How To Clean Your Car Seat

As a parent, you know that kids and messes go hand in hand. It doesn’t take long for crumbs and debris to accumulate, especially in and around your child’s car seat. Taking the time to clean out their car seat is a great way to refresh your vehicle and reset for a road trip, a new season, or a new school year. However, car seat cleaning isn’t just about keeping your vehicle neat and tidy. It’s also about keeping your car seat in good condition so that it can continue to perform as intended. Dirt and debris can build up over time and compromise the seat’s safety and functionality, which is why it’s important to learn how to clean your car seat properly.

We’ve put together a car seat cleaning guide with helpful tips on how to give your child’s seat routine maintenance and TLC. Whether you’re doing some spring cleaning or preparing for a long road trip, our guide will help you keep your Britax car seat fresh, clean, and ready for any journey.

Car Seat Cleaning Guidelines by Britax

This article is written to provide tips and guidelines for cleaning Britax car seats specifically. It is not meant to replace the user guide. Always consult your user guide and fabric care labels for instructions on how to clean your specific seat.

Cleaning the Car Seat Cover:

• Removal and Pre-Wash: Begin by detaching the cover according to the instructions in your user guide. Use a handheld vacuum or gently shake out the cover to remove crumbs and surface dirt before washing.

• Washing Instructions: Adhere to the washing directions found on the cover’s fabric care label or in your car seat’s user guide. Many car seat covers can only be hand-washed and -dried, so it’s important to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you begin cleaning.

  Britax’s SafeWash® fabric is an exception. It’s both washer- and dryer-friendly due to its naturally flame-retardant properties, making cleanup simple so you can get back on the road faster. To find out which of our car seats feature a SafeWash® cover, check out our Naturally Flame-Retardant Comparison Chart.

   

• Drying: While Britax SafeWash covers are dryer-friendly, many car seat covers can only be air-dried. Check your product's fabric care instructions to see if machine drying is permissible. Avoid ironing unless otherwise instructed.

• Reattachment: Consult your user guide for instructions on how to reattach the cover. Britax also offers helpful how-to videos to provide a visual aid as you replace the cover.

Cleaning the Shell:

• Wipe Down: While the cover is drying, take a few minutes to clean the car seat shell. Sweep out any crumbs or debris, paying special attention to the little nooks and crannies. To remove stubborn crumbs, tilt the car seat upside down and gently shake it out. Then, wipe it down with warm water and mild soap, making sure to avoid abrasive cleaners. Towel dry.

Buckle Maintenance:

• Removal: Safely detach the buckle according to the instructions in your user guide. These instructions are usually part of the “Removing the Cover” section.

• Cleaning: Rinse the buckle under warm running water without using soap or detergents, which could impair its functionality. Avoid lubricants and solvents.

• Testing: After cleaning the buckle, ensure that it’s working properly by inserting each tongue into the buckle until you hear a definitive click. If the click isn't audible, the cleaning process may need to be repeated.

• Drying and Reassembly: Towel dry the buckle before reattaching it to the car seat.

Harness Strap Care:

• Spot Cleaning: Use a combination of warm water and mild soap to spot clean the harness straps. Do not fully submerge the straps or use strong detergents, as this can damage the fibers and compromise safety.
• Attention to Detail: The harness straps require gentle handling due to their critical safety role. If the straps are frayed or excessively dirty, consider ordering replacement straps.

Additional Car Seat Cleaning Tips:

• Beyond the Basics: Remember to wipe down armrests and clean out cup holders. Select Britax car seat models come with removable and dishwasher-safe cup holders for easy cleaning. Refer to your user guide for specific instructions.

• Fit Check: Use cleaning time as an opportunity to verify your child’s fit in their seat, consulting the user guide for adjustments.

When Replacement Parts Are Necessary:

For those messes that defy cleaning, Britax provides replacement covers, buckles, and harnesses to help ensure that your car seat remains in top condition. Contact customer service for assistance obtaining replacement parts.

Ready for the Road Ahead

A clean car seat can help provide a safer and more comfortable ride for your little one. Keep up with these simple steps to help ensure that your car seat continues to function properly, providing comfort and protection for your child. If you have any questions about cleaning your Britax car seat, reach out to our customer service team. Britax is here to support you in every aspect of your journey as a parent, offering products and advice to help keep your little ones safe on every trip.