If you use a baby car seat or baby stroller in Singapore, chances are that you’ve encountered mould growing on the fabric of these essential baby items. Mould may look harmless but it can cause health problems in your little one. We provide some tips on how to clean your baby car seat or clean your baby stroller of mould, including an option for a professional clean by PramWash.
What is mould and how does it affect babies?
Mould is a fungus. It forms when moisture, warmth and organic matter are present; the humid weather of Singapore makes it easy for mould to form anywhere. It can also appear in different forms, such as a furry growth or specks of black, white, green or orange.
While mould can cause adults to develop allergic reactions or respiratory problems such as coughing or wheezing, the effects on younger ones can be more serious. Babies who have prolonged exposure to mould, for example, can develop lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, according to a study published in the July 2003 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
How does mould get on a baby car seat or baby stroller?
As long as the conditions are right – moisture, warmth, organic matter such as food debris – mould can grow on the fabric surfaces of a baby car seat or baby stroller. If you leave a baby car seat in the car or a baby stroller in a store room, this can create the right conditions for mould to grow.
What can I do to remove mould from the fabric of a seat or stroller?
Although there are ready-made products for this purpose, some of the chemicals and ingredients in these products can be harsh on the fabric of a baby car seat or baby stroller. Any product residue could also cause skin irritation in babies.
You can try the following home solution, which includes white vinegar, water and baking soda.
- Mix eight parts of white vinegar with two parts of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray this on the mouldy surfaces of the baby car seat or baby stroller.
- Allow the solution to soak into the fabric and fully dry up.
- Vacuum the affected areas and let it air dry for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Apply the baking soda on the same areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Vacuum the baking soda off and leave the baby car seat or baby stroller to dry completely under the sun.
Before you start using this method, you should ensure that your exposure to the mould is reduced. So don a protective mask that prevents you from inhaling mould spores, and wear gloves. It’s also advisable to do the cleaning in a spot that has sunlight.
You should also air out the spaces where you store your baby car seat and baby stroller, such as the car, store room or garage. Leave these spaces open for at least 15 minutes so that the mouldy smell and airborne spores can be blown away.
What if I don’t have the time to clean all my baby gear?
Let PramWash handle it for you! Established in 2017, it’s Singapore’s first baby gear cleaning specialist. The team have washed more than 10,000 baby strollers and other baby gear across all brands and models; their cleaning specialists will clean mould from baby car seats and baby strollers using cleaning solutions that are made from plant-based ingredients and certified non-toxic by lab tests.
Simply bring the item to be cleaned to one of their outlets and let them do the rest. They also have a pick-up and delivery service at extra cost.
How can I prevent mould from growing on my baby’s car seat or stroller again?
Prevention is always the first step to a long-term solution. One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of mould on baby stroller or child seat is to wipe it down after every use. It’s also important to clean the item immediately after a food or beverage spill. When storing it, choose a place that’s dry; put it in the sun once a week to air it.
PramWash is at VivoCity #B2-22A, 8 Boon Lay Way, #04-119 Tradehub 21
8686 8001 | pramwash.com
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