It’s an adventure chariot where your bub has meals on wheels, so it’s little wonder prams get grubby.
There’s a heap of ways to get your tot’s ride looking ship-shape in just a few easy steps. From getting the wheels looking like new to banishing the crumbs out of every nook and cranny – get your pram sparkling in a jiffy.
Here’s the low-down on how to clean a pram.
How to clean a pram
Step one: Remove any large items from the pram (toys, long-lost dummies, pram liners) and then concentrate on getting rid of any debris, like crumbs. A really easy way to do this is to use the brush from a dustpan and brush set. Or if you have a hand-held vac it’s a job of mere milliseconds.
If your pram isn’t too heavy (or you can enlist the help of someone that can lift it) turn it upside down and give it a good shake. You’ll be surprised how many hidden treasures come out of hiding.
Step two: Assess the mess. If the pram seat and fabrics aren’t too dirty, give them a once-over with a damp cloth. Shift stubborn stains using a paste of bi-carb soda and white vinegar. Scrub and let sit, then make sure the mixture is rinsed away.
If the seat is super filthy, it’s best to see if it’s removable so it can have a good wash in the washing machine. Just check any cleaning instructions on the pram first. A cycle in the cold wash on a delicate cycle should do the trick. Just be sure to pop the seat back onto the pram while it’s still wet in case it shrinks.
Step three: While the seat is in the machine or the bi-carb paste is doing its magic, check all the other fabric sections of the pram. This includes the canopy and straps. Give these a good scrub with a damp cloth and the bi-carb mixture, then rinse off.
Step four: Have a look at the chassis. Usually, a damp cloth and some elbow grease gets rid of anything taking the shine off the frame.
If your pram has leatherette trims (the bumper bar is commonly made of this material) take extra care not to get these parts too wet. Just a brief wipe with a damp cloth is all they need.
Step five: Whether you’ve been offroading or just zipping down to the shops, give the wheels some attention. Use the dustpan brush again, this time to remove any loose material from the wheels. Then give them a really good scrub with a wet cloth and hot soapy water – dishwashing liquid works well. Once the chrome parts are dry, buff them up and give the moving parts a little spray of WD-40.
Bath pram clean
If you’re short on time or have a second-hand pram that needs a good soak, some mums recommend submerging the entire pram in a bath filled with hot water and mixture of:
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of liquid laundry detergent
- 1/4 cup of vinegar
Let the pram soak for an hour folded, before flipping it over and letting it soak for another hour. Then unfold it and let it drain in the bath before popping it outside to dry completely.
(image source unknown)
Read next …
Life with babies and toddlers gets messy. For more cleaning ideas, tips and inspiration, here are a few articles that you might like to read next:
