Between juice spills, milk spills, snacks and accidents, a child's car seat can take a real beating. While these seats may seem difficult to clean, it's actually quite simple. Here's how to clean and sanitize your kid's car seat and make it look like new!
Video: How to Clean a Car Seat
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1. Remove Car Seat Cover
You will have to leave the cover partly attached until you unhook the straps on the back.
Flip car seat over and unhook the straps and seat belt.
Turn the car seat back over and pull straps and buckle out. Put the straps and buckle aside for cleaning, and pull cover all the way off.
2. Wash and Dry Seat Cover
Wash the cover in a washing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. They typically require you to wash on the gentle cycle in cold water, and then dry on low.
3. Make Cleaning Solution
Use 2 tablespoons of dish liquid and 1 cup of warm water.
4. Clean Straps and Buckle
Use a soft brush with the cleaning solution to clean straps and buckle. Then use a clean, dry cloth on the straps and buckle after cleaning.
5. Clean Seat Base
Wipe down the car seat base using a cloth and the cleaning solution.
6. Replace Seat Cover
Loosely add the car seat cover, then pull straps back through openings and hook them onto the strap buckle in the back. Do the same with the car seat buckle, being sure to secure it in the back. Once all straps and buckles are replaced, secure the car seat cover.
This entire process, minus the time it takes for the car seat cover to wash and dry should take about 15 minutes, and your child's car seat will be as clean as it was when you bought it