High chair straps can get really messy during baby mealtimes and cleaning them properly is
important to prevent mold growth and bacteria on them. Here are a few different ways to
clean high chair straps.
Do you have a baby or toddler that loves to make messes during meal times? I’ve been there 3
times around now, and currently dealing with it today so I know the struggle.
But isn’t it so much fun to watch a baby eat? I don’t know…something about it is just amazing. By
the way, if you need some help with baby-led weaning, I’m in love with Solid Starts! I watch them
daily on Instagram and they inspire me.
Not all high chairs are made equally, and some high chairs are so much easier to clean than
others. I don’t know why they don’t make them all the same – removable trays, removable straps,
and dishwasher safe. Even so, never fear, this battle-tested Mamma of 3 has your back and will
teach you how to clean your high chair straps whether they are removable or not.
To clean high chair straps well need detergent or dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, a cleaning
toothbrush, and a disinfectant spray. If you have all of these things at home, then you’re ready to
clean your high chair straps properly!
Let’s get to it.
*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.
Cleaning High Chair Straps That Are Removable
Not all high chair straps are removable, but if yours are, then you’re in luck. It’s much easier to
clean removable high chair straps.
Gather Your Materials:
- Detergent or dish soap
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Cleaning Toothbrush
- Disinfectant
Steps For Cleaning
Remove straps from the high chair. If you don’t know how to do this, look up your high chair on
YouTube and see if you can find a tutorial. (This is how I finally figured out how to remove the Ikea Tray, and it’s actually easy!)
Put the straps into a mesh laundry bag like this and wash the straps in the washing machine. Don’t dry them in the dryer.
If you do not have a washing machine or don’t want to use one, then you can soak your straps in
hot water and dish soap overnight.
You can use the sink, or some sort of a tub…anything that holds water and fits the straps. With this method, if the straps are SUPER gross, add a splash of vinegar and a dash of baking soda to the water along with the dish soap. Just eyeball it, you can’t go wrong here.
Rinse them off really well after they have soaked for an extended period of time.
After the straps are clean, you can spray them with a disinfectant, and allow them to dry. My
favorite disinfectant is METHOD because it smells amazing, and is not full of toxic chemicals. It’s
difficult to find on Amazon, but you can find it at Target and Canadian Tire.
Allow the straps to air dry. You don’t want to wipe the disinfectant off so that it can do its job
properly.
Place the straps back on the chair once they dry and let your baby get back to their favorite job of making a mess.
Sometimes I don’t understand why high chair manufacturers don’t give an extra pair of straps for
high chairs…I feel that would be so useful.
Cleaning High Chair Straps That You Cannot Remove
Materials You’ll Need
- Detergent or dish soap
- Microfiber cloth
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Cleaning Toothbrush
- Disinfectant
Steps To Clean Non Removable High Chair Straps
Make a solution of baking soda vinegar, warm water, and dish soap (or detergent) in a small bowl.
Use a microfiber cloth and dip it into the solution you just made.
Rub the straps with the microfiber cloth. Make sure to wipe well and keep rubbing until all the
gunk comes off. If you need to get dry food off the straps, either try prying the food off with a
butter knife or your fingernail, or soak it with the cloth until it comes off.
For stubborn stains on the straps, take your cleaning toothbrush and dip it into the water, and
then into baking soda. Rub the toothbrush on the stains in gentle circular motions.
Wipe up any remaining Itness and solutions off the straps.
Spray the straps with your favorite disinfectant. I like to use natural stuff that won’t harm your
baby’s skin so I stay away from bleach personally, but if bleach is all you have then make a 30/70
solution of bleach and water and use that.
How To Clean High Chair Straps After Each Meal
After each mealtime, you’ll want to clean the high chair straps so they don’t grow mold from
stuck-on food particles.
Brush off all loose food. You’ll want to make sure all the loose food particles are not going to get
smashed into the cushion or the straps which will make it much more difficult to clean the straps
later on.
