Cleaning Your Jogging Stroller: Tips and Tricks for Keeping it in Top Condition 

Jogging strollers are essential for parents who love to stay active and want to bring their child along for the ride. Whether it’s for a quick jog around the block or a long-distance run, a jogging stroller is a great investment for any family. However, with frequent use, it’s essential to keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your jogging stroller.

Why is Regularly Cleaning a Jogging Stroller Important?

Keeping your jogging stroller clean and well-maintained is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a dirty stroller can attract insects and rodents, which can pose a health risk to you and your child. Secondly, dirt and debris can build up in the wheels and gears, leading to poor performance and potential damage to the stroller. Lastly, regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the life of your stroller, saving you money in the long run.

Beyond just the obvious grime, regular maintenance is a critical safety checkpoint. Think of it like a quick pre-flight check before you take off on your run. A cleaning session is the perfect opportunity to spot a fraying harness, a low tire, or a loose screw before it becomes a problem mid-stride. It protects your child, protects your investment, and ensures every outing is a smooth one.

When to Clean Your Jogging Stroller

The "how often" question is one we get all the time, and the honest answer is, it depends. But you can break it down into three simple categories to keep things manageable:

• The Quick Wipe-Down: This is something you'll want to do after every stroll, especially if it was a dusty trail run or if a juice box exploded. A quick 5-minute wipe-down can prevent stains and grime from setting in.
• The Monthly Deep Clean: If you're jogging several times a week, a monthly deep clean is a great rhythm to get into. This involves a more thorough cleaning of the fabric, frame, and wheels to keep everything in good condition.
• The Seasonal Overhaul: A full-service detailing. It's the perfect time to check for wear and tear, lubricate moving parts, and get your stroller ready for the season ahead (or store it properly for the off-season).

What You Will Need

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your stroller:

1. Your stroller’s manual: The first step in cleaning your stroller is to consult the manual for specific cleaning advice. The manual will provide information on whether or not your stroller’s fabric and other features can be machine-washed, as well as instructions for removing various parts of the stroller such as the seat, basket, canopy, wheels, and more.
2. Vacuum: To remove any loose dirt or debris from your stroller, use a handheld vacuum or an upright vacuum with a crevice attachment.
3. Baby-friendly stain remover spray or dish soap: For spot-cleaning, we recommend using a baby-friendly stain remover spray or dish soap. A solution of clear dish soap and warm water is often the best starting point, as it's gentle yet effective. For tougher stains, an enzyme cleaner (often sold for pet stains) can work wonders on organic messes like milk or food.
4. Disinfectant wipes or all-purpose spray: To clean the frame and wheels of your stroller, disinfectant wipes come in really handy if you do not have significant dirt and grime to clean.
5. Laundry detergent (if applicable): If your stroller’s seat upholstery is machine-washable, use a gentle detergent and follow your stroller’s manual (they’re typically available on the manufacturer’s website if you’ve lost yours) for instructions on how to successfully run your stroller’s fabrics through the washing machine.
6. Toothbrush or sponge: Use a toothbrush to scrub out stains and reach into nooks and crannies, and a sponge for larger areas. A set of brushes, including a medium-bristle brush (like a dish or tire brush), is also incredibly helpful for scrubbing the wheels and the frame.
7. Paper towels or rags: Use these to wipe off any excess cleaning spray or soap after you’re done scrubbing. Microfiber cloths are fantastic as they don't leave lint behind.
8. A place for the stroller to dry: If you’re washing the seat fabric, be sure to put it back on the stroller frame to dry to prevent shrinking or warping.
9. Silicone Lubricant:  It eliminates squeaks in wheels and joints without attracting the dirt that oil-based lubricants (like WD-40) do. Look for a food-grade silicone lubricant if you're concerned about the material's proximity to your child, although it's typically applied to axles and joints.
10. A Bicycle Tire Pump (with a pressure gauge): Essential for any jogging stroller with pneumatic (air-filled) tires to ensure a smooth, safe ride and prevent pinch flats.

