Stroller maintenance: cleaning, lubrication and storage
A pram is a tool you use daily in all weather conditions, yet most parents only attend to it when something starts squeaking. Regular but simple maintenance can extend the pram's lifespan by years, and when it comes time to sell, you will see the difference in the price. Here is an overview of what to spend a few minutes on each month.
Cleaning of upholstery and chassis
Most premium brands (Cybex, Bugaboo, Joolz, Stokke) have removable and washable textile parts, usually at 30 °C on a gentle cycle or by hand. Before removing the cover, check the label to see if it is machine washable or requires hand washing only, for some materials (such as waxed canvas on Bugaboo), a washing machine will damage the fabric.
- Clean minor stains promptly with a damp cloth and mild soap before they dry, dried stains are harder to remove.
- Allow the pram and mattress to air regularly, preferably in the sun, which also helps with moisture.
- Mould in the corners of the basket indicates that the pram was stored damp, dry it thoroughly and store it differently next time (see below).
Lubrication and undercarriage care
Joints and folding mechanisms dry out over time and begin to squeak or grind. Solution:
- Silicone spray for pivot joints and folding mechanisms: silicone attracts less dust than conventional oil
- Avoid using standard engine oil - attracts dirt and over time is more likely to clog the mechanism than lubricate it
- Screw inspection - From time to time tighten visible screws and nuts, as vibrations gradually loosen them during use.
Winter operation: salt and gritting
Sidewalk grit and salt are more demanding on wheels and brake mechanisms than ordinary water or mud, salt accelerates corrosion of metal parts and gets into bearings. After a winter walk, it is worth at least wiping the wheels with a damp cloth, or rinsing them with lukewarm water without pressure washing, which would instead force water and salt deeper into the mechanism. Therefore, lubricate the undercarriage somewhat more frequently in winter than in summer.
Wheel and bearing service
The wheels bear the entire weight of the pram and are the most heavily stressed component. For pneumatic tyres, check the pressure as you would for a bicycle: an under-inflated tyre wears out faster and is harder to manoeuvre. Regarding bearings: if a wheel rattles when spun or does not rotate smoothly, clean off any dirt and lubricate it, or replace it, replacement bearings and complete wheels are readily available for all five monitored brands.
Clean the brake mechanism of mud and sand, which most commonly get into it: a clogged brake holds less effectively and in the worst case fails precisely when you need it most.
Storage between seasons or children
If you are putting a pram away for a while: between children or out of season: a few rules apply:
- Store in a dry place, ideally at room temperature, not in a damp cellar or an unheated garage.
- Wash textiles before storage and allow them to dry completely, damp fabric in an enclosed space will develop mould within weeks.
- Lightly grease the chassis before long-term storage, not after.
- Leave the pram partially unfolded if space permits, permanently compressing the joints to their maximum accelerates wear.
Maintenance will be returned upon sale.
A pram in clean, lubricated and working condition sells faster and at a significantly better price on the second-hand market than a neglected item of the same age. Buyers during inspection assess exactly what we describe above, smooth wheel movement, clean upholstery without odour and a frame free of corrosion. An article describes how such an inspection looks from the buyer's perspective. Second-hand pram from a marketplace: what to watch out for.
How much you can realistically ask for a well-maintained pram is shown in the article. How much does a branded pram cost.