Items We Cannot Clean

What to look for: Run your fingers along the full length of each strap, including the parts hidden behind the seat.

We cannot clean a seat with fraying on the harness, crotch buckle, or tether. Any indication of fraying, cuts, or damage to the harness system is considered a serious safety concern.

This includes the:

• Harness straps
• Crotch buckle area
• Tether strap

These parts are designed to restrain a child during a crash. Damage or deterioration will affect the way the restraint system functions when it is needed most.

Some manufacturers offer replacement harnesses or other approved replacement components for certain models. Others may require the entire seat to be retired.

What to do next: Contact the manufacturer to see what they advise and whether the seat or replacement parts are still covered under warranty.

What to look for: Check the headrest and the surrounding foam for cracks, breaks, or missing pieces.

The foam inside and around the headrest is an important part of the seat's design and protection system.

If the foam is broken, cracked, missing, or significantly damaged, we cannot assume that taping, gluing, or otherwise repairing it is allowed by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers may provide temporary instructions for certain types of damage while a replacement part or seat is obtained. However, other manufacturers may instruct you to discontinue use immediately when damaged foam is discovered.

If possible, inspect the seat carefully before pickup. Check the headrest and surrounding foam for cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or other visible damage.

What to do next: If damage is discovered, please call the manufacturer so they can determine whether an approved replacement part, repair, or warranty option is available.

What to look for: Look for fuzzy or speckled spots or a musty smell, especially under the cover and along the straps.

We cannot clean a car seat or stroller when there is mold present.

The products and processes strong enough to eliminate mold will degrade or damage the materials used in the item. Because of this, manufacturers do not approve the use of mold-killing chemicals or treatments on their products.

We cannot use a cleaning method that has not been approved by the manufacturer because it could compromise the integrity of the materials.

We do not want to put your child's health at risk through continued exposure to mold.

What to do next: If mold is discovered, please call the manufacturer so they can determine whether an approved replacement part, repair, or warranty option is available.

What to look for: The date is usually on a sticker or stamped into the plastic on the back or bottom of the seat, and in the manual.

Car seats have expiration dates for a reason. Over time, the materials and components used in a car seat can age and deteriorate through factors such as:

• Heat exposure
• Sun/UV exposure
• Temperature changes
• Wear on materials and components

Once a car seat has reached its expiration date, it can no longer be used, even if it looks clean and appears to be in good condition.

What to do next: An expired seat should be retired according to the manufacturer's recommendations and replaced with an appropriate current seat.

What to look for: A sharp ammonia smell that lingers or returns in warm or humid weather, even after the item has been wiped down.

We cannot clean a car seat or stroller that has been soiled with cat urine.

Cat urine soaks deep into fabric, harness webbing, padding, and foam, and it leaves behind residue that the gentle, manufacturer-approved cleaning methods cannot fully remove. Even when an item looks and smells clean at first, the odor commonly returns with heat and humidity.

The products that are effective against cat urine, such as enzyme treatments, vinegar or other acidic soaks, and strong deodorizers, are not approved by manufacturers. Soaking or chemically treating a harness or foam can weaken the materials that protect your child in a crash.

Because we cannot use a cleaning method that has not been approved by the manufacturer, and the approved methods will not resolve the problem, we are unable to accept these items.

What to do next: Please call the manufacturer to ask whether replacement covers, harnesses, padding, or foam are available for your model, or whether the item should be replaced.