Is Mould on Prams Dangerous?

If you’ve pulled your pushchair out of the garage to discover it’s mouldy, you’re not alone.

Mould seems to love buggies and prams. They’re usually stored in dark places – garages, garden sheds, car boots, etc. – and are often put away damp after strolls in the rain.

The combination of darkness and dampness creates an environment where mould thrives.

But is mould on prams dangerous for your little one? The last thing you want to do is put your baby in a potentially harmful environment!

If mould is a risk, how can you remove the mould from your pushchair? And what can you do to avoid mould on your buddy in the first place?

Here we have all the answers to these questions and more, so that you can ensure your pram is a safe space for your little one.

 

Is Mould On Prams Dangerous for Babies?

Mould on prams, or any other baby equipment for that matter, can potentially be dangerous for your little one.

In fact, mould exposure is hazardous to everyone, but it poses a particular risk to infants as their immune and respiratory systems are still developing.

Here are just some of the health concerns that mould exposure can have on babies:

• Allergic reactions: Some babies are allergic to mould or the toxins released by mould on your pram. This can cause your child to sneeze, cough, or itch their eyes. Other signs of an allergic reaction include a runny nose and sore throat.
• Asthma attacks: Being around mould, either in your home or on a mouldy pram, can trigger an asthma attack in babies diagnosed with asthma. Asthma attacks can be potentially life-threatening as they make it difficult for your baby to breathe.
• General respiratory problems: Although babies with allergies or asthma are more likely to experience issues related to mould, all babies have the potential to develop general respiratory problems. Examples include coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
• Respiratory conditions: Mould can affect the immune system, which is already weaker in babies. A compromised immune system can lead to more serious respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Considering these potential dangers, it’s essential to address the issue promptly by cleaning your pram.

You should also follow proper storage practices to stop your buggy from getting mouldy in the future, ensuring these health risks don’t return.

If you have concerns or if your baby shows any signs of respiratory distress or allergy symptoms due to mould exposure, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

 

How Can You Get Mould Out of a Stroller?

If you have a mouldy pushchair, don’t rush out and buy a new buggy immediately. Proper cleaning techniques allow you to get mould out of a stroller relatively easily.

However, the process involves thorough cleaning and disinfection to ensure the buggy is safe for your baby.

Below is a step-by-step pram-cleaning method that you can try today. We recommend taking your pushchair outside before starting, helping to limit the spread of mould spores around your home.

Working outside also protects you from breathing in the mould, but you can also wear a mask and gloves for extra protection.

Once you’re ready, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Brush and vacuum off loose mould

Use a soft brush to gently brush off any loose mould from the surfaces of your pram. You can then follow by vacuuming the pushchair thoroughly to remove loose mould spores and debris that are slightly more stuck to the surface. Use the nozzle attachment to work into all corners of the pram.

Some types of mould are easier to remove than others, so the amount you can remove through brushing/vacuuming largely depends on the mould you face.

White mould may be brushed off, whereas black mould is more challenging to remove. Don’t fret – any remaining mould will be eliminated in the following steps.

 

Step 2: Remove and launder fabric parts

Take apart any removable fabric parts such as seat covers, canopies, and padding according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

These fabric parts are the most likely places where mould spores have settled and grown and can be washed separately, either:

• In the washing machine: If the fabric parts are machine washable, put them in the washing machine and choose an appropriate cycle according to the care label. Use a mild detergent that is safer for babies, and consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash. Vinegar can help kill mould and so provides extra cleaning power.
• Washing by hand: If the fabric parts cannot be machine washed, hand wash them using a mixture of mild detergent and water. Scrub gently to remove the mould from the fabric (see our guide to hand washing for more help). Again, try adding white vinegar into the mix to help remove stubborn mould from the fabric.

Mould can be hard to remove, so you might need to repeat the washing process several times before the mould is completely eradicated.

 

Step 3: Disinfect the pushchair

Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a clean microfibre cloth, then use the cloth to wipe down the surfaces of the pushchair that haven’t been washed already.

Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, meaning it can help remove and kill any remaining mould spores.

While vinegar isn’t technically a disinfectant, it can kill bacteria and is a baby-safe alternative for anyone wanting a milder cleaning solution.

Make sure you wipe down any non-removable fabric parts, the frame of the stroller, and any other non-fabric surfaces with your chosen solution.

Afterwards, wipe down these places again using a damp cloth to remove any vinegar/hydrogen peroxide remnants. Then, inspect the pushchair thoroughly to make sure all mould is removed.

You may need to repeat the disinfecting process if you still notice mould.

 

Step 4: Sun exposure

We usually advise against drying items in direct sunlight, as this can cause colour fading.

However, when removing mould, sun exposure is a good thing. Sunlight has natural mould-killing properties and helps to eliminate any remaining spores.

After you have washed the detachable fabric parts of the pram, allow it to air-dry outside in direct sunlight.

You can also place the frame of the pushchair outside after washing to ensure it is thoroughly disinfected and safe for your little one. Ensure the buggy is completely dry after cleaning to help prevent mould from returning.

 

How Do You Prevent Mould From Developing in a Pram?

Cleaning mould from your pram makes it safe for your baby to use. However, you can’t stop there! You must also work to prevent the mould from returning.

Yes, you can clean the stroller again if it gets mouldy, but trust us – mould prevention is much easier than mould removal.

Here are some tips to help you prevent mould growth on a pram:

• Clean the pram regularly, especially if it has been exposed to moisture (such as rain or spills). Wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent or washing-up liquid and water solution.
• After cleaning or if the pram gets wet, make sure it dries completely before returning it to storage. Mould thrives in damp environments, so proper drying is crucial to prevent it from developing while away in storage.
• Avoid keeping the pram in enclosed spaces where air circulation is limited or in areas prone to humidity, such as garages and basements. Instead, store it in a well-ventilated area. If space permits, you could even hang the stroller on a wall.
• If you decide to store your pram outside, consider using a pram cover to protect it from the elements and reduce the risk of moisture accumulation.
• Ensure that the storage area itself is clean and free from mould and mildew. Clean the space regularly to prevent mould spores from settling on the pram. These mould cleaners can help, but you will also want to fix underlying causes like dampness or condensation.
• Regularly inspect the pram for any signs of mould. If you notice any, address the issue promptly using the cleaning methods mentioned earlier. If you cannot remove the mould, consider approaching a professional cleaning company.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing mould and ensuring a healthy environment for your baby. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can create a less friendly environment for mould to help keep your pram mould-free in the future.