Cleaning a car seat can be a fear for most parents, finding a chicken nugget still in good nick from 1980 is one of the pleasant surprises! Here is a quick, generic guide that is compatible with most car seat manufacturer guidelines, but as always - check your car seat's manuals for specific cleaning instructions.
To remove the cover, follow your manuals instructions to prevent any tears or irreparable damage. It's a great idea to take stacks of photos and notes during the process because by the time you're ready to put it back together you'll more than likely have forgotten a harness pathway or little cover pad somewhere.
Most child seat covers nowadays are gentle wash friendly and sometimes even dryer friendly but be sure to check the label before you start. It's best to take out any crumbs or small pieces of crackers - your washer filter will thank you! You can vacuum the cover and shake off all the remains until the last visible piece is out.
Whether you hand wash or use the washer, only use cold water and mild soap. Don’t use any harmful cleaners such as bleach because you don't want to cause any damage. Don't forget: If using the washer, set it on gentle and ensure that any hook and loop attachment strips are connected (along with any other cover attachments).
To dry the covers, lay it flat or hang it straight to prevent the covers from warping out of shape. Should you instruction manual use the dryer, then tumble dry on low setting in no more than 10 minutes and hang them to complete drying.
Finally - Re-attach the cover following the child seat manual (Or according to your incredibly detailed photos and note taking skills). Don't forget to check for any damage and if you are having difficulty, you can always reach out to your seat's manufacturer for assistance.
Quick Tips
Some child seats have cup holders/accessories that are removable to make it easier to clean (Check these are dishwasher safe before running them through the dishwasher though, most can be simply wiped down with a baby wipe)
Sometimes the greatest vacuums can't pull out all the crumbs from the crevice's of the seats so you may need to take the whole seat out and shake it upside down.
If your cover is too difficult to clean then you may be able get a replacement cover directly from the manufacturer.
Always wipe clean parts of your little one’s car seat whenever you can to ensure any grime and stains will not become a part of the car safety seat.
Always refer to your child seat's user guide for specific instructions