This article will help give some tips on how to deodorize a stroller so that both mommy and daddy are happy!
You are a parent with a new baby and you are getting ready to head out for your first outing. You’ve done the research, read all the articles and blogs, and have decided on what stroller is best for you.
What could make this better? Well, how about if that stroller smelled nice! It doesn’t matter if it’s just been washed or not; all baby equipment can get smelly over time or after being in storage.
Steps on How to Deodorize a Stroller
Step 1. Air out the stroller. If it’s been a while since you have used your stroller, or if it has any noticeable smells coming from it, take a few minutes to air the entire thing out by opening all of its covers and letting it sit in a well-ventilated area for an hour. This will help remove any odours that are trying to permeate through the fabric onto little hands.
Step 2. Wash with soap and water. It may seem like this does nothing but please trust us! Even just washing off the surface with warm soapy water can make a world of difference (plus you’ll be able to quickly smell whether there is anything left at all). To do this without taking apart too much, use a sponge or dishcloth and wipe all of the fabric surfaces.
Step 3. Dry the stroller. When you are done wiping down your stroller with soap and water, it is important to dry off as much surface area as possible so that any remaining moisture doesn’t cause mould or make smells worse in the long run.
Febreeze! This may be common knowledge, but there’s no harm in going over it one more time – most odours can be eliminated by using an old spritzer bottle filled with some sort of odour-eliminating spray (Febreze usually does the trick). If you have access to a vacuum cleaner, take advantage of its power by running it on both sides where the fabric surfaces meet.
When drying, hang the stroller upside down to allow gravity to do most of the work for you. If there are any obvious smells left over after trying these tips, try airing your stroller in sunlight or turning it on top of a garbage can outside if possible.
How to disinfect a stroller
Clean the stroller by wiping down all surfaces with a dilute solution of bleach and water. Dry thoroughly, especially between fabric surfaces where it is most susceptible to mould growth. Spray Febreze on both sides of the fabric, including creases and folds in the material. When drying, hang upside-down or air outside if possible.
How to wash a stroller in the tub
Step 1. Rinse the stroller with cold water until all dirt has been removed. We recommend using mild dish soap and scrubbing any stubborn spots gently with a sponge before washing it in your machine.
Once you’ve filled up the tub, add one cup of bleach to help break down organic stains like urine or vomit that may have seeped into fabric fibres.* Note: do not mix ammonia (diluted) or vinegar with chlorine bleach as this could release toxic fumes.
Step 2. If you want to clean more than just the seat, start by removing its cover by pulling on tabs attached for easy removal – then wash those pieces separately since they are usually removable without taking apart much of the frame.
Step 3. Next, you’ll want to remove the fabric seat cover by gently pulling on any tabs or clasps that hold it in place.
Once that’s done, use a scrub brush with soap and water to wash down the frame of your stroller – focusing especially hard on areas where folds may have collected dirt over time like under seats or around handles.
When washing fabrics: be sure not to wring them out too tightly as this can cause fibres from one part of the material to transfer onto another area (which means more work for you).
How to remove mould from a stroller
As soon as you notice the mould, clean it off with a quick spray of glass cleaner and cloth. For more stubborn stains or for fabric surfaces that cannot be sprayed (like stroller seats), use vinegar instead – this will work just like bleach but without damaging fabrics in the process. Be sure to give thorough scrubbing until all signs of mould are gone.
What is the difference between mildew and mold?
Mildew is a type of mould that thrives in damp areas, such as bathrooms or basements.
While mildew can be just as serious a problem for your stroller and fabrics, it will typically grow on surfaces like grout lines between tiles rather than the fabric itself.
Mould grows when there are high levels of moisture present – this means that if you’re not spraying your stroller down after every use to keep it dry, then mould growth may already be taking place! You should aim to spray with water at least once an hour while using the stroller outside (or more often during rainy periods).