Just think – a child’s car seat must be a haven for germs considering the crumbs, sticky fingers and other spills that happen each day.
Indeed, research has shown that kid’s car seats have twice as many germs as the average toilet.
Here’s an eight step plan to help you combat those germs!
- First, check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Some recommend hand-washing and spot-cleaning fabric because immersing the straps in water may cause damage or weaken them. Some car seat covers can also be machine-washed.
- Otherwise, take the car seat out of the car. Gently shake out the car seat to get rid of crumbs. Place it on an old blanket. Remove all the baby toys that are attached to the seat as well.
- Vacuum the area in the car where the car seat resides. Shake out floor mats and vacuum underneath them too.
- If possible, remove the entire car seat cover and put it into the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Or, hand-wash the car seat and spot clean really big stains. Don’t forget the arms, which tend to get the dirtiest.
- Wipe plastic, vinyl and metal parts with a solution of mild soap, water and damp microfibre cloth. Anything stronger may cause the material to crack.
- Leave the car seat in the sun to dry.
- Use the gentle mixture of soap and water and a clean microfibre cloth to wipe down the baby’s toys before placing them back in the car as well.
- Reinstall the car seat as per the installation manual.