How to Quick Clean a Jogging Stroller

The cleaning process for your jogging stroller may vary depending on the model and manufacturer’s guidelines. However, here are some general steps you can follow to keep your stroller clean:

1. Remove all removable parts: Start by removing any removable parts from the stroller, including the seat pad, canopy, and wheels. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific instructions on how to remove these parts.
2. Shake out loose debris: Once all the removable parts are out of the way, shake out any loose debris, such as dirt, sand, or leaves. Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any remaining debris.
3. Use a mild soap solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild soap solution. Dip a soft cloth in the soapy water and wring it out until it’s damp. Use the damp cloth to wipe down the stroller’s frame, including the handlebars, footrest, and other areas where dirt and grime may accumulate. Be sure to avoid getting the cloth too wet, as excess water can damage the stroller’s fabric and other materials.
4. Clean the wheels: Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the wheels thoroughly. Make sure to remove any debris, such as pebbles or twigs, that may be stuck in the wheels. You can also use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
5. Rinse with clean water: Once you have wiped down the stroller and cleaned the wheels, rinse everything with clean water. Use a hose or a bucket of water to rinse away any soap residue.
6. Dry the stroller: Wipe the stroller down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water. Allow the stroller to air dry completely before reassembling it. Avoid using a hairdryer or other heat sources to dry the stroller, as this can damage the fabric.

How to Do an Advanced Stroller Deep Clean

While the steps above are great for regular upkeep, a deep clean requires a bit more detail work (and time). So . . . set aside an hour or two on a sunny day, put on some music, let your kid play next to you, and get that stroller looking much better than it is now.

Disassemble and Prep

• Consult the Manual: Before you start, quickly re-read your stroller’s manual for any specific disassembly or cleaning restrictions.
• Remove All Detachable Items: Take off seat pads, canopies, wheels, parent consoles, child trays, and empty all storage baskets and pockets. Take a quick reference photo with your phone before you remove fabric pieces if you're worried about remembering how they go back on. 
• Initial Dry Brush and Vacuum: Before you introduce any water, do a thorough dry pass. Use a stiff (but not wire) brush to dislodge dried mud and debris from the frame and wheels. Then, take your vacuum with its crevice tool and go to town. Get into every single seam, pocket, and hinge. You'll be amazed at how many cracker crumbs you've been pushing around.

Treat the Fabrics (Seat, Canopy, Basket)

• Machine Washing (If Applicable): If your manual confirms the seat cover, canopy, and basket liner are machine washable, now is the time. Use a gentle, baby-friendly detergent on a cold, delicate cycle. To protect straps and buckles from tangling or damaging your machine, consider placing the fabric pieces in a large mesh laundry bag.
• Hand Washing / Spot Cleaning: For non-removable fabrics or for a more targeted approach, you are going to have to do this by hand.
  • Prepare Solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or a baby-safe fabric cleaner with warm water in a bucket.
  • Spot Treat: For visible stains (food, drink, mud), apply a baby-friendly stain remover and let it sit for 5-10 minutes as per its instructions. Gently agitate with a soft brush or toothbrush.
  • Overall Clean: Dip a sponge or microfiber cloth in your soap solution, wring it out well, and gently scrub all fabric surfaces. Work in sections and use circular motions. Pay extra attention to high-contact areas like the seat edges and where little hands rest.
• The Harness System: The harness is crucial for safety and can get quite grimy. Since these are rarely removable:
  • Scrub: Use your soap and water solution and a toothbrush to meticulously scrub the straps, buckles, and adjustment clips. Ensure you get all the grime out of the buckle mechanism so it continues to click securely.
  • Rinse: Wipe down the harness thoroughly with a clean cloth dipped in plain water and wrung out. Repeat until no soap residue remains.

Scrub the Frame and Plastic Components

• Frame Cleaning: Use your mild soap solution and a sponge or cloth to wipe down the entire stroller frame. This includes handlebars, footrests, and any structural bars. For stubborn grime in joints or crevices, use an old toothbrush.
• Handlebar Care: Foam handlebars can tear easily, so be gentle. For rubber or leatherette handles, your soap solution should work perfectly (consult the manual). Clean any cup holders or snack trays thoroughly, ensuring no sticky residue remains.
• Rinse (Carefully): If the frame is particularly dirty, you can rinse it with a gentle spray from a hose (low pressure only, avoid bearings and fabric you aren't washing). Otherwise, wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue.

