Strollers can be prone to mold due to them being used outdoors in all weather but there are ways to clean mold so that you do not have to worry about your baby’s health and they can enjoy days out in their stroller safely.
A stroller is one of the most used baby items and you will find that your baby will spend a lot of time in one. This means that the stroller is likely to get dirty with the everyday mess that being a baby brings.
Most strollers are easy to wipe down but when it comes to clearing stains and mold from the fabric it becomes more difficult.
While the thought of having mold on your baby’s stroller is worrying, there are smart ways to remove the mold so that your baby can enjoy their stroller safely. While stubborn mold can be tough to remove from your stroller it can be done, so let us show you how.
We take a look at easy ways to clean mold from your baby stroller and how to prevent mold from returning again.
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Recognizing Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow almost anywhere and is usually black or white but can be orange, green, or purple. Mold usually grows in damp conditions, which is why it is common strollers.
When you are out and about in your stroller and the fabric gets wet it can develop mold if it does not dry out fully and is then left uncleaned. Once mold develops it produces spores that are then rebased into the air and can cause health problems.
Babies are especially sensitive to mold as their respiratory and immune system is immature. As you don’t want your baby to experience health issues due to mold it is important to keep their stroller clear of mold.
Why Does my Stroller Have Mold?
As mold thrives in warm and moist surroundings your stroller will inevitably accumulate some mold. As strollers are useful for several years, even in the toddler years when little feet get tired, you will see some mold appear no matter how clean you are.
As the stroller lasts for a number of years there is a great opportunity for mold to grow especially as you are in and out of cold, wet weather and warm, humid indoor spaces—the perfect breeding ground for mold.
As strollers are generally kept in closets or basements so that they are out of the way, they don’t get the opportunity to get the air that they need to dry out and keep mold at bay. As your baby spills food, formula, or play things over the stroller there is more opportunity for mold to grow.
As you can see, there are multiple reasons why your baby’s stroller will develop mold but you can rest assured that there are ways to clean mold and prevent it from occurring again.
5 Easy Steps to Remove Mold from a Stroller
1. Mold Fabric Cleaner
Perhaps, the quickest way to remove mold from the fabric on your stroller is to buy a ready-made fabric cleaner that is specially designed to combat mold.
RMR and Star Brite are two popular cleaners but there are many brands on the market to choose from. You can find mold fabric cleaners at the grocery store or your local drugstore and they are very easy to use.
You will need to follow the instructions on the label but, generally, you spray the cleaner onto the fabric and leave it to soak for a few minutes before dabbing with a clean cloth.
2. Water, White Vinegar, And Lemon
If you do not want to use commercial cleaning products and would prefer something that has no toxins, you can make a homemade vinegar solution. Vinegar, along with lemon, is a great way to clean many household items and it works well on mild mold stains.
Mix 1 part water to 1 part distilled white vinegar into a container and squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon. Leave to steep for 30 minutes and then use as you would a commercial spray.
3. Water And Baking Soda
For more stubborn mold stains you can use another household item, baking soda. Place 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle and then add 1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda and shake until the powder is dissolved.
You then spray onto the fabric and leave for 10-15 minutes before gently scrubbing with a cloth. Using this method of cleaning mold can help prevent further mold development.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If your mold stains are proving difficult to remove then a mixture of baking soda and vinegar may help to shift the tough stains. Make up a mixture of 3 cups of vinegar and 5 tablespoons of baking soda and stir well.
This is best done in a bowl as it will form a thick paste rather than a solution that you can spray. If the mixture is too thick you can add more vinegar or a drop of water.
The paste can be applied directly to the fabric and allowed to soak for up to 15 minutes or until it dries out. Once the mixture is dry it can be gently scrubbed away, taking the mold away with it.
5. Bleach
For the time when natural products will not remove mold stains, you may need to resort to bleach to clean your stroller. The bleach can be directly applied to the fabric on the stroller using a sponge.
Another popular cleaning product that works great on tough stains is bleach. To get mold out fabric in a stroller simply take a cup of bleach and apply it directly to the stains using a sponge.
Allow the bleach to sit on the mold stain until it appears clean and then clean with water.
Tips
Whatever of the above solutions you choose to clean your baby’s stroller here are some tips that will help along the way:
- If you can remove the fabric from the stroller it will be easier to clean and you can get into the parts that are easy to reach while it is on the stroller.
- For fabric that cannot be removed from the stroller, you can try using a toothbrush on the hard to reach places
- Clean the stroller outside if possible so that any mold spores do not sit around your house
- Aim to clean the stroller on a dry and warm day so that it has time to dry once it has been in contact with water
- Make sure you plan and leave time for drying so don’t clean the stroller on a morning when you know that you will be going for a walk in the afternoon
- Always make sure that the pram is left to dry fully before using so that mold does not have a chance to grow back
- Ensure that you do not mix bleach with vinegar as this will cause a harmful chemical reaction
- When using the bleach method make sure that you wear gloves to protect your skin
- Be sure to clean the straps, hoods, and any attach changing bags
Preventing Mold from Returning
Once you have removed the mold from the stroller fabric the stroller can be used again once it is dry.
To prevent mold from appearing again you can try the following;
- Wipe down the stroller regularly, especially once your baby is drinking and eating in it. Try to get into the habit of a quick wipe once you get home
- If you know that your stroller is going to be in storage for a while ensure that it is fully dry before you put it away
- Try to put your stroller in a well-aired space where there is little humidity or dampness
- Give your stroller a thorough clean once a month and allow it to fully dry in the sun before using it again
- Always clean up spills immediately so that bacteria and mold do not have a chance to grow
- Carry out a regular check to see if you can spot any easy signs of mold
- If you have a second-hand stroller always give it a full clean before use
- If possible, avoid going out in heavy rain on consecutive days to limit the chance of mold growing
Summary
We hope that we have eased your worries about mold growing on your baby’s stroller and have given you advice on the best ways to remove mold.
We know that you are a busy parent who needs quick and effective solutions to make your baby safe when it comes to moldy strollers.
Whether it be using commercial mold clearers for fabric or looking in the trusted pantry to uncover cleaning gems such as vinegar and baling powder, you are sure to have your baby’s stroller clean in no time.