A pushchair goes through puddles, sand, autumn mud and salted winter pavements every day. Dirt clogs the wheels and brakes, the folding mechanism starts to stick and orange specks appear on the frame.
Regular cleaning takes little time but keeps the pushchair working safely, and it will fetch a better price when your child outgrows it.
What you will need
- a hose or a bucket of warm water
- a mild detergent safe for fabric and plastic
- a sponge, a soft brush and an old toothbrush
- clean dry cloths
- WD-40 Specialist Silicone for the wheels and folding mechanism
- WD-40 Multi-Use for the metal parts of the frame
- a water-repellent fabric proofer (optional)
Important: Keep lubricants off the fabric, handlebar, bumper bar and anywhere a child could touch with hands or mouth. Treat the pushchair without the child present, outdoors or in a ventilated room, and wipe off all excess carefully.
Step 1
Choose a spot and set the brake
If the pushchair is very dirty, wash it outside on a plastic sheet, or in a bathroom or hallway where the floor is easy to clean. Apply the brake so it stands steady and cannot roll away.
Step 2
Check the pushchair over
Before washing, inspect the frame, joints, wheels, harness and brakes. Small cracks and play are not always obvious even on a clean pushchair, and under dirt they are invisible. Replace worn parts before they let you down.
Step 3
Remove the fabric and wet the frame
Take off all removable fabric parts: covers, hood and mattress. Most can go in the washing machine according to the care label; clean the rest by hand with soapy water.
Wet the frame and wheels with a hose or sponge to soften the dirt and rinse off sand.
Step 4
Wash the frame and wheels
Apply the soapy solution to the wet frame and let it work for a few minutes, keeping the pushchair out of direct sun. Scrub dried mud with the brush and use the toothbrush to clear sand from under the wheel guards and the brake mechanism.
Rinse everything with clean water.
Step 5
Dry and lubricate the moving parts
The pushchair must be completely dry before lubricating. If you have time, let it air-dry; if not, wipe it down with clean cloths.
Shake the can of WD-40 Specialist Silicone and use the straw to apply it precisely to the wheel axles, front swivel units, folding joints and brake mechanism. Spin the wheels, fold and unfold the pushchair a few times and always wipe off the excess.
Wipe any metal frame parts showing early rust with a cloth sprayed with WD-40 Multi-Use: it displaces moisture and stops corrosion spreading. The thin straw of WD-40 Smart Straw reaches tight spots easily.
Step 6
Proof the fabric and check regularly
If you are often out in wind and rain, treat the outer fabric with a water-repellent proofer every 3 to 6 months. Afterwards, let the pushchair dry for about a day outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
Tip: In winter, wipe the frame and wheels with a damp cloth after every walk: salt and de-icers from pavements eat into the frame and brakes fastest. Once a week during that period, dry the pushchair thoroughly and give the metal a protective coat.
What next
Give it a quick wipe several times a week, and a full wash and lubrication once a month or after particularly muddy walks. A well-kept pushchair folds easily, rolls quietly and will serve more than one child.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».