Car Seat Experts - a quick question

[WDWorBUST]

Hi guys!! I know we have some car seat experts on here and I just have a quick question.

My DD got sick in her carseat this week so it's in need of a good cleaning. It's a Britax Marathon and I have removed the cover and washed it - it's hanging to dry now. I have taken the buckle out and am soaking it as suggested to get in built up crud out. I know it says not to use any cleaners on the straps - but it's looking pretty bad. I have removed one side with the connector still on it and am soaking it too (I left the other on to make sure I put it back right -I also have her other seat I can refer to - but I'd rather do one side at a time than have two carseats sitting in my already tiny living room) I'm assuming that's okay since it says you can soak the buckle and it has the strap attached to it too. Right now it's just soaking in warm water....but is there any cleaner safe to use on carseat straps?? Her seats actually look pretty good because we really are careful but I'd like to get the pop, puke, juice, etc out of the straps if possible.

Any suggestions on what to use - if anything??

 

[robinb]

I think you can clean you straps with any kind of gentle soap. I probably used a bit of laundry soap on my Roundabout and hand washed it. I don't think it will hurt it. I also machine washed the cover on the gentle cycle.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I second the soap to get it clean. If there is an odor still, you could spray some antibacterial fabreeze (sp?) on it after you get all the yucky off.

 

[TravelinGal]

yup - gentle soap and rinse the straps really really well. I have to admit I did throw the straps (but not the buckle that goes between the legs) in the wash one time when they got a really nasty puke attack. I washed them on the handwash cycle and air dried them.

don't know if you hand washed the seat cover, but I machine wash mine and don't have any problems. (I know Britax says not to... what hogwash... this product is for kids! It HAS to be machine washable!) I've probably machine washed it 4 or 5 times (on whatever cycle is just above "handwash") and each time it comes out perfect. I also dry it in the dryer (on delicate) every time. Looks as nice as the day we got it.

Have a friend who tries to hand wash her Britax seat cover and it's a nasty mess. It's about 8 months newer than mine and it looks terrible.

 

[disney_fan_fam]

How about Oxyclean??

 

[NotUrsula]

It would seem to me that if what is on it is vomit, then the (stomach) acid in that would pose greater risk of fabric degradation than mild soap would. Stomach acid is strong stuff -- I'd wash it out ASAP with some kind of laundry soap.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Well I really couldn't see how laundry detergent would really weaken a seatbelt strap....but I needed someone else to say it. I did go ahead and wash the straps with detergent and they look great now. Thanks for all the help.

 

[thepeach80]

If it's that bad, just order new straps.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Take a look at this link to babycenter car safety board. I would replace the straps if you washed them in the washing machine.

http://boards.babycenter.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=bcus9421&tid=2214

Cut and paste from the board........

Why can’t I wash my harness straps or soak them in water?


Soaking the straps will remove the chemicals that make the harness fire resistant. The water won’t damage the fibers.


Using detergent on the straps can weaken the harness fibers. Also, putting them in the washing machine can stretch the fibers if they get caught around the agitator. Never iron the straps to try to flatten them or use any other chemicals such as a fabric softener, bleach, starch, etc.

If in doubt about how to care for the harness, use a damp wash cloth and wipe it down. A toothbrush is great for getting in the little crevices of the straps.