How to Clean and Maintain Your Bugaboo or Cybex Gear

Cleaning Other Bugaboo and Cybex Accessories

Quick Answer: Accessories like rain covers, diaper bags, and car seat adapters need different cleaning methods—most of them are easier to clean than you think, as long as you don’t rush the process.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably tossed a sticky cup holder in the sink or wiped down a rain cover in a hurry after a muddy stroll. But not all stroller accessories can take rough handling. Here’s how I clean mine without ruining them—and the small mistakes I’ve learned to avoid along the way.

Rain Covers

My Experience: After a drizzly weekend hike, I balled up the rain cover and forgot about it in the stroller basket. A week later? It smelled like a damp basement

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Problem: Trapped moisture causes mildew and that awful musty smell.

Solution:

• Rinse the cover with warm water and mild soap.
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• Hang it open to air dry completely—avoid storing it damp.
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• For stubborn odors, spray with a vinegar-water mix, then rinse and dry again.

Snippet-ready: Always dry your rain cover fully before storing to avoid mold and musty smells.

Diaper Bags and Cup Holders

My Experience: Crumbs, spilled milk, and mystery gunk—my diaper bag has seen it all.

Problem: Buildup of bacteria and sticky residue inside pouches and cup holders.

Solution:

• Empty all compartments.
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• Hand wash fabric bags with baby-safe soap and a cloth.
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• For plastic cup holders, soak in warm soapy water and use a bottle brush to scrub.
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• Air dry everything thoroughly.

Snippet-ready: Clean diaper bags by hand with mild soap and let them air dry to keep them safe and mold-free.

Bassinet Inserts and Car Seat Adapters

My Experience: I once tossed a bassinet insert into the washer—and it came out lumpy and misshapen.

Problem: Not all inserts are machine-washable; rough washing can ruin the padding.

Solution:

• Always check the care label.
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• If allowed, machine wash on a delicate cycle in cold water.
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• Otherwise, spot clean with a microfiber cloth and soapy water.
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• Let it air dry flat to maintain its shape.
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• For adapters: Wipe down with a damp cloth—avoid soaking or using harsh cleaners.

Snippet-ready: Spot clean bassinet inserts and never soak car seat adapters to preserve structure and safety.

Modular Accessories (Footmuffs, Travel Bags, Organizers)

My Experience: Footmuffs are winter lifesavers—but they collect everything from sand to snack dust.

Problem: Embedded dirt, lingering odors, and fabric wear if not cleaned correctly.

Solution:

• Shake out loose debris first.
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• Vacuum crumbs from seams and pockets.
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• Wash footmuffs and soft accessories per the care label.
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• Spot clean where needed and always air dry.
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• For travel bags, wipe down handles and wheels after flights.

Snippet-ready: Shake, vacuum, and air dry modular stroller accessories to keep them fresh and long-lasting.

My Personal Experience with Cleaning Bugaboo and Cybex Gear

Real-life lessons from messy snack explosions, muddy walks, and rookie mistakes.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t always clean my stroller the “right” way. Back when my toddler was in full snack-mode—think crushed crackers and spilled milk daily—I learned the hard way that regular cleaning isn’t optional. From shrinking a seat liner in the dryer (oops) to finding mold in a rain cover I forgot to dry, I’ve made just about every stroller cleaning mistake a parent can make. But over time, I figured out what actually works.

Here are some of my favorite hacks, plus a few hard-earned lessons to help you avoid the same mess.

Hack #1 – Vacuum First, Always

The easiest way to remove crumbs and dirt before washing.

Problem: I used to wipe first, then find soggy crumbs stuck in seams. It made everything messier.

Solution: Now I always vacuum snack crumbs before touching water. A handheld vacuum or the brush attachment on your main vacuum works great. It’s quick and saves time later.

Snippet-ready: Vacuum your stroller before wiping to prevent sticky buildup and make cleaning easier.

Hack #2 – Air Dry Everything (Even If You’re Tired)

It’s tempting to toss things in the dryer—but don’t.

Problem: I ruined a Bugaboo seat liner by putting it in the dryer. It shrank and didn’t fit right anymore.

Solution: Now I always air dry every part, no matter how late it is. I hang liners over a chair or drying rack overnight. It preserves the shape and keeps the fabric soft.

Snippet-ready: Always air dry stroller fabrics to avoid shrinking and keep their shape.

Hack #3 – Never Soak Harness Straps

Some things shouldn’t go in the tub—no matter how dirty they are.

Problem: I once soaked the harness straps thinking it would clean them faster. Turns out, soaking can weaken the internal safety fibers.

Solution: Now I use a damp cloth and a little baby-safe soap. A quick wipe gets rid of dirt without risking damage.

Snippet-ready: Wipe stroller harness straps with a damp cloth—never soak them, or you might weaken their safety strength.

Hack #4 – Set a “Cleaning Day” Reminder

One small routine can save your gear.

Problem: I used to forget to clean until something smelled… off.

Solution: Now I set a reminder on my phone once a month. It takes just 10 minutes to wipe things down, vacuum crumbs, and check the frame for rust or loose parts.

Snippet-ready: Set a monthly reminder to clean your stroller and prevent long-term damage.

Bonus Hack – Keep a Mini Kit in the Trunk

Because messes always happen on the go.

What’s Inside:

• A microfiber cloth
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• A travel-size spray bottle with mild soap + water
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• A small towel
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• Baby wipes

This little kit has saved me more times than I can count—especially during surprise snack explosions at the park.

Snippet-ready: Keep a travel cleaning kit in your car for quick stroller cleanups on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)