How to Clean a Highchair: Trays, Straps and Crumbs
By Joovy | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
A practical step-by-step guide to cleaning every part of your highchair—tray, straps, crevices, and reclining mechanisms—with tips to make mealtime cleanup faster.
Quick answer
Clean the tray and seat after every meal with a damp cloth and mild soap, then tackle straps and crevices weekly. For a deep clean, disassemble removable parts, wash straps by hand, and use a soft brush to lift crumbs from seams. Always check your manual for specific care instructions before soaking or machine washing.
Daily wipe-down: tray and seat surface
After each meal, remove the tray and wash it in the sink with warm water and dish soap. If your highchair has a reclinable seat, wipe the seat pad with a damp cloth and mild soap—do not soak the pad unless the manual says it's removable and washable. For plastic or metal frames, a simple wipe prevents sticky residue from hardening.
- Use a separate sponge or cloth for the tray to avoid spreading food bacteria.
- Don't use abrasive scrubbers on plastic trays; they can scratch and harbor germs.
Weekly strap and harness cleaning
Straps collect crumbs, milk, and puree. Check if your highchair's straps are removable. If they are, hand wash them in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely before reattaching. If they are not removable, scrub them with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then wipe with a clean wet cloth to remove residue. Never submerge the buckle in water—wipe it with a damp cloth and let it air dry.
- Avoid washing straps in the washing machine unless the manual explicitly allows it; agitation can weaken webbing.
- Test the buckle after cleaning to ensure it still clicks and locks securely.
Deep clean: crumbs, crevices, and reclining mechanisms
Once a month (or more often if you have a messy eater), remove the seat pad, tray, and any removable parts. Use a vacuum hose or a soft brush to lift crumbs from seams, the crotch post, and the reclining hinge area. For reclinable highchairs, check the manual for specific cleaning instructions around the recline mechanism—often a dry brush or compressed air is best to avoid moisture damage. Wipe all plastic and metal surfaces with a mild soap solution, then dry thoroughly.
- Don't spray cleaner directly into the recline mechanism; excess liquid can cause mold or rust.
- Pay attention to the area where the tray attaches—crumbs love to hide there.
Step-by-step highchair cleaning routine
- Clear and disassemble: Remove your child, then take off the tray, seat pad, and any removable toys or inserts. Check the manual for which parts are removable. Common mistake: forcing a part that isn't meant to come off—if it doesn't release easily, stop and check the manual.
- Wash the tray and seat pad: Wash the tray in the sink with warm soapy water. If the seat pad is machine washable, follow the care tag; otherwise, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Checkpoint: make sure the tray is completely dry before reattaching to prevent water from dripping into the seat.
- Clean straps and harness: Hand wash removable straps in warm soapy water, rinse well, and air dry. For non-removable straps, scrub with a damp soapy cloth, then wipe with a clean wet cloth. Wipe the buckle with a damp cloth only. Common mistake: soaking the buckle—this can rust springs or trap water, leading to mold.
- Brush and vacuum crumbs: Use a soft brush or vacuum hose to remove crumbs from seams, the crotch post, and the recline hinge. A dry toothbrush works well for tight spots. Checkpoint: pay extra attention to the recline mechanism—if your highchair reclines, crumbs can jam the gears.
- Wipe the frame and recline area: Wipe all plastic and metal parts with a mild soap solution and a microfiber cloth. For the recline mechanism, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Common mistake: spraying cleaner directly onto the recline joint—liquid can seep inside and cause mold or corrosion.
- Dry and reassemble: Let all parts air dry completely before putting the highchair back together. Ensure straps are fully dry to prevent mildew. Next step: once reassembled, test the buckle and tray lock to make sure everything is secure before the next meal.
Product facts
- Nook NB Highchair Compact Fold Reclinable Seat: The Nook NB Highchair has a swing-open tray that can be operated with one hand, and an adjustable recline with a supportive harness system. The one-hand tray makes it easier to remove for cleaning, and the reclining seat means you'll need to clean the recline mechanism carefully to avoid moisture damage.
