Car seats are a great piece of furniture, but they can get quite dirty very fast. When your little one is napping or playing, you can’t be sure how often their seat gets wiped off with disinfectant or dirt gets on the fabric. It’s hard to imagine spending all day looking at dirty car seats and not being able to do anything about them! But the easiest, most time-saving way to clean those car seats is actually pretty simple: make your own seat covers! Read on for more information and easy directions on how to make your own cloth car seat covers that look good, smell nice, and keep your little one comfortable in style!
What is a cloth car seat cover?
A cloth car seat cover is a decorative cover that will protect your child’s car seat from dirt and stains. The fabric used for car seat covers should be durable and strong enough to withstand frequent washings and dryings, as well as provide protection against stains. Some car seat covers are machine washable, but many are not. Some car seat covers are also reversible, which means you can choose between a dark, cozy cover that will keep your child’s car seat cozy and warm, and a bright, sunny cover that will make the car seat cover look great!
How to make a cloth car seat cover
There are many ways to make a cloth car seat cover. The easiest and most time-saving way to make a cloth car seat cover is actually pretty simple: make your own seat covers. The only difficult part is sourcing some high-quality fabric. You can usually find high-quality fabrics at fabric stores, or you can make your own using a few simple projects. If you are using a cloth seat cover as a pacifier blanket, you will want the fabric to be thick enough to securely attach the cover to the baby’s car seat. A lightweight fabric will not be strong enough to withstand frequent washings, and a quality microfiber would be too delicate for this project.
How to clean car seat stains
If your child’s car seat has a stain, it is time to get to work! Use a sponge or a wash cloth to soak up as much of the stain as you can. Do not use a harsh liquid cleanser, as these can actually strip the natural oils from your baby’s skin, making them look dry and dull. Instead, use a mild detergent, like baby shampoo, to soak up the stain and rinse thoroughly to get rid of any remaining dirt. If the stain is on the cover, carefully remove the cover and place it face down on a piece of paper towel to absorb any excess water. If the stain is on the interior fabric, you will need to use a stain removal method specific to that stain.
How to remove stains from car exterior
If your child’s car seat has a pretty dark stain, you will need to use a stain removal method specific to that stain. If your car seat does not have a stain, you can skip to the next step! This is one of the easiest ways to clean a car seat exterior. All you need to do is wash the car seat with a mild detergent, like baby shampoo, and then dry it with a clean rag. You should never use a dirty cloth when drying a car seat, as these can leave behind scratches and marks on the fabric.
How to remove tough stains on car seats
If your child’s car seat has a particularly stubborn stain, you may want to try one of the more challenging stains removal methods. If your baby is anywhere near the age where they start pulling ({i}une pull}, or they have recently started sitting up properly, you will want to enlist the help of a pro to remove the stain. Many stain removal methods are more complicated, require more chemicals, and are not recommended for cloth car seats.
Some parents choose to use bleach to remove stains, but this is a dangerous choice and should be done only by advanced stain removal experts. If your child is under the age of 6 months, you can try using a mild vinegar and water mixture to remove stain. This should be used with caution, as overusing this method can dry your baby’s skin out.
Conclusion
The easiest and most time-saving way to clean your child’s car seats is actually pretty simple: make your own cloth car seat covers. You can choose from many different patterns, designs, and colors that will fit any car seat and provide a great investment for years to come. If you haven’t made a cloth seat cover before, you will probably want to start small, perhaps with a simple fabric swatch. Once you have a few simple projects under your belt, you can select your favorite fabric and create your own unique cloth car seat cover!