How to Clean a Child Car Seat in 6 Simple Steps (Chemical Free Method)

Car Seat with Child in it

Introduction

Cleaning a baby/child car seat is essential for the safety and health of your child. While there are many ways to clean a car seat, using steam is an effective and eco-friendly method that is chemical free which avoids any health concerns when using harsh chemicals.

Six simple steps for cleaning a baby car seat with steam:

1. Remove the car seat from the vehicle it’s in and vacuum the car seat of any debris. We recommend using a handheld vacuum that you can keep in the car for regular maintenance of crumbs.

   • Recommended Handheld Vacuum: https://amzn.to/3ZrZ9d5

2. Remove the car seat cover: Most car seat covers are removable and can be washed separately. Check your car seat manual to see how to remove the cover. If necessary, take a picture of the seat before removing the cover to remember how to put it back together.

3. Steam clean the car seat cover: Once the cover is removed, use the steam cleaner to clean it thoroughly. Hold the steam cleaner about 6 inches away from the cover and move it in a back-and-forth motion. Pay special attention to any stains or dirt spots. If you spot any, get a microfiber towel and place it over the steam head and apply moderate pressure to the stain to lift it out of the material.

4. Clean the car seat frame: After cleaning the cover, use the steam cleaner to clean the car seat frame. Again, hold the steam cleaner about 6 inches away from the frame and move it back and forth. Be sure to clean all the nooks and crannies where dirt and grime may accumulate.

5. Let the car seat dry: After steaming, let the car seat and cover dry completely before reassembling the car seat. You can speed up the drying process by placing the cover and the car seat frame in a well-ventilated area or in front of a fan.

6. Reassemble the car seat: Once the car seat and cover are completely dry, reassemble the car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Recommended Steam Cleaners:

I recommend 2 different steamers depending on budget and usage. If you are going to be using this steamer for other things such as cleaning the rest of the vehicle or house cleaning. I recommend these 2 options:

Option 1: Portable Steam Cleaner

Bissell SteamShot

Price: $41.19

Link: https://amzn.to/3ZzEMek

Option 2: Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner

McCulloch MC1385

Price: $189.99

Link: https://amzn.to/40pUr0Y

Conclusion

Using a steam cleaner is an effective and eco-friendly way to clean a baby/child car seat. By following these six simple steps and either the Bissell SteamShot or McCulloch MC1385, you can keep your child's car seat clean, safe, and free from harmful bacteria and germs.