How to Clean a Dog Stroller

If you and your dog don’t leave your home without your trusty dog stroller, then you know how regular use can eventually lead to some wear and tear. But routinely cleaning your dog stroller can make it last that little bit longer so you don’t have to replace it as often.

In this blog post, I’ll detail how to best clean your dog stroller in a way that doesn’t take up too much of your precious time but still keeps your stroller in good condition.

How to clean a dog stroller, step-by-step

Step 1: Remove the removable fabric

Depending on which dog stroller you choose, you will be able to remove the fabric and mesh of certain sections of the stroller. Usually, the storage basket underneath and the compartment where they sit can be removed. The mesh canopy at the top probably won’t be able to be removed so you don’t need to worry about this section.

If your dog stroller isn’t able to be taken apart to be cleaned, you will have to clean the stroller as a unit. Using a hand-help vacuum cleaner, go into all the nooks and crevices of the stroller to remove all the dirt and grime that has built up.

Don’t forget to go underneath the storage box as this section can often get quite muddy and is easily overlooked.

Step 2: Wash the fabric

If you are able to remove the stroller fabric, check to see if you can throw it into the washing machine and on what setting is necessary. Some dog strollers are made from machine-washable fabric which makes it much easier to clean.

If your stroller is machine washable, place the sections you have just unclipped from the stroller into a mesh bag and throw the mesh bag into your washing machine. Wash the fabric on the recommended settings. If you can’t find the recommended washing settings, it’s best to play it safe and wash on a low heat.

If your dog stroller isn’t made with removable, machine-washable fabric, you can use a pet-friendly stain remover instead. You can spot-clean and remove any stains that have appeared on the fabric.

Step 3: Wash the accessories

Next on the list of items to clean are the dog stroller accessories. These are items like the leashes and cup-holders which can be taken out but not put into the washing machine. I recommend using warm soapy water and a cloth to wipe these items down.

Step 3: Air dry all the items

After you have washed the dog stroller fabric and all the accessories, it’s time to set them out to dry, I recommend air drying everything as opposed to using a drying machine because the high heat of the drying machine can damage the mesh fabric.

For any metal accessories, be sure to towel dry these items as soon as you have cleaned them to avoid them from getting rusty.

Step 4: Wash the wheels

By far the most tedious to clean are the wheels and tires of the dog stroller. The wheels are usually the hardest to clean because they get the muddiest. This can be especially true in the winter due to the rain and snow.

I recommend letting the mud dry first after a walk before trying to clean it off. This is because it’s much easier to brush off the dried dirt than trying to wash off the wet mud. Buy a thick bristled brush and remove the mud every week in particularly wet conditions. In the summer you won’t need to remove the mud as often.

For a deeper clean of the wheels, you can use warm soapy water and your brush to remove all the dirt from the wheels. The brushes’ bristles work really well with getting into all the small cracks to remove the dirt and grime.

Always towel dry the wheels to remove excess water instead of leaving them to air dry. This is because the frame of the wheels will likely be made from metal which can rust due to too much moisture. This is especially important with keeping your pup safe on those fun outdoor adventures!

Dog stroller cleaning dos and donts

Here are some quick tips for making your dog stroller cleaning process smoother:

• Do have a cleaning schedule where you clean the stroller from top to bottom
• Don’t use high water temperatures when washing your dog stroller fabrics
• Do line or air dry all the fabric and accessories because the high heat from a tumble dryer can damage the mesh
• Don’t forget to remove the supportive boards from the fabric before cleaning it
• Do towel dry the wheels after washing them to avoid them rusting
• Don’t store the dog stroller uncovered as dust and debris can get into the cracks making it hard to open up again
• Do routinely check the stroller for damaged parts which need to be replaced

Final thoughts

Keeping your pet stroller in tip-top shape not only ensures your dog stays safe and healthy but also prolongs the life of the stroller. These easy-to-following cleaning steps mean you’ll be able to enjoy many strolls with your pup. Remember to give your dog stroller a quick once-over after every use to make sure nothing broke on your travels.