How To Wash A Stroller In The Tub: A Step By Step Cleansing Guide

For parents, it gets cumbersome when the baby strollers accumulate dirt. Well, we can’t deprive our babies of outdoor fun times. 

We must take our newborns and toddlers for a walk on the strollers now and then; hence, the strollers get exposed to stains, crumbs, germs, and whatnot!  

It doesn’t matter whether you’re strolling your baby at the parks, playgrounds, shopping malls, sandy beaches, or airport; dirt will cling onto the stroller.

Cleaning the stroller in a tub can be a great idea to get it back as nice and shiny. So, don’t waste any time hopping onto this step-by-step guide to washing the stroller in the tub. 

Why Wash Your Stroller in the Tub?

Fare question. Well, I prefer washing my baby’s stroller in the tub because I don’t have to take it outside the house like in the yard or garden, where the washing process will also attract various dirt and debris. 

For me, cleaning it outside doesn’t give me a completely hygienic feel. 

Hence, I prefer my bathtub, where I’ve washed the stroller a couple of times with deep satisfaction. I want my baby’s ride to be clean, comfortable, and hygienic; that’s it! 

Now let’s talk something about the benefits I get by washing the stroller in the tub:

1. Controlled Environment: Washing your stroller indoors is secure, particularly in a tub. I feel I have more control over the cleaning process. Washing the stroller in the tub leaves it with minimal to no damage. 

On the other hand, I broke one of the canopy joints once as I tried to wash the stroller with a high-pressure hose pipe in the garden. Tough luck! But I’ve learned my lesson. 

2. Gentle Cleaning: If you’re looking for a gentle and non-abrasive cleaning process, the tub in your bathroom is the best resort. Cleaning the strollers there ensures safety for delicate parts like fabrics, padding, and straps.
3. Water Conservation: Being responsible parents, we prefer conserving utility supplies, including water. And when using the tub, the water usage is limited while ensuring a perfect washing of the stroller. 
4. Convenience of Space: Although we have a garden, we prefer the bathroom for cleaning our junior’s stroller for specific reasons. But those living in small apartments devoid of outdoor space can happily use the tub to clean their strollers.

Now if you believe washing the stroller in the tub is a great idea, let’s move on to our step-by-step process in the following. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Stroller in the Tub

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Let’s get your supplies first before heading for the stroller-washing mission. You’ll need:

• Mild soap, baby shampoo, or liquid laundry detergent (whichever is available)
• Soft-bristle brushes of different sizes (for various parts of the stroller)
• Microfiber cloths or soft towels
• A bucket
• Hot water
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Lubricant for moving parts 

Step 2: Break up Parts and Accessories

An effective way to make the cleaning process a surefire success is to take off all removable accessories from the stroller. 

Hence, remove parts and accessories like the frame, canopy, seat pad, wheels, brakes, basket, and any additional padding. Here, it’s important to know all parts of a stroller to correctly do this job. 

The easiest and safest way to do this is to check the manufacturer’s instructions manual. Consult the manual on how to remove these parts correctly. Most manuals will also provide guidelines on how to maintain a stroller as well. 

Some accessories might be machine washable. So, you may wash them in the washing machine following the instructions on the care labels.

Step 3: Get Rid of Loose Debris

Another practical step before the washing process is to eliminate the loose dirt and debris. 

While walking with a stroller, it must’ve encountered tons of dust, dirt, and debris. Your little one must’ve dropped milk, water, crumbs, etc. while savoring food sitting on the stroller. 

All these substances and dirt accumulate in the hard-to-reach parts of the stroller, which require deep cleaning. 

One way to do this is to give the stroller a good shake to get rid of the loose debris. But for deeper cleaning, put the removable accessories under the shower for a while. 

I prefer this as the running water cleans off the loose dirt from removable parts in minutes. 

Step 4: Pre-Treat Stains

Inspect the disintegrated parts of the stroller to see if any stubborn stains are noticeable. To find any noticeable stains, you should pre-treat them using a mild soap solution. 

Create a soapy mixture of normal water and a small amount of mild soap, liquid detergent, or baby shampoo in a bucket. Dip a soft towel or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the stained areas of the accessories. 

