The Ultimate UK Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Pushchair: Step-by-Step Pram Care

That pushchair is more than just transport; it’s a tiny ecosystem of crumbs, mud, and milk residue. You’ve invested time, money, and emotional energy into finding the perfect ride. So, let’s protect that investment, shall we? 

This is your expert, step-by-step pram maintenance manual from ebebek. We’ll show you the best way to clean your stroller, from a quick wipe-down to a full pushchair cleaning guide. Regular care is essential for health, hygiene, and extending the longevity of your investment. Learning how to clean a pushchair properly ensures your little one always has a safe, hygienic, and comfy ride.

How Often Should You Clean a Pushchair?

This is a common question, and the answer, like most things in parenting, is: it depends! The frequency of your pram cleaning efforts should align with how often you use it and what you use it for. Think of it in two tiers: the quick clean and the deep clean.

A quick clean after every messy outing stops grime from setting in, while a deep clean a few times a year ensures the structural components—like the brakes and folding mechanism—remain in perfect working order, keeping your child secure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Pushchair

A thorough clean doesn't need to be intimidating. By following these steps, you’ll tackle your pram methodically and efficiently, ensuring every component is safe and sparkling.

Step 1: Preparation & Tools

Before you start the deep clean, gather everything you need. This saves time and ensures you have the right, baby-safe cleaning products for prams. The aim is to use gentle solutions to protect delicate fabrics and metals.

Cleaning Supplies Checklist

• Gentle, non-bio laundry detergent or specific baby-safe fabric cleaner.

• Baking soda (bicarbonate soda) and white vinegar (your natural cleaning heroes).

• Bucket or tub.

• Soft-bristled brush (a nail brush works wonders for the harness).

• Microfibre cloths and sponges.

• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

• Old toothbrush (great for getting into fiddly areas).

• Silicone spray or light oil (for the wheels and frame).

Step 2: Remove Fabrics & Wash

Start by stripping the buggy down. Remove all seating fabrics, hoods, harness covers, and basket liners. The golden rule for how to clean pushchair fabric is always to check the manufacturer's care label first. Many modern fabrics can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle, but some brands require only spot cleaning to maintain their structure and waterproof coating. If machine washing is approved, use a gentle, non-biological detergent to protect sensitive baby skin. Air-dry completely—never tumble-dry—to avoid shrinking and damaging the fabric structure.

Step 3: Clean the Frame

The frame often carries the heaviest load of dust and dried mud. Use a damp microfibre cloth and a mild soap-and-water solution. Pay special attention to the folding mechanisms and joints—these are where grime can accumulate and impede the smooth action of the pram. For stubborn dirt, wipe with a soft brush. Once clean, wipe the entire frame dry immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent rust, which can compromise the integrity and safety of the frame over time.

Step 4: Wheels & Suspension

Wheels, hubs, and suspension are where performance truly matters. Use a garden hose (do not use a high-pressure jet wash, as this can force water into bearings) and a stiff brush to remove grit, gravel, and compacted mud. This grit is the main culprit for wear and tear. Once the wheels are clean and dry, use a light oil or silicone spray on the axles and any visible joints in the suspension. This simple step serves as an excellent pram wheel cleaner and will keep those wheels turning smoothly and quietly—a real pram maintenance tip!

Step 5: Accessories & Extras

Don't forget the extras! The stroller rain cover, parasol, changing bag, and bumper bar all need attention. The harness itself is often the stickiest part. Soak the harness straps in warm, soapy water and scrub gently with a soft brush to remove dried milk and food stains. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air-dry completely before reassembling. For car seat straps (if your pushchair is part of a Travel System), check the manufacturer’s instructions as many are not removable or washable. Getting them wet can weaken the fibres critical for crash protection.

Step 6: Reassemble & Final Checks

Reassembling is your chance to perform a final safety audit. Only reattach the fabrics when they are completely dry to prevent mould growth. As you clip everything back into place, check all bolts are tight, the brakes engage and disengage crisply, and the harness clips securely. Give the chassis a few folds and open it to ensure the mechanisms move smoothly after their cleaning and lubrication.

Stain Removal & Hygiene Hacks

Dealing with tricky stains and sticky spills is a constant part of using a buggy. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, we prefer gentle, natural solutions that are effective and safer for your baby.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Common Stains

Here’s a simple chart for dealing with common pushchair mishaps:

Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

When tackling sticky messes, remember that a baby’s skin is sensitive, and they often chew or mouth parts of the buggies and prams. Avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach or strong ammonia-based products is crucial. They can irritate the skin, cause respiratory issues, and actually damage the integrity and colourfastness of the fabrics. Always opt for a mild, pH-neutral, baby-safe detergent.

Long-Term Pushchair Maintenance

Proper care extends beyond cleaning; it’s about anticipating wear and tear to ensure your pram lasts for years, whether you’re passing it on or simply saving money.

