How to Clean, Service and Maintain a Pram or Stroller

We’re often asked how to clean, service and maintain a pram or stroller so it runs smoothly and lasts for years. Just like a car, all prams and strollers need regular preventative maintenance and cleaning – for performance and hygiene. Wheels pick up dirt, hair and grit; fabrics cop spills; folding joints gather dust. A little routine care prevents wear, avoids avoidable repairs, keeps your warranty intact.

Why regular maintenance matters

• Smoother steering & folding: Clean, lubricated joints reduce stiffness and jams.
• Longer component life: Grit and dried spills accelerate wear on bearings, axles and fabric.
• Hygiene: Wheels and seats meet floors, parks and food daily – regular cleaning keeps things fresh.
• Fewer warranty headaches: Most brands won’t cover damage caused by lack of care or wrong products.

Clean fabrics & seat liners

Seat liners are your friend. They catch crumbs and spills and are usually machine-washable, saving your main seat.

If you’re cleaning the pram fabrics:

• Remove what you can: Unclip seat pads and covers if the manual allows. Machine wash on gentle (or hand wash) and air-dry in the shade.
• Spot clean on-frame: Vacuum first, then use a soft brush and mild soapy water. For stubborn marks, try:
  • Option A: Mild liquid laundry detergent diluted in warm water.
  • Option B: 50/50 white vinegar and water spray, then wipe. Test a hidden area first.
• Avoid: Bleach, harsh solvents, steam cleaners on adhesives/foam, high-heat tumble drying.
• Leather / leather-look handles: Wipe with a damp cloth, then apply a specialist leather cleaner/protectant per instructions.

Mechanical service: wheels, axles & bearings

Think of this like a quick “minor service”. Set aside 15–20 minutes each month (or after beach/park trips).

1) Remove & clean wheels

• Tyres & rims: Wipe with damp cloth. Avoid petrol/strong solvents that can damage rubber or plastics.
• Hair & grit: Check around axles and inside forks; cut away string/hair to prevent binding.

2) Lubricate moving parts (carefully)

• Use a dry Teflon/PTFE spray on metal on metal joints, axle pins and pivot points. Dry lubes shed dust better than oils/silicones.
• Do not spray near disc/drum brakes (true jogging/running prams) or on tyre treads.
• Wipe away any overspray from plastics and fabrics immediately.

3) Front swivel assembly

• With wheels off, clean the fork housings and swivel tubes thoroughly.
• Apply a light mist of dry PTFE lube to the swivel shafts/bushes; rotate to distribute evenly.

Chassis & folding mechanisms

• Wash down the frame with fresh water (especially after beach trips) and dry with a cloth.
• Folding joints & locks: Clear grit with a brush, then a light PTFE spray on pivot points. Operate the fold a few times to work it in.
• Paint care: For scuffs, a gentle automotive paint cleaner can help; finish with a wax protectant on painted frames to reduce UV fade.

Brakes & safety checks

• Brake test: Engage and try to roll the pram forward/back; adjust or seek service if weak or uneven.
• Locks & catches: Ensure folding and recline locks click positively into place.
• Fasteners: Check screws/bolts for tightness (do not overtighten). Replace damaged parts promptly.

After off-road, rain or beach use

• Rinse wheels and lower frame with fresh water to remove salt/sand, then dry.
• Relube pivots and swivels once dry to prevent corrosion and squeaks.

Products to use (and avoid)

• Use: Mild detergent, microfibre cloths, soft brush, vacuum, dry PTFE/Teflon spray, leather cleaner (for leather handles), shade for drying.
• Avoid: WD40 type penetrating oils on exposed areas (they attract dirt), silicone sprays on brakes, bleach/harsh solvents, pressure washers, direct hot sun for drying coloured fabrics.

Service frequency (easy schedule)

• Weekly: Quick wipe of handle, tray/bumper bar; crumb/vacuum seat; fast visual brake check.
• Monthly: Remove wheels, clean & dry lube pivots/swivels; wipe frame; check fasteners and harness.
• After beach/parks/rain: Rinse, dry, relube.

If you’d rather not DIY

If time’s tight, book a professional tune-up. A routine clean/lube and safety check can prevent larger repairs and keep your pram feeling new.

Standards & Guidance (Australia)

• Product Safety Australia – Mandatory Standard for Prams & Strollers (AS/NZS 2088)
• Product Safety Australia – Prams & Strollers Safety Advice

FAQs

Can I machine-wash my pram fabrics?

Only if your manual explicitly allows removal and machine washing. Use a gentle cycle, mild detergent, air-dry in the shade. If not removable, vacuum then spot-clean with diluted detergent.

What’s the best lubricant for prams?

A dry Teflon/PTFE spray. It lubricates without leaving a sticky film that traps dust. Avoid oils and silicone sprays on exposed moving parts, keep all lubes away from brake surfaces.

How do I remove mould odours safely?

Sun-air the fabrics in the shade, then clean with mild detergent solution. For persistent odours, use a fabric-safe antibacterial cleaner recommended by the brand. Always spot-test first and avoid bleach.

Is beach use safe for my pram?

Yes, with care. Rinse wheels/lower frame with fresh water afterwards, dry thoroughly and relube pivots to prevent corrosion and squeaks.

Will the wrong cleaner void my warranty?

It can. Many brands exclude damage from misuse or aggressive chemicals/lubricants. If unsure, check your manual or ask us before applying products.

Safety Disclaimer

This content is general information for Australia. Always follow your pram/stroller’s instruction manual and relevant Australian guidance. If a component is damaged, stop using the product and consult the manufacturer or a qualified repair agent.

Ready for something lighter for day to day?

If you’re transitioning from a larger pram to a compact stroller, browse our curated range of prams and strollers and current offers below.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to call our store – our product professionals are here to help.

Talk Soon,

Frank

About the Author

Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2006. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2006. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners who regularly engages with customers in store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.