ride with your stroller. Remember- not every damage is covered by a warranty!
4. Clean & Lubricate Wheels
Occasionally, remove all the wheels and give the tyres a quick clean. Be mindful about the solvents, that you use – lubricate the wheels if you start to hear any noise. Contact the manufacturer for advice if you are not sure, or take your pram to a service center.
5. Brakes
It is not new information to check your pram’s brakes every time you take bub out for a stroll. This includes all locking devices including the brakes and the folding mechanism of the pram. This is one of the most important pre-stroll checks as it has direct safety implications. Not just your baby, but you could also get scratches, inches and cuts, if the folding and brake mechanism is jammed.
6. Don’t exceed the weight limits
Those weight limits on the stroller’s instruction page are not a suggestion, nor a challenge. Your pram is factory tested to bear maximum loads before these safety limits are specified to you, as a parent of your newborn. Overloading the seats, or shopping baskets on your pram can cause the frame to faulter, and pose damages to you, your little one and the groceries you just paid for! Too lazy to make two trips to the car after a shopping spree? Get a pram with a larger shopping basket and a higher weight compatibility. Pay attention to the weight limits.
7. Store it properly
Your stroller can handle just about anything- or so you think. Given that an average stroller is used for about 2-3 years, it is destined to do the carrying and strolling of your little bundle of joy until they don’t require it. In between your uses, remember to keep the pram away from damp environments, hot sun, bleaching agents and insects! You wouldn’t leave your bicycle out in the sun and snow would you?
To finish off, the one tip to remember is that just like an adult bicycle or car, the stroller is your baby’s vehicle. And of course, you probably paid a ton to purchase it!
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