How to Clean Non-Removable High Chair Straps

High chairs are the solution to handle the dirt and mess of mealtimes for kids. As such, they are easy to clean. But they have those restraints that can’t get removed, which also get filthy and must be cleaned. While these are difficult to keep free of food stains and grime, you must know how to clean non-removable high chair straps.

A high chair with dirty straps is a harbor for hosts of pathogens, including disease-causing coliforms. So how do you clean straps that you can’t remove to pop into a washing machine or dishwasher? Well, I can tell you that the process involves baking soda, lemon juice, and a toothbrush. Read on to learn how to clean non-removable high chair straps, getting them back to sparkly new.

Why Should You Clean the Non-Removable Straps on Your Child’s High Chair?

Infant feeding high chairs come designed in different materials, shapes, and sizes. Some are stand-alone, while others save space by strapping onto regular chairs. While most are plastic, others will have cushioned inserts and straps to restrain the child during mealtimes. 

To counter any bacterial buildup and protect your child, cleaning non-removable high chair straps helps remove food spills that encourage bacteria or mold growth. A recent study found that restaurant high chairs harbored more pathogens on average than a public toilet seat. When kids come in contact with such poorly cleaned seats, they’re likely to fall ill.

Thorough cleaning of your baby’s high chair, including non-removable straps, must be done at least two times each month. However, after each meal, wipe down the entire chair to prevent staining by dried-up food spills.

One part of the high chair that’s difficult to clean is non-removable straps. These are made of fabric and don’t respond to wiping down like the rest of the chair. Some are of a paler coloration, meaning when they stain, it’s easy to stick and more visible.

Steps for the Daily Cleaning of Non-Removable High Chair Straps

Food spills that stick onto your child’s high chair can result in bacteria and mold buildup, becoming a health hazard. You can make cleaning easier by developing a daily routine of keeping straps dirt-free after each feeding session. For this, you’ll need a soft brush, water, a clean dishcloth, and a sanitizing solution containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar.

Steps to take for daily non-removable high chair cleaning include;

• Brushing off loose crumbs and fresh stains to prevent their absorption into the straps.
• Using a clean dishcloth or napkin to wipe away spills, ensuring that only what remains is dry staining.
• Using a damp cloth to wipe down stains on high chair straps.
• Sanitizing the non-removable strap surfaces by spraying them with highly dissolved hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. Allow the solution to sit on the damp stains for five minutes and then wipe the straps down. You can also dilute two tablespoons of laundry bleach to a gallon of water or wipe the straps with disinfectant wipes.

Avoid soaking your high chair straps with either water or sanitizing solution, as that may take some time to dry completely before the next feeding time. Also, never mix chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar in any way, as this creates toxic fumes from their chemical reactions.

How to Deep Clean Non-Removable High Chair Straps

Extra effort is required if you are to leave these components sparkling clean. That calls for a deep clean of your high chair’s non-removable straps, and for this, you’ll require a clean cloth, detergent, bicarbonate of soda, soft brush, white vinegar, and water.

If you suspect microbial growth, use chlorine bleach, which is optional. Mold especially is occasioned by dark spots or a fuzzy smell from the straps. You’ll also need some dry towels or cloths to wipe the non-removable high chair straps, or you can sun-dry the chair’s base as a whole.

Deep-Cleaning Non-Removable High Chair Straps

To clean non-removable high chair straps;

• Mix in some detergent with water and add a teaspoon of baking soda. Remove all cushions and fittings to leave only the straps attached to the plastic back of the high chair.
• Put the high chair in an open area with good airflow, possibly outside or near an open window.
• Soak a cloth in soapy water and rub it into the straps, allowing them to absorb as much of the laundry detergent as possible. Give the non-removable straps still attached to the high chair at least five minutes to sit while dried-up stains soften.
• Use a soft brush to scrub the stained areas, and you can apply a portion of diluted bleach to the stubborn stains. Read the manufacturer’s label that’s often underneath one of the straps or on the edge of a cushion to ascertain whether you should use chlorine bleach for your high chair’s materials.
• Use lots of water to rinse off the detergent, bicarbonate of soda, or bleach. Pat the straps dry alongside the chair base. Ensure that water doesn’t remain near the metal parts to avoid corrosion.
• Next, sterilize the straps using white vinegar with a base of baking soda. For this process, you can use any other disinfectant that you have lying around the home and which is kid-safe.

Hang the chair outside to dry, or if the weather doesn’t permit, lightly blow-dry the non-removable straps attached to the base.

Conclusion

Babies and toddlers can get really messy. That’s more so when they’re strapped in on the high perch of their high chair during mealtimes. Whether removable or non-removable, cleaning your child’s high chair straps doesn’t have to be a lengthy, complicated procedure. Daily wipe-downs will keep food-spill buildup and staining down. The ready ecosystem for bacteria and mold growth, hazards to your kid’s health.

Weekly or bi-weekly deep cleans ensures that your high chair’s non-removable straps keep well maintained. You’ll certainly keep the straps free of pathogens, and safe to strap your baby in. The results are a healthy youngster and happy feeding times.