How to Clean Car Oil from a Pram

If you store your baby’s pram in the garage, chances are you could get motor oil on the fabric. Use the methods below to remove the oil stains.

• An oil stain freshener (select one):
• Baby oil
• Vegetable glycerin
• An oil-absorbing powder (select one):
• Baby powder
• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Sawdust
• A grease-cutting cleaner (select one):
• Dish soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Rubbing alcohol

1. If the stain is old or dried, you can freshen the stain with some baby oil or vegetable glycerin (in liquid form). Place several drops on the stained area and rub the oil or glycerin into the fabric. Allow the oil to sit for several minutes, then blot away the excess fluid.
2. Pour a generous amount of an absorbent powder over the oil stain.¹
3. Allow the powder to soak up the oil overnight, then brush the powder away.
4. If the stain remains, repeat the powder applications until the stain is removed or move on to one of the steps below.
5. Make a paste of 3 teaspoons baking soda with 1 teaspoon water. Spread the paste over the stain and allow it to dry. Brush off the dried paste.
6. If the fabric can be washed (detached from the stroller), select a colorless grease-fighting dish soap and rub several drops of the liquid into the stain.² Allow the dish soap to sit for several minutes, then soak the fabric in hot, soapy water for 15-20 minutes.
7. If the fabric cannot be washed (detached from the stroller), dab the stain with hand sanitizer³ or rubbing alcohol.⁴ Use a wet sponge to wipe away the sanitizer or alcohol. Test this method on a small, hidden area of the fabric first to check for any adverse effects. This method is also effective as a pre-wash treatment for washable fabrics.

• Dry cleaning fluid can be effective on motor oil stains, however, use extreme caution to protect your baby from the fumes or residue of the fluid.²
• WD-40 can be also be used to freshen the motor oil. However, be sure to wash the area thoroughly once the stain is removed and only use WD-40 in a well-ventilated area. Double-check that there are no remaining fumes before using the stroller for your little one.

1. Natural Stain Removal Secrets by Deborah L. Martin
2. Field Guide to Stains by Virginia M. Friedman, Melissa Wagner & Nancy Armstrong
3. Haley’s Cleaning Hints by Graham & Rosemary Haley
4. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning by Mary Findley & Linda Formichelli