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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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Original poster

How do you clean the straps on a high chair?

19 replies

letsgetreadytoramble · 08/10/2013 21:39

Sorry, this is possibly the most boring thread known to man, but the fabric straps on my DS's high chair aren't removable, and they've become pretty smelly and dirty over time. I've tried scrubbing them with washing up liquid and a sponge, and tried CIF spray, but the smell remains. I'd rather not use harsh chemicals because of DS's proximity to the straps - does anyone have any tips on how I can get them clean and fresh? Am at the point of buying a new high chair, which seems crazy...

OP posts:

pizzaqueen · 08/10/2013 21:45

Are you sure you can't remove them? Which high chair is it? My ds highchair straps looked like them couldn't be removed but actually I just had tp remove the highchair cover first. Then I just steeped them in water and washing powder or put them in the machine.

Failing that have you tried scrubbing with a toothbrush or scrubbing brush and washing powder?

Original poster

letsgetreadytoramble · 08/10/2013 21:49

It's a mothercare chair, white plastic frame, green tray and a red plastic seat with stars on. Both my DP and FIL have tried to remove the seat cover (which is bolted to the chair) and straps, but both are firmly stuck in place. A scrubbing brush and washing powder is a good idea, I think my efforts up until now have been a little feeble. Thank you for replying

OP posts:

WhenDoISleep · 08/10/2013 21:52

Are they really not removable?

Can you fit a bowl on the seat and get as much of the strap inside it as possible and give the straps a good soak in hot water and bio washing powder - that's what I used with DS1's high chair and it cleaned the straps up like new. Leave to soak for a good few hours, scrub any stubborn bits and soak again in fresh water only to get rid of the soap.

mikkii · 08/10/2013 21:53

My high chair straps were removable so I used to chuck them in the machine. I would always sponge them off straight after use, but too late for that now!

Have you tried using an antibacterial spray? Perhaps an ecologically friendly one as you are concerned about chemical residues.

DoItTooJulia · 08/10/2013 21:53

Bicarbonate! Make a paste and paint it on. Leave it for as long as you can. Wash it off. Dry with the hair dryer. Voila!

ShoeWhore · 08/10/2013 21:55

Chuck it out and get the ikea one instead (that's what I did!)

geminigirl · 08/10/2013 21:56

Washing up liquid or laundry detergent in warm water, a good hard nail rush and scrub the bejaysus out of them!

brambleandapple · 08/10/2013 22:01

Capful of Dettol (brown antiseptic type same as what was antiseptic disinfectant but re marketed I think) added to water and detergent.

Original poster

letsgetreadytoramble · 09/10/2013 04:30

Thanks very much for all the replies - I'm going to go into mothercare at the weekend to double double check that they're not removable as it does seem really strange that they wouldn't be. The bicarbonate of soda idea is genius, and all the others sound good too. I'll report back on what worked best.

OP posts:

JollyScaryGiant · 09/10/2013 04:38

If they're not, you could always cut them off and fit an alternative.

didireallysaythat · 09/10/2013 06:45

I'd second bicarbonate soda. We made a thick solution and worked it in with a nail brush on car seat straps which can't be removed.

NationMcKinley · 09/10/2013 06:48

I'm thirding bicarbonate! It's also brilliant on vom. My friend's son yakked all over her fabric sofa, the bicarbonate sorted it completely

carriedaway · 09/10/2013 06:52

Once you've done your best to clean them put a long sleeved bib over the straps in future (ie once your baby is strapped in) which stops them getting messed up.

RunDougalRunQuiteFast · 09/10/2013 13:14

Steam cleaners are excellent for this kind of thing, use the nozzle type fitting and it blasts all the bits off.

bonzo77 · 09/10/2013 13:23

Also suggesting cutting them off and getting some removable ones.

NewBlueShoesToo · 09/10/2013 18:41

I would cut them off and replace with reins which you can throw in the washing machine.

TheFallenNinja · 09/10/2013 18:43

Bung the whole thing in the shower.

Original poster

letsgetreadytoramble · 09/10/2013 20:10

I just checked again and the damn things definitely won't come off. Some great ideas here though! It hasn't occurred to me to get reigns to put on it instead, that's a really good idea. And the bicarbonate of soda thing sounds like a plan, it's worth a go. Cannot believe I didn't get a high chair without removable straps, I'm going to go on at all my oregano friends about that now. It's the little things like this that defeat you when you're knackered so thanks very much for kickstarting my brain again!

OP posts:

Original poster

letsgetreadytoramble · 09/10/2013 20:11

I just checked again and the damn things definitely won't come off. Some great ideas here though! It hasn't occurred to me to get reigns to put on it instead, that's a really good idea. And the bicarbonate of soda thing sounds like a plan, it's worth a go. Cannot believe I didn't get a high chair without removable straps, I'm going to go on at all my pregnant friends about that now. It's the little things like this that defeat you when you're knackered so thanks very much for kickstarting my brain again!

OP posts:

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