Backwards WFMW: How can I salvage my infant car seat?

Today is not really BACKWARDS WFMW, but we’re posting it as that today anyways, because I need some advice!

So here’s the deal… we loaned our infant car seat to some friends, and upon its return, they told us they had been storing it in close proximity to moth balls.

Now I don’t know exactly what dangers moth balls pose to infants, but I do want to make sure I give this car seat a thorough scrubbing before putting our 2-day-old kiddo into it.

My question is two-fold… or actually three-fold.

a) What’s the best way for me to clean it?
b) Should I buy a new cover for it? (And if so, where can I find one that doesn’t cost as much as the bleeping carseat?)
3) Is it worth saving/cleaning or should I just get a new one?

I am VERY perplexed by this situation and I welcome any and all suggestions and comments. Thanks so much!

For WFMW tips from those who don’t need as much help as I do, visit Rocks in My Dryer!

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7 Replies to “Backwards WFMW: How can I salvage my infant car seat?”

  1. You can have mine if you want. Abby is almost out of it and she is our last tiny baby. It is Graco Windsor.

  2. Take the cover and straps off and wash them in the washer in cold water with a mild detergent and NO fabric softener. Then you should just have the plastic base with foam attached to the head/seat part, and scrub that down with some dish soap.

    Or at least that’s how I washed mine….it made it through 4 kids!

  3. Check your manual, assuming you kept it. If you didn’t, go to the company’s website and you should be able to find a PDF version of the manual. I know for my infant seat, certain parts were machine washable and some weren’t. As for if it’s worth it…..that depends on the seat. We paid close to $300 for our infant seat (It’s a Britax), so HECK YES I’d clean it!!! 🙂

  4. About a 1/2 cup of baking soda in your rinse cycle is usually good about removing odors. It may also work or the hard shell of it. But as far as the straps go DO NOT wash them in the washer. This breaks down the fibers in them. You can hand wash them and lay them flat to dry or order a new set from the manufacturer.

  5. I don’t know about the moth ball issue, but as a Child Safety Seat Technician, I would ask how long it was stored and where. If it was in the sun or heat (like an attic) for much time at all, the plastic could be compromised and it is not safe to use.

  6. Washing anything with white vinegar takes odors out like a gem. I always put a cup or so into my load of towels. No mildewy smell! But if you don’t want to do that or it doesn’t work…I think I’ve seen carseat covers for sale at Babies R Us. It might not match the rest of the travel system (if that’s what you have), but at least it’ll be new.

  7. Hey! If you look up carseatjunky on CafeMom she can help you…. BTW My old account got deleted so I will add you to my friends on my new account……..

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