Experts share how to clean a pushchair in 7 easy steps

Your busy life with your baby doesn’t stop — and neither does your pushchair. It sees you through all of your adventures, so it’s no surprise that you’ll occasionally find it in need of a good scrub. If you’re wondering how to clean a pushchair, stick around! 

While it might seem like a big task, it doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we’ll give you seven steps to clean a pushchair with basic supplies you have at home. 

How to clean a pushchair: Deep cleaning

How you clean your pushchair will vary slightly depending on the specific features and model. Pro Tip: If you’re a parent-to-be and still in the process of choosing a pushchair, it’s good to know that Bugaboo fabrics are machine-washable. Your future self will thank you for this not-so-tiny detail that makes your daily life simpler!

Mom enjoying time with her baby after learning how to clean a pushchair

1) Check the labels 

First of all, check the care labels on your pushchair to see if there are specific instructions for stroller maintenance. Not sure where to find these labels? See if they’re attached to the fabric or the frame. 

You can also refer to the care manual if you still have it around. If not, check online or at Bugaboo.com. 


2) Take it apart 

To do a thorough cleaning, start by taking the pushchair apart. Remove the wheels and take off any removable fabric, for example. 

 Keep in mind that all Bugaboo fabrics can be easily detached, and most of them are machine-washable. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll get to that soon. 


 Mom enjoying time with her baby after learning how to clean a pushchair

3) Vacuum 

Giving your pushchair a once-over with the vacuum is a good way to take care of bigger crumbs and debris. This step is especially important if your pushchair does not have detachable, washable fabrics. 

That brings us to the next step.


4) Scrub or machine-wash fabrics 

When it comes to how to clean a pushchair , getting the fabric looking as good as new can be a bit more challenging if the fabric is not machine-washable. On the other hand, if your stroller pushchair has detachable, machine-washable fabric, your job is simple. 

Here’s how to go about it in either situation. 


Non-machine washable fabrics 

Once you’ve disassembled any removable fabric pieces, fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of soap. You don’t want to end up with too many suds. 

Dip a cloth in the soapy water and wipe the fabric down, scrubbing as needed. Then, wet a clean cloth to wipe off the suds before letting the fabric thoroughly air-dry — in the fresh air of the great outdoors if possible. 


Machine-washable fabrics 

From puncture-proof wheels to fingertip steering, Bugaboo pushchair are designed to fit your lifestyle — and that includes making cleaning as easy as possible. All Bugaboo fabrics can be easily detached, and most of them are machine washable. That’s a huge parenting win. 

Let’s take a look at how to clean each part. 


Apart from the wheels, the seat of the pushchair is typically the area that sees the most action and can get the dirtiest. 

Don’t sweat. Simply remove any foam inserts from the seat before washing and clean them separately with a damp cloth. 

For Bugaboo carrycot fabrics, remove the stiffeners before throwing the fabrics in the wash separately on a delicate cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C or 86°F. Opt for gentle laundry detergents, and avoid bleaching, tumble drying, dry-cleaning, or ironing. 

Washing Bugaboo pushchair mattresses is similar to washing the seats. Both the mattress cover and the aerated inlay of the mattress can be detached and cleaned in the washing machine. For the mattress foam, all you will need is a damp cloth to gently wipe it clean. 

There are just a few parts of Bugaboo pushchair that are not machine-washable, such as the underseat basket and rain covers as well as the breezy sun canopy and some of the limited edition products. 

Check for specific cleaning instructions, but a few swipes with a damp cloth is typically all you need to make them look fresh and as good as new!


Sleeping baby in a pushchair outside

5) Wipe down your pushchair 

Fabric clean? Check. Let’s move on to the next step. 

To clean the surfaces of your pushchair frame, all you need is a couple of towels or cloths, warm water, and a small brush. Simply wet the cloth and wipe down the larger surfaces of the frame. Afterward, give it a once-over with a dry cloth to do away with any remaining water. 

Both foam grips and leather-look grips can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For smaller parts and joints, use a brush to get into the nooks and crannies. Do the same with the wheels, using a wet cloth or brush as needed. 


6) Air dry 

Machine-washed, wiped-down, and looking good. All that’s left in the cleaning process is to let your pushchair air dry completely. 


7) Reassemble 

With clean, dry parts, your pushchair is ready to be reassembled so you can get back to exploring the big, wide world with your tiny co-pilot.

How to clean a pushchair: Daily maintenance

Your pushchair goes through a lot — from on-the-go snacks to city manoeuvring to woodsy strolls (if you have a Bugaboo multi-terrain stroller). It’s likely to end up a little dirty after your adventures. We say that’s just a sign of a fun-filled day! 

But to keep your adventures stress-free, in addition to giving your pushchair a thorough cleaning every now and then, it’s a good idea to do a quick clean or wipe-down at the end of each day (or each time you use it). 

This daily cleanup might be as simple as grabbing a wet cloth to wipe off any stickiness or dust. You can also brush off the crumbs or grab a handheld vacuum to get them out of the cracks and creases of the pushchair. 

Maintaining your pushchair daily keeps it in good shape and makes things easier when it’s time to deep clean. 

Mom and day out for a walk in the woods with their toddler

The best of Bugaboo 

Easy cleaning is important because keeping your pushchair mess-free shouldn’t take away from your busy, exciting life. You should enjoy the adventure that is parenthood! 

Bugaboo’s easy cleanability isn’t the only thing that makes these pushchairs attractive, versatile, and oh-so-easy. Take the Bugaboo Lynx, for example, a light-footed wanderer that lives up to its name. 


Mom excited after learning how to clean a pushchair easily

With 2-wheel suspension that makes for swift turning and smooth manoeuvring, it’s the perfect companion whether you’re going up and down curbs or rushing through tight spaces. 

Only have one hand free to push? This pushchair can handle it. The smooth push also allows your child to take a much-needed nap without being disturbed. Talk about peaceful, on-the-go rest

When the day is done, this lightweight design keeps performing. It folds into one piece so you can effortlessly move up and down the stairs or lift it in and out of the car. 

Folding, storing, and pushing is all as easy as cleaning this pushchair. 

We won’t go into any more detail — after all, you need to get started cleaning — but keep in mind that you can also choose from our other pushchair, like the Fox 3 (our new and improved all-terrain pushchair), the compact Bee 6, or the Donkey 5 for parents with two children. 


Squeaky clean and ready to go 

Clean: It’s a good feeling. Stay on top of things with a quick-clean at the end of each day, and plan on the occasional deep clean to keep your pushchair in tip-top condition. With the steps for how to clean a pushchair that you just read, you’re ready for the challenge. 

With a Bugaboo pushchair, it’s as simple as taking things apart, washing the machine-washable fabric, giving the pushchair a wipe-down, and putting it back together once it’s dry. 

Whether you opt for the Bugaboo Lynx, Fox 3, Bee 6, or Donkey 5, it’s easier than ever to keep your pushchair clean and get back to making mischief with your new partner in crime. 

Woman pushing a pushchair across a crosswalk

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