How To Clean Straps On High Chair – Best Solution To Keep Them Germ-Free

I’m sure you don’t want your baby to eat in a dirty high chair and risk an upset stomach or food poisoning! There can be a gross food build up inside the straps leading to mold growth (yuck!). It’s time to learn how to clean those high chair straps in the right way.

As a parent, you know how important it is to ensure your baby’s safety and hygiene at all times. Especially when it comes to feeding gear used by your baby, like a high chair, keeping it clean is of utmost importance. High chair straps are especially prone to germs, dirt, and food residue, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

It may seem like you’re keeping your high chair spotless, but unfortunately, research shows that at many homes high chair hygiene can sometimes be lacking. A study from 2007 found that in 97% of homes there was Staphylococcus aureus on infant high chair trays, and in 26% of them there was MRSA¹.

That is why it is important to clean the entire chair (including high chair straps) regularly.

Even if your baby’s high chair straps don’t look gross (yet) and haven’t change the color to orange (from that yummy spaghetti sauce), you shouldn’t put off deep clean! Even if the straps seem to be complicated to remove or wash!

If you are wondering how exactly to go about it, then you have stumbled upon the right article.

I’m gonna share with your my tips for cleaning the straps on your baby’s high chair in an effective and fast way.

High chairs can be very useful especially for BLW, but the straps on them can easily get grimy and dirty when your little one is learning to self-feed.

So, if you are ready to learn how to properly clean straps on high chairs, then read on! I will show you how to keep your baby’s high chair clean and germ-free.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice.

How Often Should You Clean High Chair Straps?

Spot cleaning should be done after each meal, once per week you should wash the high chair, and it is recommended to give it a deep cleaning once per month (to remove all those stubborn stains).

High chair straps should be cleaned at least once per week – to make sure there are no dried-on foods and stuck-on crumbs. This will help to prevent the buildup of dirt, germs, and bacteria. If they are removable and machine-washable just toss them in the laundry. Of course if your little one is a messy eater you may need to clean the straps more frequently.

It is also important to wipe the straps after each meal, as food particles can become trapped in the crevices and can be difficult to clean if left for too long. When spot cleaning the straps, use a damp cloth and a mild dish soap or baby-safe cleaner.

Why You Should Clean High Chair Straps

Having a clean and hygienic high chair for your child is absolutely essential. Here are a few reasons why you should give your child’s high chair a deep clean:

• Spills And Messes

Accidents happen, and when it comes to young children, spills, messes and crumbs are almost impossible to avoid. Food can get stuck in crevices and the gaps between parts, making it hard to clean properly. A deep clean can help get rid of any mess hidden in those nooks and crannies, and keep your high chair sanitary.

• Allergens

High chairs are a perfect breeding ground for allergens. From dust, pet dander, to food particles, a deep clean can help get rid of anything that may be lurking in those hard-to-reach gaps of the chair.

• Wear And Tear

Over time, high chairs can start to look worn and dirty due to constant use. A deep clean can help bring back the shine and keep it looking like new.

These are just a few reasons why your child’s high chair might need a deep clean. It’s important to keep your high chair clean to ensure your child’s safety and avoid any poisoning or upset tummy.

How To Clean Removable High Chair Straps

Cleaning removable high chair straps is an important part of keeping your baby’s high chair clean and sanitary. Depending on the type of straps, there are a few ways to clean them.

Here are the best ideas on how to clean removable high chair straps.

Machine Washing

Depending on the type of straps, they can be machine washed in your washing machine.

1. Start by checking the care tag to make sure they are machine washable.

2. Remove the straps from the high chair.

3. Place the straps in a mesh bag or pillowcase to prevent them from snagging or tangling with other items in the washing machine.

4. Use a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Make sure to choose baby-safe laundry detergent that is less likely to cause allergic reaction on your little one’s delicate skin.

5. Dry the straps in the dryer on a low heat setting, or let them air dry if they are not dryer-friendly.

Soaking Overnight

For a deep clean, the straps can be soaked overnight.

1. Start by filling a sink or bucket with warm water and a mild detergent.

2. Put the straps into the cleaning solution and let them soak overnight.

3. In the morning, brush the straps if there are any leftover stains, rinse them a few times to get rid of the detergent, and let them air dry.

Cleaning In Dishwasher

Some high chairs trays are dishwasher safe, and sometimes the straps are too!

If the straps are marked as dishwasher safe, place them in the top rack of the dishwasher and run a normal cycle with a mild detergent. Let the straps air dry before putting them back on the high chair.

Proper Drying

To prevent mold and mildew, ensure the straps are completely dry before putting them back on the high chair.

If the straps were machine washed, it’s best to hang them on a clothesline or lay them flat on a drying rack. If the straps were soaked overnight, place them on a drying rack so the water excess could drip easily, and leave them in a sunny spot to dry.

Some high chair straps can be dried in a dryer – make sure to check the labels on yours!

How To Remove High Chair Straps

Not all high chairs have removable straps, but if yours does, cleaning will be so much easier.

First thing you should do is to check the manufacturer instructions for steps how to detach the straps.

The general rules are:

1. Unfasten the buckle.

Start by unbuckling the buckle at the side of the high chair. This will allow you to loosen the straps and pull them out of the chair.

