Cleaning Your Car Seat PDF Print E-mail

Cleaning a childs car seat isn't always as easy as it sounds. It's very important to follow the manufacturers instructions precisely before you attempt to do it yourself as irreparable damage can be caused if you do not do it correctly.

 

The information provided on this page is a guide only, different manufacturers or models of restraints may need to be cleaned differently so read your user manual before you start.

 

You must never use any of the following products when cleaning your restraint:

 

  • Polishes
  • Bleaches
  • Oils
  • Solvents
  • or other Harsh abrasive cleaners


You must ALWAYS:

 

  • Consult the user manual for your restraint on instructions on how to clean it or
  • Look for tags sewn in to the cover for instructions or
  • Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure

 
You must NEVER do the following:

 

  • Submerge your harness in water/chemicals i.e. napisan
  • Submerge your cover in water alone for extended periods of time
  • Wash your harness straps in the washing machine (if you have, purchase replacement belts from the manufacturer)
  • Wash your car seat cover in the machine unless your user manual allows for this

Why is it important to remember these things?

 

When cleaning car seat covers the plastic shell and the harness of the restraint, it's important not to use bleach as it degrades materials and if left on for too long or in too strong a concentration on fabric, it will eventually eat a hole through it. Some people may also experience adverse reactions such as skin irritation from using harsh chemicals such as bleaches. Napisan contains an oxygen based bleaching agent named sodium percarbonate and although not as harsh as chlorinated bleach, soaking in this or similar products may remove the fire-retardant chemicals in your cover/harness.


So what should I clean my car seat with and where do I start?

 

Before you start it is very important that you read your user manual for a more detailed description specific to your type of restraint. It is also most important that you pay particular attention to how the seat has been assembled so you can remember how to correctly reassemble it after you have cleaned it.

 

The first thing you need to do is remove the harness and then cover.

 

Cleaning the cover - Some car seat covers may be machine washable and some may need to be hand washed. Do not use any products that have harsh corrosive chemicals and bleaches. If needed, a mild soap and washing in cold or warm water (not hot) is acceptable but please refer to your user manual or manufacturer. Some covers are allowed to be tumble dried, some are not. Line drying is usually recommended as the car seat cover may shrink in the drier. Do not iron the cover.

 

Cleaning the harness straps - Take care in how you clean your harness straps. The reason why these care instructions are so important is because, if they are not followed, it could affect the performance of the harness. The harness straps may be wiped clean with warm water and mild soap using a sponge or rag. Allow to air dry. DO NOT put the harness straps in the washing machine. DO NOT use any products that have harsh corrosive chemicals and bleaches. DO NOT tumble dry. DO NOT iron. DO NOT soak in a bucket of chemicals i.e. napisan, never ever ever do that. If you still cannot get the straps cleaned to your satisfaction, replacement belts should be available from the manufacturer.

 

Cleaning the plastic shell of the seat -  When cleaning the shell of the restraint it is acceptable to use a sponge or rag with warm water and a mild soap (if needed) and towel dry. DO NOT use any products that have harsh corrosive chemicals and bleaches.

 

Cleaning the buckle - Sticky substances such as fruit juice, icecream etc can get inside harness buckles and make them become sluggish. An indication of a sluggish buckle is that you cannot hear an audible 'click' noise when engaging the harness tongues. To ensure your harness is buckling correctly and is free of foreign matter make sure you check it regularly and read your user manual for cleaning instructions specific to your restraint.The harness buckle may be cleaned with a damp cloth.  NEVER LUBRICATE THE BUCKLE. Some restraint manufacturers  allow you to run the buckle under warm water for a few minutes to clear out foreign matter. If you do this, make sure you shake out as much water as you can and allow to air dry fully before you use it again. DO NOT use detergents.

 
How dirty is too dirty?

 

Some seats may just be beyond cleaning. Heavily soiled harness straps and covers are better replaced then cleaned. It is common for harnesses and fabric covers on restraints to become susceptible to mould (generally through poor storage conditions i.e. in a damp/moist environment) due to their properties. This can be dangerous as mould is a potential health hazard depending on its level of toxicity. Some certain types of mould (especially in high concentration) can cause allergies, infections, irritations, respiratory problems, digestive problems and even problems with the nervous system. Children are more susceptible to adverse side effects from mould due to their developing state.

Apart from the detrimental effects mould can cause to the health of a child, mould 'attacks' and has the ability to 'eat' and stain the materials it grows on i.e. harnesses and fabric covers. Heavily soiled harnesses whether from spitting up or from food should be replaced as their webbing may be weakened.

 

If in doubt, chuck it out!
 
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