How to Get Mildew & Mold Off Strollers

If you're like most parents, you want your baby in a clean and sanitary environment, which includes your baby stroller. A baby stroller is prone to mold and mildew buildup if you store it in a dark and damp location, or when you don't clean up spills from formula or food before storing it. However, it's possible to clean away the mold and return the stroller to its original appearance without using harsh chemicals that might harm your baby.

Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves and a paper face mask so you don't breath in the mold spores. Set up your baby stroller outside in a sunny location. Brush over the moldy areas with a toothbrush and soft, lint-free cloth to remove as much as possible.

Clean the stroller with laundry soap and water. Scrub the areas of mold and mildew with a sponge and a toothbrush 2. The extra brushing will help eliminate and mold and mildew that worked its way through the surface material. Place the stroller in a sunny location to dry for four to six hours.

Look for any areas on the fabric service for telltale signs of remaining mold or mildew spots 2. Moisten these areas thoroughly with lemon juice. Sprinkle salt over the lemon juice. Place the stroller in a sunny location to dry for four to six hours, and then rinse thoroughly. Keep in mind that lemon juice might cause a slight lightening of the fabric.

Remove large areas or stubborn areas of mold with a mixture of two parts water to three parts white vinegar. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Wet the entire area thoroughly. Allow the mixture to set on the area for one hour, and then rinse thoroughly.

Use a mixture of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach to 1 quart of water on mold that remains after using the lemon juice and/or vinegar mixtures. Apply the bleach mixture using a spray bottle to thoroughly cover the entire moldy area. Scrub over the mold with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with water. Set in the sun to dry four to six hours. As bleach will typically alter the color of the fabric, to avoid discoloration, use bleach only on plastic or very light-colored fabrics.

Spray the entire stroller with a child-safe antimicrobial spray to prevent the mold and mildew from returning.

Tips

Be sure to check foam, straps, seams and other hidden areas for mold. Clean these areas in the same way as the rest of the stroller.

If you can remove the fabric from the stroller, do so. Wash the fabric in hot soapy water and place it in the sun to dry completely. This should be adequate to eliminate the mold and mildew.

Clean spilled food and drinks from the stroller's covering as soon as possible. Wipe down the stroller with soap and water periodically to keep it clean. Dry it in the sun to help eliminate the growth of mold and mildew.