Washing an eco-leather stroller in a washing machine

Stroller manufacturers have begun to frequently use eco-leather as the main cover material, as it looks much more impressive than fabric. If a stain appears on the surface, it can be removed immediately with regular wet wipes. However, this method only works on fresh stains; ingrained dirt is more difficult to remove. How do you properly wash an eco-leather stroller, and is it safe? Will a washing machine damage this delicate material?

Is it acceptable to use a machine?

In appearance, eco-leather is very similar to regular leather, although they have different origins and characteristics. The synthetic material is produced by applying a polyurethane film to a fabric base. Machine or hand washing is prohibited for both natural and synthetic leather products. This is because there is a very high risk of damaging the item being cleaned.

To remove dirt, wipe the stroller material with a soft cloth soaked in a cleaning agent for delicate fabrics. It is better to choose solutions intended for use on natural leather. If your stroller has stubborn stains, you can clean it with 50% alcohol. However, caustic liquids should only be applied directly to the heavily soiled area.

After cleaning the cover, dry it thoroughly and then apply a special water-repellent product. Please note that chlorine-containing solutions and abrasive sponges are prohibited. These can permanently damage the stroller's natural or synthetic leather.

How to remove a difficult stain?

Stains on white or light-colored baby transport covers are especially difficult to remove. Delicate fabric cleaner and laundry soap may not help. In this case, soak the stained areas with a solution of one cup of water and one teaspoon of ammonia. Rinse and gently wipe with dishwashing liquid. Afterward, coat the faux leather with glycerin to make it soft and supple.

Glycerin will prevent the material from cracking after it has been cleaned and dried.

Remember that synthetic leather doesn't handle moisture well. Removing stubborn stains can take a lot of effort. First, wipe off all dust and light dirt from the stroller. Then, take some shaving foam, shake it well, and distribute it over the surface of the material, rubbing it into particularly dirty areas. After about 30 minutes, remove any remaining product with a soft brush.

If the stain does not come out

Folk remedies can be ineffective when dealing with stubborn stains. Since machine washing is prohibited, you'll need to purchase specialized cleaning fluids for faux leather. The selection is so vast that making the right choice can be challenging. Below is an overview of the most effective and cost-effective cleaning fluids for faux leather.

• The "Leather Cleaner" cream conditioner is designed for genuine and eco-leather. It effectively cleans dirty surfaces, adds shine, moisturizes, and protects against cracks, excessive dryness, and UV damage. It can be used on any item, including strollers. To achieve the desired effect, apply the product to the stain with a sponge or soft cloth and wipe off after 5 minutes. One liter of conditioner costs approximately $5.50.
• SarBio Favorite liquid detergent is used for cleaning synthetic and genuine leather, costing approximately $6.60 for 0.9 liters. It can be used for cleaning car interiors, furniture, and strollers. The product is available as a concentrate and can be diluted with water to the required ratio (as per the instructions). Its high concentration minimizes liquid consumption, allowing for significant savings. Furthermore, the cleaner is environmentally friendly, completely biodegradable in wastewater, and requires no additional disposal.
• Megasoft is a spray that effectively removes stains from genuine leather and imitation leather. It requires no subsequent rinsing or other removal. The price is quite reasonable—around $1.80 for 0.5 liters.

Important: Before purchasing, carefully read the cleaning product manufacturer's recommendations.

• Tarrago Leather Care Universal Cleaner is a premium liquid cleaner for genuine and faux leather, made in Italy. It helps combat not only fresh stains but also old ones. To clean, gently wipe the soiled areas and let dry. The cleaning liquid is expensive—$5.70 for a 125 ml bottle—but the manufacturer promises economical use thanks to the minimal amount needed to achieve the desired result.
• Glutoclean faux leather cleaner is suitable for all leather items. It effectively removes stubborn stains without drying out the surface. It can also be used to periodically refresh the eco-leather stroller cover. 0.75 liters of liquid product in the form of a spray will cost buyers approximately $6.70.
  
• SHIMA UNIVERSAL CLEANER is primarily designed for genuine leather, but it can also be used on imitation leather items. The cleaning elements gently and effectively remove any surface dirt. To do this, apply the product to the areas to be cleaned, wait a few minutes, and then rinse. 0.5 liters of cleaning fluid costs approximately $3.30.
• Charme Detergent, an active foam cleaning conditioner, is suitable for use on both new and aged surfaces. Its active ingredients easily remove even ingrained dirt, leaving leather soft and restoring its structure. To clean, apply the foam to the desired area and gently rub until it becomes a liquid, then blot with a clean cloth. This environmentally friendly product costs $6 for 150 ml.
• "Luxus Professional" is suitable for use on all types of leather and vinyl, and is quite affordable—around $2 for 0.5 liters. Available as a spray, it not only cleans but also has antibacterial and antistatic properties. It also helps preserve the appearance of your faux leather stroller, as it's also designed for polishing surfaces. After treatment, the materials become water- and dust-repellent. To clean faux leather, simply spray the product onto the dirty surface and wipe with a soft cloth.

There's a much wider range of cleaning products for faux leather. We've provided examples of the most popular and effective ones, but each buyer will need to choose based on their own preferences and budget. It's also important to strictly follow the stroller manufacturer's recommendations and the cleaning fluid's instructions. Improper use can irreparably damage the material's appearance, as faux leather requires delicate handling.

   

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