Cleaning your kid’s car seat might feel like tackling a mini mountain of mess, especially with all the snack crumbs, spilled drinks, and anything else scattered everywhere. But don’t worry – it’s simpler than you think! Dive into this guide and turn your car seat back into a cozy, mess-free spot for your Very Important Passenger™. From identifying the car seat material to reassembling, we’ve got you covered.
Determine What Car Seat Material You Have
Knowing the type of material on your child’s seat is the first step to cleaning it properly. Most seats have fabric covers, which is easy to clean and comfortable for your kiddo. Look for care label or manufacturer’s instructions to confirm the material either on the car seat or in your product manual. Some car seat covers, like Diono covers, are machine washable for deep cleaning.
Many car seat covers are removable, making cleaning a lot simpler by tossing it in the wash. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions or care tags on the cover to see if it’s removable.
Identifying Your Make and Model
There are many varieties of car seats, so knowing the make and model of your seat is essential! Look for a label on the back or bottom of the seat; it typically lists the manufacturer’s name, model number, and date of manufacture. Use this information to find the specific car seat manual, which will include care instructions.
Manufacturer labels on Diono seats will look like this:
Materials needed
- Warm Water
- Soft Wash Cloth
- Clean Drying Towel
- Mild Soap / Detergent
- Vacuum
- Soft Bristled Brush
Optional Materials:
- Toothpicks / Q-tips
- Baking Soda
How to Clean the Car Seat Cover
Step 1: Remove the Car Seat From the Car
Remove any debris from the bottom of the car seat with a soft bristled brush. Fold the seat and look for debris in the folding mechanism and locking bolts. Be sure to clean only with warm water and a soft cloth, and air dry completely before re-use or storage to prevent rust from forming.
Pro tip: use toothpicks or q-tips to get in the nooks and crannies.
Step 2: Cleaning the Cover
Remove the car seat cover and hand wash or machine wash using mild soap or detergent and cold water. Be sure to remove the memory foam insert, as it should not be washed. DO NOT bleach, iron, or dry clean the fabric. Dry flat and away from direct sunlight before re-using or storing. Patience is key!
Step 3: Cleaning the Plastic Shell and Harness Straps
Clean with a damp cloth only by wetting the cloth with warm water and mild soap or detergent. Make sure you wring thoroughly and air dry completely so it is not dripping water. Wipe the shell and towel dry. DO NOT bleach, iron, or soak or spray with a hose as internal parts could rust.
Pro tip: to remove odor from the straps, make a solution using 4 tablespoons of baking soda and one quart of warm water. Wipe the straps and allow to dry.
Step 4: Cleaning the Harness Adjuster
Remove debris with a soft bristle brush. Clean with warm water and a damp cloth only. Again, make sure you wring thoroughly so there is no water everywhere!
Step 5: Cleaning Harness Buckle
Remove the center buckle from the car seat and rinse it thoroughly in warm water, or soak it overnight to loosen dried liquid and hardened food debris. Lastly, towel dry the center buckle and ensure it is working correctly before reconnecting it to the car seat.
Step 6: Reassemble the Seat
Once the cover is completely dry, reassemble the seat. Fit the cover back onto the frame using this Cover Tool and fasten all straps, buttons, and clips. Refer to Diono Safety Hub, YouTube, or your product manual for tips on removing and reinstalling your car seat and parts. Ensure the cover is snug, and all safety features are well-adjusted and functional.
Voila! Your car seat is as good as new. If you find that a replacement cover is needed, consider exploring Diono’s replacement covers and accessories to find the perfect fit for you and your child. (Be sure to check compatibility with your current car seat and setup.) Remember, care instructions can vary by car seat model, so consult your manual for specific guidelines.