A clean pram lasts longer and is nicer to use, and it sells for a better price when the time comes. Methods differ between brands and models, so start with your manual and the care labels on the fabric and frame. What follows is the common ground between the manufacturers' own guides.
1. Check the manual and the labels
Care labels can differ slightly by model. Only take off the parts designed to come off (seat fabric, canopy, wheels), and never force a catch. If something won't release, check the manual rather than pulling harder.
2. Vacuum first
Clear crumbs and grit from the seat, footrest and frame before any water goes near it. This matters most where the fabric can't be removed.
3. Wash the fabrics by their labels
- Machine-washable pieces. Bugaboo says most of its fabrics can go in the machine, on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C, washed separately. Take out any stiffeners first. Use a gentle detergent, and avoid bleach, tumble drying, dry cleaning and ironing.
- Spot-clean pieces. Some parts, such as sun canopies, the underseat basket and the rain cover, usually aren't machine washable. Wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Hand-washing. Use warm water and a little mild soap, and don't wring the fabric out, as that can damage padding and stitching.
4. Wipe the frame
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a little mild soap, then wipe it dry. Avoid abrasive brushes and sponges, which can scratch the finish. A small soft brush reaches joints and hidden mechanisms.
5. Clean the grips
Foam and leather-look grips wipe clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a sponge with warm water and liquid soap, then remove any soap residue.
6. Clean the wheels
Let mud dry, then knock it off, as wet mud just smears. Brush dirt and sand from the wheels and wipe them over. Bugaboo says not to submerge the wheel bearings in water. Only remove the wheels if your manual shows how.
7. Dry it fully, then check it
Leave everything to dry completely before you put it back together or fold it, because damp can lead to rust and mould. Then check the wheels turn freely and lock, and that the brakes and fold locks still work.
Folding it up afterwards
Not sure how your model folds back down once the fabrics are on? Find yours in our fold guides. Want to know the weight and size of your model? See our buggies pages.
Got one to sell instead?
A tidy pram helps, but you don't need to scrub it for us: we check and clean every buggy before it goes on sale. Get an instant price, with a free box and free FedEx collection (or DPD for the biggest prams), and we pay you within 48 hours of it passing our check. Get your price.