Step 5: Start with the Frame

When it’s time to wash the stroller in the tub, I prefer starting with the frame. I lay the frame in the tub and fill the tub with lukewarm water. Then I add a little mild soap or baby shampoo to the water. 

Once the frame is submerged, it’s time to put on my gear: a pair of rubber gloves. The rubber gloves will save your skin from soapy abrasion and grime. 

Anyway, start wiping down the frame with a soft cloth or sponge. Focus on cleaning the areas with grime buildup. And remember the soft-bristled brushes I advised earlier? Use one of them to scrub the hard-to-reach spots of the frame. 

Once done with the frame, keep it aside and focus on the wheels. 

Step 6: Wash the Wheels and Brakes

As the stroller walks on wheels, it’s natural that these rotating objects will collect most of the dirt and germs from outdoor strolls. Keeping them unclean may also interrupt a pleasant strolling experience. The same applies to the brakes. 

Wondering how to clean stroller wheels and brakes? 

Simply, take the wheels and brakes, and put them into the same soapy water mixture. Use an appropriate brush to carefully scrub off the wheels and brakes, meticulously cleaning the far-reaching areas. 

Once you’re done, rinse them with clean water and put them aside. 

Step 7: Attend to the Fabrics

With the frame, wheels, and brakes cleaned, let’s focus on the fabric components of the stroller, such as the canopy, seat pad, and basket. But first, drain the tub off the dirty soapy water stored while washing the frame, wheels, and brakes. 

Refill the tub with clean water. Now gently submerge the canopy, seat pad, and basket. Use the soft cloth (after rinsing clean) to wipe away stains from each accessory. Use the brush to spot-clean the fabric areas and joints.

Step 8: Get Ready for the Final Rinsing 

Washing the stroller properly is part of mastering infant hygiene or baby care. Hence, the washing should be free from any inkling of remaining dirt. 

Once all stroller accessories are washed, give them a final rinsing by submerging them into fresh, clean water in the tub. Shake them well under the water to ensure deep cleaning. 

You may do the same by putting all the accessories in a large bowl and keeping the bowl under the shower. Let the shower water run over the accessories for a while.  

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned all parts of the stroller, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any possible soap residue in the critical joint areas.

Also, gently squeeze out excess water from the fabric parts without wringing or twisting them. Now, lay all the components flat on clean towels to absorb moisture.

Step 9: It’s Time to Dry up the Accessories 

Congrats! You’ve washed the stroller as a whole. Now it’s time to dry the accessories well to ensure a complete germ-free cleaning session. 

The best way to dry up the stroller accessories is to sundry. Take the wet accessories out in the yard, balcony, or garden and let them dry under the bright sun. 

But if the weather is gloomy, you can also dry them using a fan. 

Make sure that the components are absolutely dry. Don’t let any moisture remain as it might grow mildew or mold on the surfaces. For many parents, removing molds from stroller fabrics becomes a hectic job. 

Step 10: Apply Lube: Optional But Recommended 

Lubricate the moving parts of the stroller, such as adjustable mechanisms or hinges. Since the joints have gone through a robust washing process, getting lubricated should keep their functionality intact. 

I prefer applying a silicone-based lubricant after cleaning and drying since they help prevent rust while allowing smooth movement. 

Step 11: Reassemble and Inspect

You’re done with the lubricating step as well. Now, it’s time to put the parts back to where they belong. We can’t keep our little buds waiting that long, right? 

Attach the canopy, seat pad, and other accessories you removed earlier. And there’s your sparkling and clean stroller proudly standing before you! 

Now push it forward and backward to see if it’s running smoothly. Check if all the removable parts fit in nicely. Once checked, you’re ready to go on your next adventure with your young traveler on the stroller. 

A friendly suggestion: You may steam-clean the stroller once reassembled to ensure a germ-free stroller before putting it into action.  

Final Thoughts

Washing your stroller in the tub is time-consuming, but it’s worth the result. The effort you put into this gets your baby a clean and sanitized stroller.

Remember, you’re not only cleaning the stroller but ensuring healthier rides for your baby. So, follow this step-by-step guide to clean and maintain your baby’s stroller in excellent condition for a long time.  

More Resources:

How to Store Strollers in Garage

How to Clean a Stroller in 30 Minutes or Less

How to Store Strollers in Garage

How to Cover Stroller in Rain