Detail the Wheels and Brakes

• Thorough Scrub: Use a medium-bristle brush and your soap solution to clean the wheels thoroughly. Get into the treads, the hub, and around the spokes. For true off-roaders, you may have to pick out dried mud, grass, and pebbles from the wheel wells and brake mechanisms.
• Axles and Hubs: Make sure that the areas where the wheels attach to the frame are clean. Old lubricant mixed with dirt can become gummy.
• Brake Check & Clean: Clean around the brake levers and mechanisms. Test that they engage and disengage smoothly.
• Rinse Wheels: Rinse the wheels well with water to remove all soap and dislodged debris.

Dry, Lubricate, and Reassemble

• Air Dry is Best: Wipe down the frame and plastic parts with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Allow all fabric parts and the frame to air dry completely. If you machine-washed fabrics, re-attach them to the frame while still slightly damp to ensure they dry in the correct shape and prevent excessive shrinking or warping. Choose a warm, breezy day if possible, or use a fan to speed up indoor drying. Avoid direct, intense sunlight for prolonged periods (especially on dark fabrics) as it can cause fading.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Once everything is bone dry, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the wheel axles (remove wheels, apply to axle, replace wheel), swivel wheel mechanisms, and any pivot points in the folding mechanism. This is the single best way to prevent annoying squeaks and ensure smooth operation. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a paper towel, as too much can attract dirt.
• Check Tire Pressure: If you have air-filled tires, now is the perfect time to check the pressure with your bicycle pump. The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is usually printed on the sidewall of the tire itself or in your manual. You can also search online for the stroller's brand's website. Proper inflation makes the stroller easier to push, provides a more comfortable ride, and prevents pinch flats.
• Final Assembly & Safety Check: Carefully reattach any fabric components, wheels, trays, and accessories. Give the stroller a test push, check the brakes, practice folding and unfolding it, and ensure the harness buckles securely.

Questions about Cleaning and Maintaining a Jogging Stroller

Can I hose down my jogging stroller?

Yes, you can hose down your stroller to remove any dirt and debris. Use a low-pressure setting on the hose and avoid spraying water directly at the stroller’s openings, such as the canopy and seat. Absolutely skip the pressure washer–strollers are durable, but not built to be pressure washed.

You can also check with the manufacturer or review the manual that came with your jogging stroller to see if you can remove some or all of the fabrics of the stroller and wash them in the washing machine. This would be a better alternative to using a hose, but in cases of extreme messes, a hose may be much more reasonable.

How do you dry a wet jogging stroller?

To dry a wet stroller, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess water. Then, allow the stroller to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a hairdryer or other heat sources to dry the stroller, as this can damage the fabric. What you can do, however, is place the stroller in the sun and/or use a box fan or two aimed at the stroller. This will significantly decrease the time it takes to dry the stroller without damaging it. It’s also helpful to choose a warm day on the calendar (check your weather app).

How long does it take for a jogging stroller to dry?

The time it takes for a stroller to dry can vary depending on several factors, such as the humidity, temperature, and airflow in the drying area. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day for a stroller to dry completely. Do make sure that the stroller is completely dry before packing it up/bringing it inside (otherwise we’re talking mildew/mold potential).

To remove mildew from fabric, you can make a thick paste by combining lemon juice and salt and then rubbing it onto the affected areas of the clothing. After applying the paste, allow the garment to dry quickly in direct sunlight. If the stain persists, repeat the process until the mildew is completely removed. Another simple method is to use a solution of water and vinegar to eliminate mildew from clothing.

Can I wash my jogging stroller’s fabric?

Yes, you can wash your stroller’s fabric to keep it clean and fresh. Regularly cleaning the fabric on your stroller not only helps it look better but also helps to maintain its quality and durability.

Most strollers have removable and machine-washable fabric parts, such as the seat pad and canopy. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when washing your stroller’s fabric to avoid damaging it. Different types of fabrics and materials require different cleaning methods, and using the wrong method can cause the fabric to shrink, fade, or lose its shape.

Before washing your stroller’s fabric, check the label on the fabric to see if it has any specific washing instructions. Some fabrics may require special care, such as washing in cold water or avoiding the use of certain cleaning products.

When washing the fabric, use a gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the fabric’s fibers. To prevent the fabric from fading, wash it separately from other items and avoid using hot water.

