How Do We Clean a Car Seat? Six Things to Watch Before and After You Send It In

Last updated: 24 October 2026 | This article is based on EN Laundry’s currently published collection, quoting and treatment processes, and will be updated if the rules change.

When you send an infant car seat for cleaning, you can start by checking six things: whether you photographed it before taking it apart, how the harness is treated, what detergent is used, whether it is fully dry before it is put back together, whether it is checked against the photos after assembly, and how the child will travel during the days it is being cleaned. An EN Laundry car-seat clean usually takes about 5–7 business days, or about 10–14 business days if it is sent by courier.

1. Photograph it before you take it apart

Each brand’s fabric cover comes apart differently. Photograph the original state before dismantling, including how the harness is threaded, and put it back the same way.

2. The harness is only cleaned locally

Soaking the webbing in water can affect fibre strength, so we don’t soak or rub it — only a local treatment. For the service life of the harness and any replacement rules, follow the car-seat manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Choose a low-allergen detergent

Children chew, lick and spend the whole day breathing close to the seat. We recommend a low-allergen detergent and a thorough rinse, with no sharp fragrance left behind.

4. Reassemble only when it is fully dry

If it is put back together before it is fully dry, it can go moldy and smell within a couple of days. In the rainy season it may take an extra day or two; we’ll say so when we take it in.

5. Compare again after assembly

Once it is assembled, we compare it with the photos taken before dismantling, and only notify you for collection once it is back as it was.

6. How to travel during the days it is being cleaned

We suggest sending it in during a period when you go out less, or booking collection and return times in advance, so you avoid days when you need the car.

Q1. I can’t put the car seat back together myself. Can I still send it in?

Yes — you don’t have to do it yourself. We photograph it before dismantling, and after cleaning and drying we put it back as it was, including the way the harness is threaded and how tight it is.

Q2. Can a five-point harness be cleaned?

Yes, but we don’t soak or rub it in water; we treat it with a local clean.

Q3. If it’s very dirty, can it still be saved?

Milk stains, baby food, vomit and mold can usually be treated. Send a photo on LINE first; we’ll look at the condition and then tell you how far we can take it.

Q4. Can I send a carrier and a floor mat at the same time?

Yes — sending them together saves a trip. We count and inspect them with you when we take them in, and only then quote. See theCar seats and strollerspage.

Further reading

• Mold on a car safety seat
• For a child’s health, have a car seat cleaned at least once a year