Despite my best efforts to keep my kids from spilling things in their car seats, they get messy. Constantly. From snacks to melted crayons to dirt to blowouts, it doesn’t take long for a car seat to need a good clean. After testing—and cleaning—nearly a dozen car seats and booster seats, I have quite a bit of experience in the area. At first, cleaning a car seat feels like a daunting task, but once you start to do it regularly, it becomes pretty quick and simple.
Before you start cleaning, always check your car seat manual for any specific instructions. Some car seats have parts that are machine-washable, and some have specific guidelines dictating which products to use. To get some of the best car seat cleaning tips, we interviewed two cleaning experts and a child passenger safety technician (CPST). Read on for their advice on how to clean car seats.
How To Clean Car Seats, Step-By-Step
Every car seat is different and has different cleaning guidelines based on the build and materials, so again (we can’t stress this enough) always refer to the manual first.
You don’t need too many materials to clean your car seat, just some basics that you probably already have on hand. That includes mild soap (such as Dawn or Castile soap), a microfiber cloth, and a soft-bristle brush (or a toothbrush). Though not necessary, a cordless car vacuum can be super handy, too.
Once you have your materials, follow these steps:
- Uninstall the seat. While you technically don’t have to do this, it makes it much easier to clean and reach every area.
- Remove any padding that is removable. If any of the padding or fabric is machine-washable, throw it in the wash according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your child is under 1 year old, we recommend using a fragrance-free or baby detergent when washing car seat components.
- Vacuum the seat to remove any large snacks or other miscellaneous items. Use a brush attachment or crevice tool to help you get every little crumb. A handheld vacuum that you designate as a car and car seat vacuum is very helpful.
- Use an all-purpose cleaner or mild soap and water to clean the fabric and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Be careful not to overdo it; you don’t want to soak the fabric.
- Towel-dry any wet parts then let the fabric air dry before re-assembling the seat. Make sure it’s completely dry before assembling.
What Not To Use When Cleaning Car Seats
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use any cleaning materials or methods that aren’t approved by the car seat manufacturer.
In general, avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, solvents and some popular household cleaners. “Brands of sterilizing wipes like Lysol, Clorox and Febreze may seem like a good idea in a pinch, but these sterilizing wipes and sprays can damage the flame-resistant elements of the seats as well as irritate your child’s skin,” say Abdullah Sharief and Parham Koukia, who are car detailing experts.
How To Clean Car Seat Stains
If there is a isolated spot or stain on your child’s car seat, you don’t have to go through the entire cleaning process. If you notice a spill and are able to take action quickly, you might be able to minimize the mess.
“Always blot, never dab or wipe at stains. Don’t apply excessive pressure when blotting, as you can cause stains to seep deep into the foam,” says Sharief. Next, he advises using a soft bristle brush to gently massage a small amount of soap and water into the stain. Then, wipe any extra, blot it dry, and repeat as necessary.
Resist the temptation to use any bleach or stronger disinfectants on stains. These products could damage the car seat and get on your child’s skin when they get in their seat. For stubborn stains, try letting the seat dry in the sun, as the sun is a natural stain remover.
How To Clean Car Seat Straps
Cleaning car seat straps is a whole different beast. Ground-in messes can be difficult to get out, and it’s not recommended to put straps in the washing machine. When it comes to Chicco seats, CPST Josh Dilts explains that straps should only be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. “Do not use soap or any other lubricants for the harness buckle and other strap hardware. Instead, clean with a sponge and warm water only,” he says.
Sharief and Koukia further caution to only use mild soap if the manufacturer approves. They recommend using warm water in a spray bottle and soap if allowed.
“A spray bottle can make application lighter and more even. Avoid soaking the straps,” they say. Then use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the strap following the the direction of the straps. “Horizontal or circular movements could damage the fibers of the straps,” explain Sharief and Koukia. Finally, use a microfiber cloth to dry the straps, again moving in the direction of the straps. Make sure they are fully dry before using them.
How To Disinfect A Child’s Car Seat
If you have a kid who tends to get car sick or if the car seat is your baby’s favorite place to have a blowout, unfortunately, your cleaning options are rather limited. Most car seat manuals caution against using disinfectant or sanitizing sprays.
As soon as possible, clean up any solid pieces. Then, follow the same cleaning methods mentioned above. If permitted, wash the padding and fabric in the washing machine. If not, use mild soap and water and wash the seat by hand. When you’re done cleaning the seat, allowing it to dry in the sun can help reduce odors and stains. Also be sure to wash your hands after handling any soiled items.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s baby and kids gear team is made up of parents and caregivers with decades of experience completing all of the thankless jobs that come with childrearing—including cleaning car seats.
- Author Alicia Betz is the baby and kids gear writer. She’s a mom to three and has tested—and cleaned—nearly a dozen car seats and booster seats.
- Editor Margaret Badore is the senior baby and kids gear editor. She has nearly 18 years of experience as a reporter and editor, and as a mom of three kids under the age 5 has cleaned plenty of car seats too.
- At Forbes Vetted, we cover car seats extensively—we’ve reported on what to know about the new side impact standards, the latest car seat recalls, the best convertible car seats and more.
Our Experts
- Abdullah Sharief, cofounder of car detailing marketplace Panda Hub
- Parham Koukia, lead technician at Panda Hub
- Josh Dilts, a child passenger safety technician (CPST) for baby gear brand Chicco