How to clean your car seat

Car seats go through a lot - spilled drinks, muddy shoes, and the occasional bodily fluid! But before you grab the hose or throw the covers in the tumble dryer, remember that cleaning your seat the wrong way can damage it or make it unsafe.

Your child’s car seat is a piece of safety equipment, not just another fabric item, and every part has been crash-tested under strict conditions. Even small mistakes, such as using the wrong detergent or heat drying, can affect how it performs in a collision.

Start with your seat manual

Always begin with the manufacturer’s guidance. Each seat has slightly different cleaning instructions depending on the fabric, foam, and harness design.

The manual will also give you step by step instructions on which parts of the seat can be removed for washing, and how to remove them. Many seats also have YouTube videos on how to remove the fabrics, and some have reassembly videos too.

If you do not have the paper manual, most brands offer downloadable versions online. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or a trained retailer for clarification before cleaning.

Cleaning the main fabrics

Most seat covers can be removed and machine-washed below 30°C on a gentle cycle, using non-bio detergent and no fabric softener.

After washing:

• Air dry only - never tumble dry.

• Allow the fabric to dry completely before reassembling.

• Do not use any harsh sprays or cleaners on the plastics or foam.

Sometimes a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is enough.

Cleaning inserts and harnesses

Infant inserts, padding, and shoulder covers should be sponged with mild soap and water, then left to air dry away from heat.

Harnesses must never be soaked, scrubbed, or machine-washed. Wipe them gently with mild soap and water only, and never remove them from the seat unless your manual specifically says it is safe to do so.

Never hose or shower any part of your car seat.

Water can reach the internal mechanisms and screws causing rust to form which could affect crash performance.

No food in the car seat

It can be tempting to hand over a snack on a long drive, but eating in the car seat is not recommended.

• It poses a high choking risk for children of all ages (and adults!)

• Crumbs and sticky spills can jam the seat’s buckle, spin or recline mechanisms, stopping them from locking or releasing properly.

• Food trapped in the seat can also lead to mould, odours, and bacterial growth, particularly under the cover where moisture can get trapped.

For safety and hygiene, always stop the car and let your child eat outside the seat.

Quick clean-up tips

• Keep a microfibre cloth and soft brush or handheld vacuum in the car for small spills.

• If your child has had an accident or been unwell, remove and wash the covers promptly to prevent staining or smell.

• To remove lingering odours, air the seat indoors outdoors in the fresh air instead of using cleaning sprays or perfumes.

FAQ’s

Can I use disinfectant wipes or sprays?

Only if your manufacturer specifically approves them. Many contain alcohol or bleach that can damage fabrics or plastics.

Can I wash the harness in the washing machine?

No. Always wipe by hand only. Machine-washing or soaking can weaken the webbing and compromise safety.

What if I have already cleaned it incorrectly?

Contact the manufacturer or a trained retailer. In some cases, replacement covers or harnesses are available.