Give the entire seat a good wipe. Use a cloth with water and a dash of dish soap to wipe down the high chair tray, seat, sides of the chair, under the tray, and even the release buttons
Sanitize the tray after giving it a good wipe down. You can use hydrogen peroxide, or white
vinegar to make a homemade sanitizing solution.
I like to use the METHOD cleaner and leave it on for ten minutes before I wipe it off to completely disinfect your high chairs. If you use bleach to disinfect the high chair, give it a good wipe with just water after it has dried to keep the surface food safe for your little one.
How To Clean High Chair Straps Weekly
To keep your high chair sanitary and clean for your baby you should do a deeper clean once a
week. Here is what I do.
- Wipe the entire seat from top to bottom with a damp cloth and a dab of dish soap.
- Clean the legs and all exterior parts of the high chair.
- Ensure that the straps do not have any stuck-on foods.
How To Clean High Chair Straps Monthly
To do a deep clean of the whole chair once a month, here are the steps to follow.
- Take the high chair apart so you can clean the cushions and the straps. Check the label on your
high chair cushion and if it’s ok, throw it into the washing machine. Usually, you’ll have to air
dry the cushion and avoid the dryer. - Remove food from all tiny cracks and crevices. Use a toothpick to get into the nooks and
crannies of the high chair. Food can get stuck in tiny holes and then grow mold and become a
health hazard for your baby. - If you can, take your high chair outside and give it a good pressure wash with the hose. This
can help loosen any stuck-on foods on the chair as well. If you cannot do that, then use vinegar
and water and a little bit of elbow grease to get the high chair very clean. The point is to
remove all stuck on food.
Caution
Never You Soak Parts Of Your High Chair If:
- It is made of wood.
- The cushion is fabric
- It has metal parts.
Do Not Use Bleach If:
- Your high chair is made of wood.
- The cushion is fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often To Clean High Chair Straps?
You should give your high chair straps a deep clean when you notice the food is getting stuck and is difficult to wipe up after mealtimes. Twice a month is recommended, however I clean mine well once a week. High chair straps that are dirty can be hazardous to the health of your baby due to the mold and bacteria they can grow. You need to make sure you clean the high chair straps after each meal so that food doesn’t get stuck on them.
How Do You Get Mold Off High Chair Straps?
Running a deep clean on the high chair straps can remove the mold. If the mold is very tough to
get rid of, we’ll need to turn to bleach for help. Soak the straps in a bleach and water solution (as
long as the manufactures tag says that’s ok to do) and wait for a few hours for the bleach to kill
the mold. Then run it through the washing machine to get the bleach off the straps.
How Can I Make Your High Chair Straps White Again?
To make your high chair straps white again, you’ll want to try to remove them and then soak them overnight in a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap (or detergent).
What Can I Use To Clean A High Chair?
I like to use things from around the house such as baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap to clean
high chair straps. You can use pre-made cleaners as well, just make sure they are safe for babies
because you don’t want to cause unnecessary skin irritations.
Can You Wash The Straps On A High Chair?
If the straps are removable, they are most likely ok to wash in the washing machine. You could also wash them in the top rack of the dishwasher. Read the manufactures instructions and see if there are any warnings against washing them in the machine before you do so.
What Can I Use To Clean A High Chair?
To clean your high chair all you need is vinegar and water in a 50/50 solution. Spray the high chair down and wipe it off properly until it’s dry. Do not soak your high chair if it is made out of wood.
Keeping The High Chair Straps Clean And Healthy
It is so important to clean high chair straps so that you can provide a healthy and clean eating
environment for your baby or toddler. Be sure to take good care of your high chair and wipe it
down properly after every meal followed by a disinfectant.
I would avoid leaving the high chair dirty until the next day, even if it’s very busy in the house after dinner time. This will make it so much more difficult to keep the high chair clean and healthy