Essential Pram Safety Checks

Every few months, conduct a Regular safety checks (brakes, harness) audit. Check the brake cable for fraying or damage and test the brake mechanism on a small slope to ensure it holds fast. Run your hand over the frame, checking for sharp edges or loose screws. The harness clips should fasten with a reassuring 'click' and be adjusted properly. This proactive approach is key to pram maintenance tips and ensuring child travel safety is never compromised.

Seasonal Care and Storage Tips

Storage tips (avoid damp, sunlight) are essential for Long-Term Pushchair Maintenance. Never store your pram wet or in a cold, damp shed, as this is how mould and rust start. Ensure it is completely dry and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fabrics to fade and plastic components to become brittle. Consider using the dedicated stroller rain covers to protect the fabric during the winter months. For general tips, remember that collapsible prams need more frequent joint checks due to repeated folding.

Cleaning for Resale: The ebebek Difference

Since many modern parents value Sustainable Care, viewing your pushchair as an item with a future resale or rental value can change your approach to cleaning. By keeping up with routine maintenance and stain removal, you ensure your gear remains in excellent condition. A well-maintained pram fetches a much better price, making your initial investment work harder and supporting the circular economy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few cleaning slip-ups can compromise your pushchair. Knowing these typical errors will help you preserve your gear and your sanity.

The Over-Wet/Under-Dry Cycle

One of the most common errors is Over-wetting fabrics during cleaning and then failing to dry them properly. This is a recipe for disaster. Mould and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and once they take hold, they are very difficult to remove (see FAQ). Always allow fabrics, wheels, and harnesses to air-dry completely—plan for at least 24-48 hours indoors during winter—before reassembly and storage.

Using The Wrong Products

Never use harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach or concentrated alcohol-based cleaners. As mentioned, using bleach or strong chemicals can break down the UV protection on the hood, damage the frame's finish, and pose a health risk to your child. Stick to mild, baby-friendly soaps or natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda. Also, never use cleaning products specifically designed for metal car parts on your buggy frame.

Forgetting Safety After Cleaning

It's easy to get absorbed in the scrubbing, but the biggest common mistake to avoid is forgetting to re-check safety after cleaning. If you removed the wheels or tampered with the brake mechanism, you must test them thoroughly. A clean pram is wonderful, but a safe pram is non-negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pushchair Fabrics Go in the Washing Machine?

You must check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Many fabrics can be washed on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild, non-biological detergent. However, some have foam, internal structures, or coatings that require handwashing only. Always air-dry them thoroughly to prevent damage and mould.

What’s The Best Cleaner for Baby Gear?

The best cleaner is often the simplest: a mild solution of warm water and gentle, pH-neutral soap or a non-bio laundry detergent. For disinfecting, a weak solution of white vinegar (mixed 50/50 with water) works brilliantly and is safer than chemical disinfectants. Always rinse off any cleaning solution fully.

How Do I Clean Mould from A Pushchair?

Tackle mould immediately. Mix a solution of one-part white vinegar to four parts water. Apply it to the affected area with a soft sponge, scrubbing gently. Rinse thoroughly and place the pram in direct sunlight, which is a natural mould killer. Ensure the area is bone dry before use or storage.

Can I Jet-Wash a Pushchair?

No. High-pressure water can damage the internal bearings of the wheels and compromise the fabric’s waterproof coating, especially on the hood and frame joints. Stick to a gentle garden hose rinse for the wheels and hand-washing or spot cleaning for the fabrics. Gentle care ensures longevity.

How Do I Keep Wheels from Squeaking?

Squeaky wheels are typically caused by dirt and dust lodged in the axles, not a lack of lubrication. First, clean the wheels and axles thoroughly. Once dry, apply a drop of silicone spray or a light, silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts of the axle and suspension joints. Avoid sticky oils that attract dirt.

How Often Should I Clean a Second-Hand Pram?

A second-hand pram requires an immediate deep clean before first use. After this initial deep clean, follow the normal routine: weekly quick cleans and seasonal deep cleans. An initial disinfection is critical for peace of mind and hygiene, especially if you are unsure of its previous care.

Can I Use Bleach or Chlorine-Based Cleaners?

No, we strongly advise against it. Bleach can ruin the fabric colours, destroy protective coatings, and irritate your baby's skin and lungs. It can also degrade the plastic components over time. Use gentle, natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda, which are effective and non-toxic.

How to Prevent a Damp or Mouldy Pushchair When Storing?

Always ensure the pushchair is 100% dry before folding and storing. Store it indoors in a cool, dry area, preferably off the ground. If storing long-term, consider placing a small sachet of silica gel near the fabric to absorb moisture. Never store it in a cold, unventilated garage or shed.

Maintaining your pushchair ensures a smoother, safer, and cleaner journey for your little one, extending the life of your essential family gear. We know the practicalities of parenting can be tough, but remember, we're here to help every step of the way.

Contact & Support

If you have further questions, our expert team is here to help.

ebebek Support Team

• Email: customerservice@ebebek.co.uk

• Phone: +44 (0) 2039 546 393 (Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 5:30pm GMT)