Children are indeed the culprits of disasters and as a result car seats are often victims. When your little one spit, spilled food, or whatever mess he made, the car seat should be removed for a thorough cleaning. This process involves hard work and disassembling and fitting the seat back into place. However, keep in mind that seat belt straps and clamps are specially cleaned for safety reasons.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Setting Up a Thorough Clean
Step 1. Choose the right time to wash the upholstery
The washing process should start when the seat will not be used for a long time, unless you have a spare seat. If the upholstery isn't too dirty and you don't need to rush to clean it, you can wait at least a few hours. The best time is when the baby is already asleep at night.
However, if the upholstery is dirty with vomit, leaking diapers, or other debris, you should clean the upholstery as soon as possible
Step 2. Clean all the big dirt
Use a tissue or damp cloth to wipe and remove any large dirt that is on the upholstery.
Once the large dirt has been removed, the rest will be much easier
Step 3. Remove the baby seat from the seat
Unscrew all the straps, and remove the seat. This way, the upholstery can be thoroughly cleaned without having to get into the car and wet its contents. You will also be able to reach all the parts of the seat that need to be cleaned.
Record the process of disassembling the seat so you don't forget how to put it back on. If necessary, add an image to your notes
Step 4. Shake, brush or vacuum the upholstery surface
Remove dust and debris from car seats. Shake the seat to remove any accumulated dirt and debris hidden between the seats.
If you have a vacuum cleaner with a small head, use it to suck up dirt and grime that gets stuck in wall partitions or corners
Step 5. Remove the seat cover and seat belt straps
Most baby seats have a removable cover. Look at the instructions in the manual to open it. If you don't have one, the release process usually starts at the top; open the clips, clamps and buttons until the bottom of the seat can be reached.
- Once the cover is removed, the seat belt strap must also be removed. Make notes (or photos) of the locations where the straps are attached so you can re-attach them later (especially if you don't have a manual).
- Seat belt straps (and buckles) must be specially cleaned for safety reasons. Refer to the relevant sections in this article, and refer to the instructions in your manual.
Part 2 of 4: Washing the Upholstery Cover and Base
Step 1. Clean the obvious stains on the upholstery fabric
Apply a mild detergent to any visible stains on the upholstery. Rub the detergent in a circular motion to wash the stain clean.
If the seat does not have a removable cover, clean the stain with soap and a sponge. Rub until the stain is gone
Step 2. Put the upholstery cloth in the washing machine
Check the specific instructions for washing the cover in the user manual or the label on the fabric. However, generally the fabric is washed with a slow cycle. Use a mild detergent because the child's skin will come into direct contact with this cloth. Rinse the cloth until it is completely clean.
- Generally, cotton covers can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius. If the fabric is synthetic or dark in color, wash the fabric at 40 degrees Celsius.
- If the upholstery cannot be removed, the upholstery must be hand washed. Use a sponge and a mild detergent to thoroughly wash the cover.
Step 3. Clean the plastic base
Once the cover has been washed, proceed to cleaning the plastic and metal parts of the upholstery. Use a damp washcloth or sponge with a mild detergent and water. Rub all dirt and dust, then rinse with water until clean. If you want, spray it with disinfectant.
- You are allowed to scrub vigorously, as long as you don't use a hard, rough scourer or brush (eg iron wool). Rinse with hose water until clean.
- The seat should be bent so that the rinse water flows to the ground instead of pooling in various parts of the seat.
Step 4. Clean the seat belt strap and buckle
Washing machines or harsh cleaners will reduce the strength of the straps and make them unsafe to wear.
Follow the instruction manual carefully, and see the relevant sections in this article regarding cleaning the seat belt buckles and straps
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning Seat Belt Straps and Buckles
Step 1. Follow the instructions in the manual
Most baby seat manufacturers do not recommend washing seat belt buckles and straps in a washing machine or harsh detergents. Clean with a soft cloth, warm water and a mild soap.
Seat belts are made of strong material and serve to protect the wearer from accidents so it may seem strange to have to be washed very gently. The problem is, washing with harsh methods and substances will weaken the pull of the seat belt material. This can happen even when the rope still seems strong. However, if it is already weak, the belt will fail to function when an accident occurs
Step 2. Gently wipe the belt with water
Focus the wash on the stains on the surface, and the belt doesn't have to be cleaned too deep. Use a mild soap, such as hand soap.
If the belt is already too dirty, or it looks weak and worn, you should replace it immediately. Check with your baby seat manufacturer if the seat belt straps can be purchased separately. Thus, you do not need to buy a new seat
Step 3. Soak the buckle in warm water
Seat belt buckles, whether plastic or metal, can be cleaned somewhat more thoroughly than belt buckles. However, the buckle is an important part of the safety of the wearer, so the wear and tear of this part should be kept to a minimum in order to function properly.
Simply clasp the buckle on the belt strap and dip it in warm water. Then stir a little to clean the dirt in it. Clean the surface with a soft cloth and water (mix it with a mild soap if desired)
Step 4. Let the seat belt buckle and strap dry in the wind
Fresh air, sunshine and time are the best ways to remove odors from seat belt straps. If that's not possible, at least let the belt ventilate before putting it back on.
- Do not put the seat belt strap in the dryer, or blow it with a hot hair dryer. High heat will damage the strength of the seat belt.
- Make sure the inside of the buckle is also well dry to prevent rust or corrosion.
Part 4 of 4: Drying and Replacing the Upholstery
Step 1. Dry all parts thoroughly
If the upholstery can be removed, use a tumble dryer (if allowed on the label) or dry in the open air.
- Lay down the plastic surface and let it dry in the wind. When the plastic and metal parts of the upholstery have been rinsed thoroughly, just leave them in the open air and let them air dry. Upholstery does dry faster when wiped with a cloth, but it's best to leave parts of the upholstery for a few hours to a day to dry completely.
- Seat belt straps and buckles must be wind-dried.
Step 2. Remove the odor with sunlight and leave it for some time
If the cover cannot be removed, leave the upholstery in the sun to dry. If there is no sunlight, just wait even though the smell may take a while to go away.
- You can apply deodorizing spray to the base and upholstery if you prefer. However, remember that the child's skin will come into contact with this substance. Therefore, make sure the spray material is safe for children.
- Do not use deodorizers on seat belt straps and buckles. Just let the smell go away on its own in the wind.
Step 3. Put the cover back on
When the fabric is completely dry, put the cover back on the seat base. Follow the manual instructions if needed.
Basically, the installation process is the opposite of disassembly. So if you take notes or photos when you remove the cover, there should be no problem
Step 4. Reattach the seat belt strap
Pull the belt strap through the holes and in the correct order so that the child is completely safe when sitting on it. Refer to the instructions in the manual if needed.
- Make sure the straps are not kinked when attached to the seat. Twisted straps are more easily damaged and hurt your baby's skin. In fact, if the rope is twisted badly enough, your baby is not secured properly.
- If you are in doubt about the results of your work, take the seat to a fire department or other place that provides free car seat safety checks. Someone there will be happy to help you.
- If you have doubts about the quality of the baby seat, especially the seat belt buckles and straps, replace these components or buy a new seat. Your child's safety is of utmost importance.
Tips
- Consider buying your baby's upholstery sheets. These sheets are available in a variety of cute designs and colors, and protect the upholstery from dirt and spills of food or drink. Thus, the upholstery becomes easier to clean.
- If you need to put on the baby seat before it's completely dry, use a heater or electric fan to dry any areas that are still wet. However, don't set the heat too high.
- Many police and firefighters will check the safety of your baby seat installation. Check the safety of your upholstery after washing and reinstalling.
