The Phil and Ted Lobster high chair is an ingeniously designed portable high chair that is perfect for use at home or on-the-go. Its versatile design allows it to clamp onto most tables, making it easy to have your little one join the family at mealtimes.
However, with frequent use, it’s inevitable that your Lobster chair will get dirty and will need a thorough cleaning Cleaning this chair properly is important to keep your baby safe and healthy In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of cleaning a Phil and Ted Lobster high chair step-by-step.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Lobster Chair
Babies and toddlers can get pretty messy during mealtimes! Food and drinks often end up all over the chair Things like spaghetti sauce, pureed veggies, and milk can leave behind grime and stains
If you don’t clean this gunk off regularly, it can build up over time. This not only looks unappealing, but it can also harbor harmful bacteria that could make your child sick.
Additionally, stuck-on food and dried liquids can make the straps and buckles hard to adjust. Cleaning the chair helps keep all the pieces working properly and allows you to securely fasten your little one in.
By taking the time to thoroughly clean all parts of the chair, you promote good hygiene and ensure your baby’s safety. The peace of mind is well worth the effort!
Supplies You’ll Need
Before getting started, you’ll want to gather the following cleaning supplies:
- Mild liquid dish soap or baby-safe cleaning spray
- Washcloths or soft-bristle scrub brushes
- Bucket or sink basin for washing
- Towels for drying
- Tool to detach fabric from frame (included with chair)
- Disinfecting wipes (optional)
Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the plastic and fabric. Stick to gentle cleaners suitable for baby products.
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to dig in!
Step 1: Remove the Plastic Tray
The first piece to tackle is the removable plastic tray. This component likely bears the brunt of the mess from your child’s meals.
Removing the tray is easy. Just lift it up and out from the clamps attached to the chair.
Give the tray a thorough cleaning by hand or in the dishwasher. Use warm soapy water to scrub off dried food and stains.
Rinse until all soap residue is gone. Allow the tray to air dry completely before reattaching it to the chair.
Step 2: Spot Clean the Fabric Seat and Straps
Next up is wiping down the fabric seat, shoulder straps, waist strap, and crotch strap. These areas often get grimy from contact with your child’s clothes and hands.
Dip a washcloth in your mild soap solution and wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping. Gently rub it over the fabric pieces to lift up fresh stains.
For dried-on messes, allow the soapy cloth to soak on the area for a few minutes to soften the gunk. Then gently scrub it away.
Rinse the soap off with a clean damp cloth. Spot treat any remaining stains by rubbing them with the soap directly. Let the fabric air dry before using the chair again.
Step 3: Remove and Hand Wash Fabric Seat
While regular spot cleaning is fine for most messes, the Lobster’s fabric seat can be completely removed for a deep clean as needed.
Use the special tool included with your chair to detach the fabric seat portion from the frame. Then soak the fabric in a basin or bucket filled with warm water and a small amount of detergent. Allow it to soak for 15-30 minutes.
Agitate the fabric by gently swishing it around in the soapy water. This helps lift stains and buildup.
Drain the dirty water and refill your basin with clean water for rinsing. Rinse several times until all soap residue is removed.
Do not put the fabric in your washing machine as this risks damaging it. Air dry the fabric thoroughly before reattaching it to the frame.
Step 4: Clean the Frame and Clamps
Now let’s focus on the metal and plastic parts of the Lobster. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the legs, joints, and clamps too.
Wipe down these components with a wet soapy cloth. Use a soft brush to gently scrub stuck-on bits of food or baby drool.
Rinse everything with a clean wet cloth and thoroughly dry all parts with a towel. This prevents rust from developing.
Step 5: Sanitize Contact Points
As a final step for a super thorough cleaning, consider using baby-safe sanitizing wipes on key contact points. These include the tray, straps, buckles, and clamps.
This kills any lingering germs and helps prevent the spread of illnesses like cold, flu, or stomach bugs. It’s an optional step but highly recommended, especially during cold season.
Let all sanitized areas air dry fully before using the chair. And just like that – your Lobster is ready for your little lobster to sit in again!
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Chair Clean
Here are a few more pointers to help keep your Lobster chair clean for the long run:
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Remove debris after each use – Quickly wipe up crumbs, drips, and spills after taking your child out of the chair. This prevents staining and crusty buildup later.
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Vacuum around straps – Use a handheld vacuum or small brush to suck up dirt and debris around buckles and straps as needed.
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Wash removable fabric cover frequently – Don’t just spot clean. Remove and wash the fabric cover every week or two to keep it fresh.
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Check for mold – Inspect crevices for any black or white mold growth. This can happen if stored wet. Kill mold with a bleach cleaner.
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Use chair tray liner – Use a disposable liner or placemat on the tray to contain some of the mess during feedings. Swap it out after each use.
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Store properly – When not in use, keep the chair in a dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents fading and damage.
How Often Should You Clean the Lobster Chair?
You’ll need to clean your Lobster high chair about once a week with regular use. But each family’s needs will be a bit different.
Here are some signs it’s definitely time to give the chair a scrub down:
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Visible stains on the fabric or tray that didn’t come off with spot cleaning
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Lingering food or liquid odors
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Dirt buildup in crevices and corners
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Sticky spots or spills
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Grimy ring around legs from floor contact
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Mold/mildew growth if stored wet
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Food bits in cracks causing ants or other pests
Trust your senses – if parts look or smell unclean, it’s cleaning time!
Cleaning FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about cleaning the popular Phil and Ted Lobster chair:
Can I put the Lobster chair in the washing machine?
No, the entire chair should never be submerged or put in the washing machine. But the fabric seat portion can be removed and hand washed as needed.
What about using bleach or other harsh chemicals?
Avoid bleach, ammonia, acetone, and other harsh cleaners. They can degrade the plastic and fabric over time. Stick to mild soap and water.
How do I get caked-on food out of the cracks?
Use an old toothbrush, soft-bristle brush, or scraper tool to gently pry off stuck-on food debris in crevices before washing.
What’s the best way to get stinky odors out?
A diluted vinegar solution helps deodorize the plastic tray and fabric seat. Wash them with vinegar mixed with a bit of soap and water.
Can I use a steam cleaner on the chair?
Yes, you can use a handheld low-pressure steam cleaner to sanitize the plastic and metal parts of the frame. Avoid direct steam on the fabric.
What if mold is growing on the chair?
Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and wipe down any moldy areas using gloves and ventilation. Rinse thoroughly. Prevent mold by fully drying after washing.
Enjoy This Versatile High Chair for Years to Come
The Phil and Ted Lobster chair is designed to provide comfort and convenience for families on-the-move. With the useful tips in this article, you can keep your Lobster looking and smelling fresh for your baby to use for years to come.
Remember to fully wash the fabric seat cover every week or two. Wipe down the plastic tray and spot clean messes after each use. Occasionally sanitize all contact points to kill germs.
By regularly cleaning your Lobster high chair properly, you can have peace of mind that your child is safe from bacteria and unpleasant buildup. Keeping it clean will also maintain the function and extend the lifespan of this useful baby gear item.
Here’s to many healthy and happy meals with your little one in their stylish, clean Lobster chair!