How to Fold, Clean & Maintain Your Stroller

A well-maintained stroller lasts years longer and holds its resale value. Here's how to keep yours in top condition — from daily fold technique to seasonal deep cleaning.

Folding Technique (The Right Way)

Before folding: Remove all items from the basket, seat, and cup holders. Loose bottles, snacks, and toys jam fold mechanisms and crack plastic trim. If your stroller has a bumper bar, check whether it needs to be removed or rotated for folding (model-dependent).

During the fold: Use the manufacturer's recommended fold method. Most one-handed folds involve a single release mechanism (lever, button, or strap) followed by a push or pull motion. Don't force it — if the fold feels stuck, something is likely in the way (a toy in the hinge, the basket blocking a joint, or the seat not fully upright). Confirm the fold lock engages with an audible click.

After folding: Stand the stroller upright if it's self-standing. If storing in a car trunk, lay it with the wheels down to prevent scratching seats or spreading dirt. In home storage, keep it upright against a wall or in a closet to minimize footprint.

Regular Cleaning (Monthly)

Fabric and Seat

Remove the seat fabric if your stroller allows it (most premium models have removable, machine-washable fabrics). Wash on cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry completely before reinstalling — never put stroller fabrics in the dryer, as heat can shrink fabrics and damage waterproof coatings.

For non-removable fabrics, wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn stains (food, mud, sunscreen), a paste of baking soda and water left for 15 minutes before wiping usually works. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and abrasive scrubbing on any stroller fabric.

Frame and Mechanisms

Wipe the frame with a damp cloth to remove dust, salt (from sweat and ocean air), and grime. Pay attention to fold joints, brake mechanisms, and wheel axles — these are where dirt accumulates and causes stiffness. A dry toothbrush works well for getting into crevices.

Wheels and Tires

Remove debris from wheel treads and around axle bearings. Hair, string, and grass wrap around axles over time and increase rolling resistance. For air-filled tires, check pressure monthly and inflate as needed — soft tires make the stroller harder to push and can cause uneven wear. For foam or rubber wheels, check for cracks, flat spots, or excessive wear.

Seasonal Maintenance (Twice per Year)

Lubricate moving parts. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to wheel axles, fold joints, and any pivot points that feel stiff. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants (like WD-40) on plastic parts — they can degrade certain plastics over time. Silicone spray is safe for all stroller materials.

Inspect the harness. Check all straps for fraying, wear, or weakening. Test each buckle for secure engagement and appropriate release force. Replace any damaged straps through the manufacturer — aftermarket harness replacements may not meet safety standards.

Test the brakes. Engage the brake on a gentle slope and push. Both wheels should hold firmly. If the brake slips, feels mushy, or doesn't engage cleanly, service or replace it before next use.

Check the fold lock. Open the stroller and verify it locks into riding position with a positive click. Try gently to collapse it without using the fold release. If there's any give, the lock mechanism may need adjustment or replacement.

Storage Tips

Store your stroller indoors when possible. UV exposure degrades fabrics and plastics over time, and moisture promotes mold growth in crevices. If storing outdoors, use a stroller cover. Before storing for an extended period (winter, between children), clean thoroughly, lubricate joints, and store with the stroller open or partially open to prevent fold-joint compression.