MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Shelly Umstot, BSN, RN
Shelly Umstot is a BSN and has been a registered nurse for over 35 years. She lives in North East Ohio and is a freelance health content writer. Her passion is bringing understanding to those with questions and concerns regarding health issues and helping them obtain and maintain their optimal health. She loves being with her family and has two lovely granddaughters who have stolen her heart. Assisting new parents in finding the information they need to face the joys and challenges of caring for their children is a gratifying experience for her as a professional, parent, and grandparent herself.
The safest way is to check the manual first, remove only the parts the manufacturer says are removable, and clean tray attachment points in a contained setup so clips, screws, and buttons can’t disappear. According to the CDC, for routine cleaning, wash with hot, soapy water and clean any surface that was touched or contaminated, then sanitize nonporous parts that need it.
Start with the manual and a small-parts setup
Before you take anything apart, look for the tray release, latch, locking tabs, screws, clips, and any hidden fasteners. CPSC.gov says manufacturer instructions are the best source for what can be removed, and CPSC high chair requirements include performance checks for removable trays and latch release mechanisms, so those parts matter.
A simple way to keep control of small parts is to work over a basin or sink with a drain stopper, or use a mesh bag for tiny pieces. That gives you a place to set screws, springs, and clips while you clean, instead of letting them roll into the sink or vanish under the counter.
A practical prep checklist
- Read the manual before disassembly.
- Photograph the tray mechanism before removing anything.
- Put a towel or tray on the counter to hold parts.
- Use a bowl, mesh bag, or lidded container for small hardware.
- Keep screws, clips, and buttons together by step.
If the mechanism feels stuck, stop and recheck the manual rather than forcing it. One product-specific source also notes that straps and attachments may not be dishwasher-safe, and that forcing parts can damage them or make reassembly harder.
Clean the mechanism in the right order
Wash first, then sanitize if needed. CDC guidance says dirt and food residue reduce how well chemical products work, so the attachment points should be cleaned with soap and water before any sanitizing step.
For nonporous tray surfaces and similar parts, CDC guidance calls for a weakened bleach solution of 1 tablespoon unscented bleach per gallon of water in a clean basin. Submerge the items completely, make sure there are no air bubbles, and soak for at least 2 minutes.
After sanitizing, remove the parts with clean hands or tongs and do not rinse them, because the remaining bleach breaks down while drying. Then set the items on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel and let them air-dry completely before you store or reassemble them.
Where to focus the cleaning
- Tray underside
- Release button
- Latch groove
- Clip pockets
- Screw heads and seams
- Any crevice that collects dried food
A soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, is useful for residue in slots and around attachment points. Avoid abrasive pads on plastic, since scratches can trap grime and make the mechanism harder to keep clean.
Keep tiny hardware from getting lost
The easiest way to avoid losing small parts is to separate cleaning from reassembly. Clean the tray parts in one area, dry them fully in one place, and only then move to reassembly with all pieces laid out in order.
If your high chair has straps or other removable pieces tied to the tray system, confirm in the manual whether they come out. One consumer source notes that removable straps can be washed by hand, while another manufacturer-specific source says to avoid machine-drying straps because heat can damage them.
