Feeding a child is no child’s play, especially when you’re feeding a toddler. They derive so much pleasure in making a mess of everything, including their food.
It’s exciting and adorable to see a newborn begin to eat, and it makes for some humorous pictures to share with their future spouse. The results are frequently adorable and invariably messy, whether they’re spreading spaghetti all over themselves, using yogurt to style their hair, or donning a calming oatmeal face mask.
You not only have to worry about ensuring your child eats well but also cleaning up after.
With a high chair, there is even more work to be done. This guide will show you exactly how to clean high chair straps.
Additionally, a study carried out years ago revealed that high chairs are carriers of more bacteria than a regular toilet seat.
This goes to say that your baby’s high chair can be a playing ground for bacteria if not well taken care of.
Read on to find out how to make your child’s dining environment cleaner and safer.
How to Clean High Chair Straps
It’s important to note that there are two types of straps. And for the different types, cleaning isn’t the same. There are removable and non-removable straps.
Removable Straps
With removable straps, the job is easier to do. Since you can remove the straps, you can wash them in a dishwasher, a washing machine, or even choose to soak them.
1. Washing machine
All you have to do is put the strap in a washing machine and wash using the normal cycle.
With a washing machine, you will be able to get rid of even tough stains. Just ensure you place the strap in a mesh wash bag when washing.
This way, the straps are preserved and won’t get damaged. At the same time, it won’t damage other clothes you choose to wash with it.
If there is stuck-on food on the straps, get rid of them before throwing them into the washing machine.
You can achieve this by using a nail brush or a toothbrush with dish soap and water.
2. Soaking overnight
Using a washing machine might not be an option for you if the manufacturer has indicated it should be hand washed. Soaking overnight would be a good option and it is easy as well.
Start with removing stuck-on food on the straps, just as indicated above.
If it’s taking so much time to remove, you can use a butter knife to gently remove the food.
As you do this, ensure the force isn’t too much so that the straps won’t get damaged.
Then, get a bucket and fill it with warm water and soap. You can also add baking soda and vinegar if there are very stubborn stains on the straps.
Leave it to rest for hours or over the night. Then rinse in the morning.
Ensure you rinse thoroughly so that your child doesn’t react to residues from the reagents used in washing.
3. Dishwasher
If you have a dishwasher, you can use it as well. Check with the manufacturer if the straps are dishwasher safe.
If it is, then you’re good to go. Just ensure that you use the warm settings and not the hot, not to damage the straps.
4. Drying
After you wash using whichever method you prefer, you have to dry it properly. Drying is also as important because you don’t want to have mold growing on the straps.
The best way to dry it is using direct sunlight. Sunlight helps dry it and also helps remove stains.
If there is no sunlight, then you can use a heat source in the house and just place it close to the heat source.
Non-removable Straps
Not as easy as the removable ones, but you can still work around this.
First, take the high chair outside for proper cleaning. If you can not take it out, just place a towel or tarp on the floor.
Next up, remove stuck-on food. You can do this by using a butter knife and applying gentle pressure.
If it’s hard to get rid of them, soften them using a paper towel soaked in a warm dish soap mix.
After this, leave it for about 10 mins. If you can, leave the paper towel on the strap, and once the 10 mins elapse, do a gentle scrub using a toothbrush or nail brush.
Once you’re done, clean the straps with a clean cloth. Ensure you remove all the residues. Then, allow it to dry well.
How to Remove the Straps
As much as knowing how to wash the straps is essential, knowing how to remove them is just as important if you have removable straps.
Some of the tips that can help you out are:
- Check the manual. In most cases, the manufacturer includes instructions on how to remove the straps. There is a chance you have no clue where it is if you bought it a long time ago. So, what you can do is search online for the manufacturer manual for the type and model you have. You will surely find something on it.
- Also, try YouTube. You can learn almost anything on YouTube. You will be surprised to find a tutorial on how to remove the strap for your particular high chair. So, check it out.
Learn more from a similar post: How To Clean Rocking Chair Cushions
Summary
How to clean high chair straps is a must-know for parents. Your child most likely uses the high chair every day and gets dirty all day.
Your child mustn’t get sick thanks to a dirty high chair. So clean as often as you can. With the steps above, cleaning the straps would be easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash high chair straps washing machine friendly?
Some straps are washing machine friendly, while some are not. You can simply throw the chair straps into the washing machine and have it go for a spin.
If you don’t have a washing machine or it’s not washing machine friendly, you can use a dishwasher or just soak it. This should be done at least monthly.
What do you soak high chair straps in?
Soak in warm water and soap. You can use washing powder or dishwashing soap.
As long as you have enough soap in the warm water, you’re good to go. Just soak the high chair straps overnight and rinse the following morning.
How do you get stains out of straps?
Stubborn stains can take some time to leave, so you have to be patient in removing them. You will need a brush and some baking soda.
Dip the toothbrush in water and then baking soda. Then, gently rub the toothbrush against the stain in a circular motion.
Do that over and over again until you are satisfied with the result.
Once you are done, clean up using a clean towel and ensure you remove every residue on the strap. Then, finally, spray using any disinfectant of your choice.
Mo Mulla is a work from home dad who enjoys reading and listening to music, He loves being a dad and husband to a growing family. He also loves writing about his passions and hopes to change the world, 1 blog post at a time!