2. Detach the straps from the back of the chair.

Look for the straps at the back of the chair and gently pull them out. Be sure to locate the holes in the straps where the buckle was attached so you can reattach it later.

3. Remove the straps from the slots.

Take the straps out of the slots on the chair and pull them free from the chair.

4. After cleaning put the straps back in place.

Place the straps back into the slots and reattach the buckle. Make sure the buckle is tightened securely so the straps won’t come undone. That’s all there is to it! With these few simple steps, you’ll be able to remove the high chair straps in no time.

How To Clean Non-Removable High Chair Straps

If your child’s high chair has non-removable straps, it’s best to take out the whole chair to the balcony or backyard so you could clean it with a hose. If you don’t have such a possibility, you can do it in the kitchen or bathroom, just make sure to place a few towels or cloths underneath it to avoid creating a huge mess in your house!

1. Start by wiping down the straps with a damp cloth. This will remove any debris that may have accumulated over time.

2. Next, mix warm water with a mild detergent, such as a baby-safe detergent. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring out the excess.

3. Gently scrub the straps with the cloth, paying special attention to any areas with food or drink stains.

4. After scrubbing, rinse the straps with warm water to remove any remaining soap.

5. Finally, use a dry cloth to pat the straps dry.

Alternatively, you can also use baby wipes to clean the non-removable straps. Be sure to use gentle wipes that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.

How To Remove Stubborn Stains From High Chair Straps

Your high chair straps may end up with some tough stains like raspberry, blueberry, oil, spaghetti sauce… Maybe the straps have already changed their colors!

But don’t worry! Here are two methods to help remove these tough stains:

The first method is to make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda, apply it on the stain and and leave it for an hour. This will help to break down the tough stain and make it easier to remove.

The second method is to prepare a mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and baby-safe detergent. Soak the straps overnight in this solution. This will remove the tough stain and make your high chair straps look like new.

What Can I Use To Clean A High Chair?

There are a few different cleaning products or DIY solutions you can use to clean your baby’s high chair:

• Mild dish soap or a baby-safe cleaner
• Disinfectant spray or wipes
• Baking soda paste
• White vinegar
• A damp cloth or sponge
• A toothbrush or soft brush to get into hard to reach spots

What To Avoid When You Clean High Chair Straps

If you’re trying to figure it out how to clean straps on high chair, there are a few products and methods that you should avoid:

• Harsh or abrasive cleaners: Harsh or abrasive cleaners can damage the straps and other surfaces of the high chair, so it is important to use a mild dish soap or baby-safe cleaner.
• Bleach or other chemical cleaners: Bleach and other chemical cleaners can be toxic and should not be used on high chairs, as they can be dangerous for babies and children.
• Scrubbing with a harsh brush: Scrubbing the straps with a brush or harsh tool can damage the straps and should be avoided. Instead, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any dirt and residue.

How To Clean High Chair After Each Meal

Cleaning tasks after each meal:

1. Brush off crumbs and loose food particles.
2. Wipe down the tray and any other surfaces that the baby may have come into contact with.
3. Make sure to remove any residue that may have splattered onto the surfaces.
4. Rinse the surfaces with a damp cloth and be sure to dry them completely.
5. Using a damp cloth or sponge wipe down the straps and buckles of the high chair.
6. Sanitize the high chair tray.

Spot-cleaning high chair straps after meals:

It’s important to spot-clean the straps of a high chair after meals to ensure that it is kept clean and germ-free for your child.

1. To spot-clean the straps on your high chair, start by wiping them down with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt and crumbs.
2. You can also use a small brush to remove any food crumbs.
3. Make sure to check the strap covers if there are no leftovers hidden there.
4. For tougher stains and odors, use a mild detergent or a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water and gently scrub.
5. Rinse the straps with clean water and allow the them to air dry before using the high chair again.

How To Clean High Chair Weekly

Tasks for weekly cleaning:

1. If your high chair has a seat insert – remove it and clean the main seat underneath.
2. Use soapy water to wash the entire seat, tray and other surfaces.

How To Clean High Chair Monthly

Tasks for monthly deep cleaning:

1. Disassemble the chair so you can wash each part thoroughly.
2. Wash the seat cushion and high chair straps (check manufacturer instructions if you can throw them in the washing machine.
3. Remove stuck-on food particles.
4. Make sure to remove all crumbs from all crevices.
5. For stubborn stains on the tray or straps use baking soda paste or white vinegar and baking soda solution.

How To Get Stubborn Stains Out Of A High Chair Tray

Getting stubborn stains out of a high chair tray can be a difficult task, but it isn’t impossible. Follow these easy steps to have your tray looking as good as new.

1. Start by wiping the tray down with a damp cloth. This will remove any crumbs or bits of food that are stuck to the surface.

2. After wiping down the tray, you can use a gentle cleaning solution to tackle stubborn stains. A mixture of warm water and dish soap is a good option, you can also use the baking soda paste.

3. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the tray in a circular motion. This will help to loosen the stain.

4. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the tray with warm water and wipe it down with a clean cloth.

5. If the stain is still present, you can use a stain remover designed for tough stains. Follow the instructions on the product for best results. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly.

6. Dry the tray with a clean paper towel and let it fully air dry before you store it or use it again.

The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/

Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.

If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