What do you clean a high chair with?

The tray, seat and plastic parts that touch food are washed with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid and rinsed thoroughly. Fabric covers are washed if the label allows, while the harness is wiped on the surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can you clean a high chair with bleach?

Do not use bleach on a high chair; it can damage the plastic and prints and leave residue on a surface that touches food. The tray and seat are washed with dishwashing liquid and rinsed thoroughly.

Can a high chair tray go in the dishwasher?

Only if the manufacturer allows it. Wash trays that the user manual does not list as dishwasher-safe by hand with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid, then rinse.

Guide · Baby and children's items · October 20, 2026

How to Clean a High Chair

A high chair comes into contact with food at every meal; food residue dries and leaves stains on the tray, the seat and between the straps. Because the tray and plastic parts touch food directly, they are washed with dishwashing liquid and rinsed thoroughly, while fabric covers and harnesses are cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. This guide explains how to clean the tray, cover and harness of a high chair and what can be done about a yellowed high chair.

First read the manufacturer's instructions

Check in the user manual whether the tray can go in the dishwasher and how the cover should be cleaned.
Check the washing temperature and programme on the fabric cover's label.
Before cleaning, stand the chair firmly on a flat floor; on folding models, keep the lock engaged.
Test the product on a hidden spot first.

How to clean a high chair: step by step

Remove residue: shake off crumbs; soften dried food residue with a lukewarm damp cloth and remove it — do not scrape it with a knife or sharp tool.
Remove the tray: wash the removable tray and cup holder separately.
Wash: wipe the tray, seat and plastic frame with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid using a soft sponge; clean between the straps and in the crevices with a soft brush.
Rinse: remove all detergent residue with a clean damp cloth; rinse the tray thoroughly with water.
Dry: dry all parts with a dry cloth and use the chair only once it is completely dry.

How to clean a high chair tray?

The tray and cup holder are in direct contact with food. After every meal, wash the removable tray with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid or gel dish detergent and rinse it thoroughly. Put the tray in the dishwasher only if the manufacturer allows it. Do not use abrasive sponges, steel wool or scouring powder; they scratch the plastic and residue builds up in the scratches. For details, see how to use dishwashing liquid.

How to wash a high chair cover?

Machine wash removable fabric covers and cushions only if the label allows, cold or at a low temperature and on a delicate programme; put the cover in a laundry bag and use a small amount of detergent for coloureds. For covers whose label shows hand washing, TETİK hand-wash detergent can be used fully dissolved in water. Do not put the cover in the tumble dryer, and refit it only once completely dry. Wipe-clean faux leather and plastic-coated covers are not washed; they are wiped in place with a damp cloth, lukewarm water and a little dishwashing liquid, then rinsed.

How to clean a yellowed high chair?

Yellowing on a high chair has two causes: stains left by coloured foods and yellowing of the plastic itself from sunlight and age. To prevent food stains, wash the tray and seat after every meal with lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid, rinse them and do not let stains dry. Yellowing of the plastic itself is permanent and cannot be reversed by cleaning. Do not try bleach, scouring powder or home-made mixtures; they can damage the plastic and leave residue on a surface that touches food.

Safety harness

Do not submerge harnesses and buckles in water; the strength of the webbing and the working of the buckle may be affected. Wipe the harness on the surface only according to the manufacturer's instructions, with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and a little dishwashing liquid, then dry it. See the user manual for how to clean removable harnesses.

Wooden high chairs

Do not leave wooden high chairs in water or wash them with lots of water. Wipe them with a well-wrung damp cloth and a little dishwashing liquid, wipe again with a clean damp cloth and dry immediately. For details, see how to clean wooden furniture.

What not to do

Using bleach and abrasives on a high chair.
Putting the tray in the dishwasher without the manufacturer's permission.
Immersing the harness and buckle in water.
Leaving detergent residue without rinsing.

For restaurants, cafés and shopping centres

High chairs offered to guests in restaurants, cafés and shopping-centre food courts are cleaned after every use; washing the tray with dishwashing liquid, rinsing it and putting the chairs away only after they have been dried is recommended. TETİK Dishwashing Liquid is produced in 750 g, 5 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg packs and TETİK Gel in 200 g, 10 kg and 35 kg. For product lists, see restaurant cleaning supplies and shopping centre cleaning supplies; request a quote for bulk purchases.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.