Guide · Baby and children's items ·
How to Wash a Baby Car Seat
Baby car seats and infant carriers are used on every journey; milk, baby food, juice and crumb stains build up on the cover, and crumbs and dust collect in the grooves of the shell. Because a car seat is a safety product, the manufacturer's user manual always comes first when cleaning it: how to remove and wash the cover, how to clean the straps and how to refit the cover are written in the manual. This guide explains in general terms how to clean the cover, shell and straps of a baby car seat and what to watch out for.
First, read the user manual
- Manual: find out from the manual whether the cover can be removed, whether it can be machine washed and how the straps are cleaned.
- Label: follow the washing temperature and programme on the cover's care label.
- Take photos: before removing the cover, photograph how the straps and the cover are routed; it will help when refitting.
- If you have no manual: find the manual for your model on the manufacturer's website.
How to clean a baby car seat: step by step
- Take the seat out of the car and shake out the crumbs.
- Vacuum the crumbs out of the grooves and strap slots with the narrow nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the cover in the order given in the manual.
- Wash the cover and wipe the shell and straps on the surface.
- Refit the cover according to the manual only once every part is completely dry.
- For the car's own seats: how to clean car seats.
How to wash a car seat cover
The cover is machine washed only if its label allows it: turn the cover inside out, close the hook-and-loop fasteners, choose the delicate programme at the temperature on the label and use liquid detergent for coloureds in the amount on the label. If the label recommends hand washing, fill a basin with lukewarm water, dissolve TETİK hand-wash detergent completely in the water, wash the cover by pressing and rinse until no foam remains. Do not twist the cover to wring it, do not put it in the tumble dryer and do not iron it; the padding and foam layers inside can be damaged. Dry the cover in a well-ventilated, shaded place.
Stains on the cover
- Rinse milk, baby food and vomit stains first with cold water; hot water sets the protein in the fabric (how to remove milk stains).
- Before applying a small amount of a stain remover such as İLK BOR Leke Sihirbazı to the remaining stain, test the product on a hidden part of the cover.
- For juice and chocolate stains: how to remove fruit stains, how to remove chocolate stains.
- Do not use bleach and stain remover together on the cover.
Plastic shell and grooves
With the cover removed, wipe the plastic shell with a well-wrung cloth dampened with START all-purpose surface cleaner added to lukewarm water in the amount on the label, then wipe with a clean damp cloth and dry. According to its safety data sheet, our START all-purpose surface cleaner has a pH of 7–8. Reach the grooves with a soft brush; do not pour water on the shell and do not let liquid get into the adjustment mechanisms and fixing points. If you see cracks or damage on the shell, consult the manufacturer.
Harness straps and buckles
Do not immerse the harness straps and buckle in water, do not machine wash them and do not use bleach, solvents or stain remover on the straps; the strength of the strap fibres and the working of the buckle can be impaired. Wipe the straps on the surface with a damp cloth only, as instructed by the manufacturer, and let them dry naturally. If food or drink has got inside the buckle, follow the cleaning method in the manual. If a strap or buckle is damaged or does not work properly, contact the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before using the seat.
How to wash an infant carrier
For infant carriers the cover, shell and straps are dealt with in the same way: the cover is washed by hand or in the machine according to its label, the shell is wiped with a damp cloth and the straps are not immersed in water. Sun canopy fabrics are usually wiped on the spot with a damp cloth and a neutral cleaner. Do not let water get into the carrying handle and the locking mechanisms. For systems used together with a pushchair, see the guide how to clean a pushchair.
Drying and refitting the cover
- Fit the cover and padding parts only once they are completely dry; a damp cover can smell.
- Refit the cover in the order given in the manual, using the photos you took.
- Check that the straps run through the correct slots, are not twisted and that the buckle locks properly.
- If you are not sure, contact the manufacturer's customer service or an authorised dealer; an incorrectly fitted cover and harness can affect safety.
What not to do
- Machine washing the cover without checking the manual and the label.
- Immersing the straps and buckle in water or machine washing them.
- Using bleach and solvents on the cover and straps.
- Drying the cover in a tumble dryer or ironing it.
- Refitting the cover while it is still damp.
- Continuing to use a seat that has been in an accident without consulting the manufacturer.
For car rental companies and car valeting services
Car rental companies, transfer firms and car valeting services clean baby car seats between customers; washing covers according to the manufacturer's instructions, wiping shells with a neutral cleaner and cleaning straps on the surface without immersing them are tied to a regular plan. TETİK Detergent for Coloureds is sold in 4 kg, TETİK Hand-Wash Powder Detergent in 20 kg and START All-Purpose Surface Cleaner in 5 L packs. For product lists, see the guides Car wash supplies and chemicals and how to clean a car interior, and for bulk purchases you can request a quote.
