How To Clean High Chair Straps: Step By Step

You will need:

• Detergent
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Soft brush
• Bleach (optional)
• A disinfecting/ sterilizing solution like Milton

Cleaning removable high chair straps

If the straps of your baby’s high chair are removable, such as the Stokke high chair, follow these simple steps.

1. Remove the straps

2. If using a washing machine, put the straps in the wash bag and throw it into the machine.

3. If washing by hand, first soak the straps in hot water with appropriate detergent for some time or overnight. You can add baking soda or white vinegar to facilitate stain removal or bad odor. Then take a soft brush and gently scrub off to remove dirt and loosen build-up.

4. In case of any stubborn stains, use bleach. However, some manufacturers may be against the use of bleaching agents on straps, depending on the material used. Thus, make sure you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions prior to cleaning.

5. Rinse the straps thoroughly to remove any traces of the detergent and bleach.

6. Sterilize/disinfect the straps. You can use white vinegar, Milton solution, or any other disinfectant you may have at home that is safe to use on kids’ items.

7. Hang the straps outside to dry

Cleaning non-removable high chair straps

If the straps cannot be detached from the high chair, the following steps will be of great help.

1. Take the high chair outside

2. Soak the straps while still attached to the chair in dish soap or detergent. You can achieve this by dipping a cloth in soapy water and rubbing it on the straps.

3. Let the straps soak for some time so that all the dry food can soften.

4. Take a soft brush and start scrubbing the straps, paying special attention to stained areas.

5. If allowed by the manufacturer, use a bleaching agent to remove any stubborn stains.

6. Rinse off thoroughly with water and leave the chair to dry in the sun.

7. Sterilize the straps

8. It is not possible to clean the straps without getting water onto the cover. Thus, if possible, wash the cover too before rinsing off the straps. Also, remember to wipe the rest of the chair to prevent mold and rust on the metal parts.

At times, you may think that your high chair straps are not removable, yet with a little gentle force, they may come out.

Here is a video showing you how to remove and clean high chair straps.

Related article: Correct Use of Baby Bath Tub With Sling

Q. How often should to clean the high chair and straps

It is important to clean a high chair regularly so as not to harbor bacteria. The spilled food stuck on the chair or the straps can result in the growth of mold or bacteria and become a health hazard.

According to a recent study on germs on high chairs, restaurant high chairs harbor more bacteria than the average public toilet seat. This is attributed to poor cleaning by the restaurant staff. Children are likely to become ill if they come into frequent contact with such dirty seats.

Medical professionals, therefore, recommend that you should thoroughly clean and sterilize your baby’s highchair or booster seat regularly (at least twice a month). However, you should wipe the chair after each meal to prevent buildup and food stains that may not come off easily when they dry.

Q. How to clean a high chair cover

Apart from routinely washing the straps, you will also need to wash the high chair cover. The mess created during meals often leaves the cover full of food crumbs or stains that should be cleaned.

The easiest way is to remove the cover and toss it into the washing machine. If the cover has vinyl, take extra care and wash it in cold water, then hang it to dry.

Sometimes, your baby may throw up on the cover. To get rid of the vomit smell, you may have to use baking soda or white vinegar. Soak the cover in a solution of white vinegar or baking soda in water to neutralize the smell, then wash it in the machine.

Q. How to clean a high chair tray

A high chair tray is very easy to clean. If it is not too messy, you can wipe it down with a soft cloth using water and dish soap.

You can also use a high chair cleaner spray, then wipe the tray with a wet paper towel. Then disinfect using vinegar since it is safe, natural, and has sanitizing properties.

See also: Best Wooden High Chairs for Toddlers in 2026: Durable & Kid-Friendly Options

This article has provided a detailed guide on how to clean high chair straps, both removable and non-removable, the high chair tray, and the cover.

Apart from cleaning the straps, it is important to wipe the chair after every meal as well as have a deep clean every month or after every two weeks. This helps to protect your child from health complications that may occur as a result of bacteria or mold that grows on dirty high chairs.

Related Article: Is Your Child Too Old for a High Chair?