Quick! Why can't straps be submerged in water?

ADS

Pixels

New member
They can be submerged in at least some cases.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but some manufacturers put submerging the straps in the cleaning instructions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kac

msg221

Well-known member
I thought that most manufacturers only recommend wiping down the straps with a damp cloth - no machine washing, no submerging because it can weaken the straps, causing them to fail in a crash.

As always, I would say read the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning the harness straps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kac

Keeyamah

Active member
They can be submerged.

I thought, and I'm pretty sure I've read here several times, that submerging them in water will weaken the strength of the fibers weave. But that a quick rinse/run under the faucet won't. Am I wrong? Of course, everything is dependent on manufacturers (would be nice if they'd all get together and agree, wouldn't it?)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kac

msg221

Well-known member
Just looking at a few manufacturer's product guides and this is what I have found:


Britax: Cleaning the Harness
• SPONGE CLEAN the harness using warm water and mild soap.
• TOWEL DRY
• DO NOT:
* Disassemble the harness
* Bleach
* Machine wash
* Machine dry
* Iron


Graco:

Harness Straps
Spot clean with mild soap and water.


Evenflo:

The harness can be wiped clean with mild soap and
water. Allow harness to air dry.


I just stripped down the FR85 and Graco Argos that Nour & Zain had in their mom's vehicle before she switched them to boosters so I could clean them. They have been sitting in the garage for months and hadn't been cleaned in forever. Anyway, I just got a new sponge out and ran it under warm water and used a tiny bit of soap and just wiped them down. I wiped the entire shell down with soap and water as well then used a toothbrush to get the gunk out of the crevices of the seat. This is why I don't allow the kids to eat in my car, in their seats if I can help it! It's amazing where food and drink end up under the cover! I machine washed the covers on delicate and hung them up to dry. The seats look brand new again. They are in my car right now because I put my FR90 and my (clean) Argos in my friend's vehicle because she was going on a 12 hour road trip with the kids and I insisted she use the harnessed seats and not the boosters, especially because she was having to drive them alone. Nour does not sit properly 100% of the time and I knew they would go to sleep in the car as well because they were going to be driving at night. Anyway, I needed seats for this weekend because we are taking Katelyn & Owen overnight tomorrow night so I took the FR85 and the Argos.
 

Kecia

Admin - CPST Instructor
The only issue with soaking the harness (and why they don't want you to do that) is that they're afraid you'll put the straps back on the seat before they're fully dry and that could be a problem in a crash. Water can't hurt harness webbing but crashing with the straps wet could have negative consequences.

HTH!
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top