If you’re a parent, you know that prams, baby car seats and capsules cop more than their fair share of life’s messy moments. From milk spills and biscuit crumbs to sticky fingers and the occasional nappy leak, these essentials carry your little one through everyday adventures and collect plenty of bacteria along the way.
Beyond appearance, keeping these items clean is about safety, hygiene, and providing your child with a safe and healthy environment to travel in. At Two Bays Laundry, we see first-hand just how much grime hides in the fabric, padding and tight crevices of prams and capsules. It can be quite a shock! However, the prospect of cleaning these everyday items can feel overwhelming, as any downtime typically isn’t practical. With the right cleaning routine, you can remove hidden allergens, keep mould at bay and extend the life of your baby gear.
We’ve shared the best practices below based on our experience to help you easily keep your pram and car seats clean.
Why Cleaning Baby Travel Gear Matters More Than You Think
Prams and car seats are designed to keep children safe, but when they’re dirty, they can do the opposite. Moisture, food particles and trapped dirt create the perfect breeding ground for mould, bacteria and dust mites.
Common risks include:
1. Hidden bacteria and allergens
Food debris, spit-ups and soil can sink deep into fabrics and foam. Over time, this can create odours and trigger allergies or respiratory irritation.
2. Mould growth
Moisture from spills or wet weather can cause mould to form within 24–48 hours. Mould isn’t always visible immediately, but the spores can pose health risks for little lungs.
3. Compromised safety
Straps, buckles and harnesses can become obstructed by dirt or stickiness. Regular cleaning ensures everything functions properly when you need it most.
4. Shortened product lifespan
Prams and car seats aren’t cheap. Proper cleaning and maintenance help protect the materials and prolong their use, which is especially valuable when handing items down to siblings.
Pram Cleaning: Best Practices for Parents
Prams go everywhere with your child, parks, playgrounds, shops and family adventures. It’s no wonder they collect dust, stones, food, grass and pet hair and because they’re used so frequently, it’s easy to fall into the trap of a quick wipe down or shake as opposed to taking the time to deep clean.
Here are the steps to keep your pram fresh and hygienic:
1. Vacuum crevices and fabric
Start by removing loose debris from the seat, footwell and basket. A handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment works well.
2. Spot-clean spills promptly
The quicker you treat stains, the easier they lift. Use a mild, baby-safe detergent diluted in warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate skin.
3. Remove fabric covers (if machine-washable)
Most prams have removable parts. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions; some require only gentle cycles, while others may require handwashing to protect water-repellent coatings.
4. Clean the frame
Use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water to wipe metal, plastic and rubber parts. Avoid soaking the frame as water can enter joints and cause rust or damage.
5. Tackle mould early
If you see mould, act immediately. Use warm, soapy water first, then allow the item to dry in direct sunlight. If mould is widespread or persistent, a professional clean is safer.
6. Let everything dry fully
Prams should be completely dry before reassembly to prevent mould from returning.
Baby Car Seat & Capsule Cleaning: What You Need to Know
Car seats and capsules are essential safety items. That means you must be extra careful when cleaning them, especially around harnesses.
1. Always check manufacturer guidelines
Before you start, check the tag or the manual for cleaning instructions. Some brands allow light handwashing of covers, while others forbid machine washing altogether.
2. Never wash harness straps
This is crucial. Harness straps are engineered to withstand impact. Washing them, especially in a machine, can weaken their fibres and compromise their safety.
Instead, wipe straps gently with warm water only (no detergent unless explicitly allowed).
3. Clean buckles correctly
Buckle mechanisms should be rinsed in warm running water to remove crumbs or stickiness. Never soak them in detergents or oils.
4. Handwash covers gently
Use a mild solution and avoid vigorous scrubbing to protect the padding and fire-retardant coatings.
5. Eliminate odours safely
Avoid chemical deodorisers. Instead, allow items to air-dry outdoors. Sunlight naturally helps reduce odours and bacteria.
6. Reinstall correctly
Incorrect installation can reduce the seat’s effectiveness in an accident. If you’re unsure, book a professional restraint fitter after cleaning.
You can use Kidsafe to find a convenient car fitter or use a local service like Child Car Safety and Education.
How Often Should You Clean Baby Travel Gear?
While you would ideally keep your pram and car seat sparkling clean, it’s often not the case. They’re regularly exposed to mess and common spills, so we suggest this approach as a guide:
- Weekly or fortnightly: Quick wipe-down, vacuum and spot clean
- After major spills: Immediate spot treatment
- Seasonally: Professional deep cleaning (pram, car seat, capsule)
- Any time you notice mould, odour or stickiness: Prompt cleaning or professional service
If life is busy, and for most families, it is, investing in a professional deep clean can be a huge help. You can be confident that everything is hygienically cleaned with care while saving you time.
Professional Pram, Car Seat and Capsule Cleaning: When to Consider It
Although home cleaning and maintenance are important, professional services can help when:
- Life is busy and you have other priorities
- You want the confidence of a thorough clean
- Mould has appeared
- Stains won’t lift
- Fabrics or harnesses need specialised attention
- You want a hygienic clean without harsh chemicals
- You’re preparing items for a newborn, resale, or hand-me-downs
At Two Bays Laundry, we use gentle, non-toxic cleaning methods and pay close attention to detail, because anything designed for children deserves the highest care. We leave no buckle, stitch or crevice overlooked.
The Takeaway: A Cleaner, Safer Ride for Your Little One
Prams, car seats and capsules work hard every day. Regular cleaning isn’t just about presentation; it’s about giving your child a healthier, safer environment.
By following these simple best practices, you can keep your baby gear fresh, functional and ready for every outing. And when you need a deeper clean, a professional service ensures everything is cared for properly, using methods that are gentle on the item and kinder to your child’s delicate skin.
Want help getting your pram or baby gear back to its best?
Two Bays Laundry offers careful, fuss-free cleaning with pick-up and delivery across Mornington and the wider Peninsula. Your baby goods will be as good as new within three working days. Enquire anytime to learn more about our gentle, detail-driven service.