After washing, air dry the fabric parts completely before reassembling the stroller. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink or lose its shape.

If you don’t have a removable and machine-washable fabric part, such as a harness or strap, you can still clean it using a gentle detergent and a damp cloth. Be sure to wipe it down thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before using it again.

How often should I clean my jogging stroller?

Regularly cleaning your jogging stroller is important to keep it in good condition and to ensure that it functions properly. However, the frequency at which you clean your stroller may depend on a variety of factors, including how often you use it and the conditions in which you use it.

If you use your jogging stroller frequently, it’s a good idea to clean it at least once a month. This will help to prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and sweat, which can cause odors and damage to the stroller’s fabric and frame over time.

If you use your jogging stroller infrequently, such as for occasional runs or walks, you may be able to clean it less frequently, such as every few months. However, it’s still important to inspect the stroller regularly for signs of wear and tear and to clean it if it becomes dirty or soiled.

If you use your jogging stroller in harsh weather conditions, such as in muddy or rainy environments, you may need to clean it more often to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris. Similarly, if you use your stroller for off-road running, that’s another reason that you may need to clean it more frequently to remove the dirt, dust, and other debris that can accumulate on the wheels and frame.

Can I use traditional cleaning products on my jogging stroller?

When it comes to cleaning your stroller, it’s important to use cleaning products that are safe for both the stroller’s fabric and frame. While some cleaning products may be effective at removing dirt and stains, they can also damage the stroller’s materials and compromise its structural integrity.

It’s recommended that you use a mild, gentle cleaning solution when cleaning your stroller. This can include a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap or a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. These solutions can effectively remove dirt and stains without damaging the stroller’s materials.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products, such as bleach or ammonia, as these can weaken the stroller’s fabric and cause it to deteriorate over time. Similarly, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, such as steel wool or rough sponges, as these can scratch and damage the stroller’s frame.

How do I clean a jogging stroller’s wheels?

Over time, dirt, mud, and debris can accumulate on the wheels, which can cause them to become less effective and less responsive during use. Here are some Albee Baby tips on how to best clean your jogging stroller’s wheels:

• Remove the wheels from the stroller: To clean your jogging stroller’s wheels, start by removing them from the stroller. This will give you better access to the wheels and make it easier to clean them thoroughly.
• Rinse the wheels: Using a hose or a bucket of water, rinse the wheels to remove any loose dirt or debris. Be sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the wheels, as well as the spokes and the hub.
• Scrub the wheels: Once the wheels are rinsed, use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to scrub the wheels and remove any remaining dirt or grime. Be sure to pay close attention to the areas around the spokes and the hub, as these can be difficult to clean thoroughly.
• Dry the wheels: After cleaning the wheels, use a towel or a clean cloth to dry them thoroughly. Be sure to dry both the inside and outside of the wheels, as well as the spokes and the hub.
• Apply lubricant: Once the wheels are dry, apply a small amount of lubricant to the axle and the hub to keep the wheels spinning smoothly. Be sure to use a lubricant that is recommended by the stroller’s manufacturer.
• Reattach the wheels: After cleaning and lubricating the wheels, reattach them to the stroller and ensure that they are securely in place.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my jogging stroller?

No. It’s not recommended to use a pressure washer to clean your stroller, as the high pressure can damage the stroller’s fabric and other materials. Instead, use a low-pressure hose or a bucket of water to rinse away dirt and debris.

For the Love of Jogging Strollers

Having a jogging stroller can be a lot of fun for both parents and children. It allows parents to stay active and healthy while spending quality time with their little ones. Going for a jog or a walk with your child in a jogging stroller can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, explore new places, and bond with your child. With the right stroller, you can even take your child on more adventurous terrain, such as hiking trails or parks with uneven surfaces. Plus, many jogging strollers come with added features like canopies, storage baskets, and adjustable handles, making the experience even more enjoyable and convenient.

In conclusion, maintaining and cleaning your jogging stroller is essential to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your stroller is always clean, safe, and ready to use. Remember to consult your stroller’s manual for specific cleaning instructions, use gentle cleaning products, and allow ample time for your stroller to dry before using it again. With proper maintenance, your jogging stroller can provide years of comfortable and safe use for you and your child.