Washing Car Seat Covers & Straps

[PieMistress]

Hi Peeps,

I need to wash my Group 0 Car Seat cover in advance of DC2's arrival. It's a Maxi Cosi Cabriofix. I can't find the instructions :(

Can anybody advise if I just stick it in the machine at 40C with non-bio powder? My dad's got a steam cleaner - would I be better leaving the car seat cover on and just using that?

It's also got mouldy straps but that's another issue!!! (any ideas?)

Thanks
Pie x

I can't tell you about your specific one but I bung all mine in the washing machine. If you take it off, it Might actually have a washing label.

I just washed my britax cover. There's a label inside saying 30c delicate wash.

Ours washed fine like that.

Also, If you google there will be a manual online somewhere which should tell you how to get the straps off so you can wash them too.

You can't wash car seat straps as they are impregnated with fire retardants and washing them will wash out the fire retardants and can make the fibres weaker so they aren't as safe in an accident.

They can be sponge cleaned with liquid soap but not submerged in water or cleaned with cleaning chemicals. If they are covered in mould then the fibres may have been weakened anyway so a new set would probably be best - Maxi-Cosi should be able to supply you with some.

Drip dry the seat cover and not tumble dry or spin dry.

It also can't be used if the seat is over 5 years old (as per Maxi-Cosi) so check the date stamp on the seat (it may have been made a year or more before being sold especially if it was in the sale).

Thanks All. I emailed Maxi Cosi and you can't take the straps off for safety reasons, a new set is £72 (plus shipping costs). The seat was bought in Autumn 2009 so will have a look for the stamp.

I was going to try bicarb and lemon juice or vinegar and water on the mould and see if that will help. Or maybe make some longer car seat strap covers and put them over the mould?

serves me right for not checking it didn't get put away damp into the garage!