Want to keep your pram looking real nice? Think of your Babybee pram like a car. While you don't have to book your pram into the local mechanic (there's a business idea!), you do need to care for and maintain your pram to get the best usage and longevity out of it.
Lesson number one: when your pram gets dirty, clean it. We know it's obvious but cleaning as you go will get the best mileage out of your pram. With little kids in tow, things are bound to get a bit messy. Spills. Food crumbs. Surprise accidents. We've found some mysterious/interesting things in prams over the years thanks to our little ones.
You also want to make sure it's super clean for child, who eats, sleeps, plays and explores the world from their own little seat (or bassinet).
Here are a few ways you can keep your Babybee pram in tip-top condition and ensure you keep on strolling in style.
Cleaning and servicing
If you want your pram to remain in good condition and last as long as possible, you’ll need to take good care of it. This means regular maintenance, as well as a recommended twice a year ‘Deep Clean’.
Here’s how!
Step 1: Read your manual
Most prams will come equipped with a manual that outlines basic care instructions and often provides information on how to remove components specific to your pram for cleaning and upkeep.
Step 2: Remove and clean accessories
Generally, fabric components such as seat liners can be machine washed on a delicate or 'wool' setting (no more than 30°C) with mild detergent and then dried flat in the shade. (Note: Make sure you read your specific pram model user manual to make sure the fabric components are machine washable before throwing them in your next cycle)
Give any plastic accessories a good wash in warm soapy water, rinse and leave to dry out of the sun.
Step 3: Bust The Dust
Give your pram a good vacuum and/or a brush down to remove dirt, dust and the inevitable biscuit crumbs that accumulate over time. Using a soft toothbrush is a good way to ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies, especially into any moving parts and joints.
Take special care to clean out:
- Inside the front and rear wheel hubs and around where the brake connects to the wheel;
- In and around the folding joints (also do this with the frame collapsed);
- The handlebar (if telescopic, where the frame slides in and out);
- The seat recline latch;
- The safety harness buckle;
- Belly bar sockets;
- Canopy connectors (where your canopy connects to the frame);
- And finally, in and around any buttons.
Step 4: Wipe Down
With a soft sponge or cloth in warm water and mild detergent, give your pram a thorough clean from top to toe.
Stubborn stains: For particularly bad stains you might like to try a solution of either 50/50 white vinegar and water, or white vinegar and bicarb soda. Apply with a spray bottle or as a paste and leave for a few minutes. Scrub thoroughly then rinse well with clean water. Please note that this may affect the colour of the fabric (but it might be a better alternative than the stain… your call!).
Mould: Clove oil is a natural option to remove mould. Add a cap full into a spray bottle, add 2tbsp of salt, fill the bottle with warm water, spray it on and give it a good scrub to loosen those mould spores. Leave for 1 hour then with a cloth and bucket of warm water, thoroughly wet and wipe down the surface ensuring you completely remove all traces of mould and the cleaning solution. (Note: Clove oil can leave brown streaks on fabrics and can cause allergic reactions in some people.)
Alternatively mix three parts white vinegar to two parts water and 2tbsp of salt in a spray bottle (or make a paste) and wet the entire area affected by mould and continue with the same process. (Note: This process may affect the colour of the fabric and the foam inside your seat and canopy but again, it’s a better alternative to buying a new pram!)
Step 5: Wheels
Remove the wheels and using the same cleaning solution, give the wheels a good scrub with a hard brush. Be careful to remove all dirt and build-up around the wheel hub.
Step 6: Air Dry
Your pram will need to be left open to dry completely in a dry, well ventilated place that’s not in direct sunlight.
Step 7: Moving Parts
Inspect the locking devices, brakes, harness, catches, joints and fixtures to ensure they are secure, moving freely and in fully working order.
If any parts of the pram have become stiff, difficult to operate or begin to squeak, try a light application of a sprayable silicone lubricant, ensuring that it penetrates between the components. Take care as excessive application may encourage the build-up of dirt.
WARNING!
Ensure children are not present when spraying the pram or allowing it to dry. Do so outside. Ensure you only use minimal product and wipe away excess solution before use.
Regular light lubrication of moving parts will also extend the life of your pram so you might like to do this as a preventative measure.
Do not use any lubricant other than those specifically marked as a ‘Silicone Lubricant’ (for example, DO NOT use the standard WD40 as doing so can deteriorate the plastic parts of your pram and also attract dirt and dust). We recommend WD-40 SPECIALIST Silicon Lubricant or SCA Silicone Spray available from Supercheap Auto, Bunnings and most hardware stores.
Step 8: Touch-ups
Once dry, if you have a black frame that is particularly scratched. You may like to use a touch-up paint to improve its appearance. You can purchase a Dupli-Color Touch-up Paint Pen from the spare parts page of our website to do this.
Preventing rust and mould
After exposure to wet or damp conditions, leave the pram fully opened in a warm, well ventilated environment to prevent rust and mould. If really wet, you may also need to dry with a soft, lint free cloth. Left damp, it will encourage mildew or rust to form, damaging the pram.
Seat salt can also encourage rust to form. After trips to the beach always give the metal parts of your pram a wipe down with warm water. Then towel or cloth dry, before leaving open to fully dry in a warm, well ventilated environment.
Preventing structural damage
Do not leave your pram in cars on days of extreme heat or near any heat source or fire. Do not store the stroller with heavy items on top of it. Store the pram in a dry, well ventilated and safe place. To avoid colour fade, do not leave the pram in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Spare parts
It’s important to replace any broken or missing parts to your pram to ensure it’s compliant with the Australian Safety Standards. Most pram manufactures will sell separate spare parts to replace damaged or lost parts as you need them.
To purchase any Babybee spare parts, click here.
Don't forget
Prams are moving vehicles and the rigours of everyday #parentlife can wreak havoc on them, but with a little TLC and regular maintenance, you can ensure your wheels keep rolling for many years to come.