Mould on car seat

[loobyt]

I'm due in two weeks and have just unpacked the car to to find the covers and straps have gone mouldy.

Is it safe to try and wash the mould off or would I be best off replacing the seat?

In my experience (wet bibs left in washng machine) mould doesn't really come out again. I'd say if it's a new car seat take it back, or if it's an old one see if you can get new covers and straps. You don't really want it near the new baby!

I threw mine away when that happened to a spare one we had in the shed, as wasn't sure if you'd ever get it out of all the folds and creases. Sorry, no help here.

Have you washed it. I find that if it's that fluffly looking mould it will wash off. If it is the black spots then scrubbing with neat bleach has worked on pushchairs in the past followed by lots of washing and rinsing to get the bleach thoroughly out.

Obviously bleach may damage the covers or the colours, but if it's that bad then I figure you have nothing to loose.

Or Dawnybabe's suggestions are really good. If it is an old car seat you can probably get replacement covers.

Sorry I am presuming the covers can be removed. If they are fixed in place I'm not sure how well my suggestions would work.

Can you not stick it all in the washing machine?.....It might come out.

make a paste of Vanish oxy paste on the spots and leave overnight, then wash in machine (or scrub with nail brush).

I got it off a buggy that was left in the shed.

To be honest I'd phone up the car seat manufacturer to see if any of the tips given so far would interfere with the fire retardant capabilities of the fabrics/straps (I'm fairly sure that you can't immerse straps in water but only surface/spot clean).

If you can't wash the seat cover/straps they could get you a spare set out as a rush job.

Also, check the foam under the car seat cover to check it's not cracked or mouldy as well.

Thanks ladies. I have spoken to Graco who said that they do not do replacement straps for this seat due to the safety issues of them being fitted by the purchaser rather than an expert. So I have decided that it's just not worth the risk and have just ordered a brand new one.

Thanks again.