It’s no secret that the average car seat can take a beating over time. The fabric gets stained, rips and tears, and eventually falls apart. Not to mention, the padding starts to become uncomfortable and lumpy. If you’re like most people, you don’t want to deal with all of this hassle. But it’s important to remember that old car seats are a health and safety hazard. In fact, they’re even illegal in some states (check your state’s laws before throwing them away!). Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of old car seats without any harm done to yourself or the environment. Read on for details on how to get rid of your old car seats in the safest way possible.
The Different Types of Car Seats
There are a variety of types of car seats, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the different types of car seats and their characteristics:
infant car seats
Infant car seats are the smallest type of seat and are meant for babies who are not yet able to sit in a regular seat without support. They typically have a weight limit of 25 pounds and should be used until your child is at least 1 year old.
rear-facing infant car seats
Rear-facing infant car seats should be used until your child is 2 years old or can sit in a regular chair without supports. These seats should only be moved forward when your child reaches height or weight limits associated with their age group. Rear-facing seats protect your child’s neck from being crushed in a rear-end collision, and they also promote head growth by positioning the baby’s head lower in the vehicle than an upright position. Rear-facing seats require extra space in the backseat because they weigh more than other types of cars seats.
convertible car seats
Convertible car seats can be used for infants, toddlers, or children up to around 4 years old. These seats can transition between forward-facing and rear-facing modes as your child grows, making them a good choice if you plan on using your seat for multiple children over time. Some convertible car seats have built-in boosters that increase their capacity to support larger children; others have
How to Remove an Old Car Seat
One of the simplest ways to get rid of an old car seat is to place it in a trashcan. If you don’t have a trash can nearby, you can also place the car seat on the ground and cover it with a cloth or plastic sheet. Make sure that you remove any excess fabric before disposing of the car seat.
Tips for Cleaning Car Seats
If you’ve experienced discomfort or even pain when sitting down in your car, it’s likely that the seats are dirty. You can clean your car seats easily and effectively with a few simple tips.
1. Vacuum the seats: Start by vacuuming the surfaces of the seat, including the back and sides. Be sure to get under the cushions and between the seatback and seat cushion to get all of the dirt and debris.
2. Wipe down the surface: Once you’ve vacuumed, wipe down any visible dust or dirt with a cloth or paper towel. Make sure to get inside all of the crevices and corners.
3. Rinse off: If there is any water on the surface, rinse it off with clear water before drying off with a cloth or paper towel.
4. Apply a sealant: If you want to protect your seats from future wear and tear, apply a coat of polyurethane sealant (or another type of protective coating) before wiping down again.
Conclusion
Old car seats can be a real pain to get rid of, and they can often take up a lot of space in your garage or attic. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of old car seats without having to go through the hassle of removing them from your vehicle. The easiest way is to use an indoor storage unit like those offered by SelfStorage.com. These units come with plenty of space for you to store your old car seats, and they also have the added benefit of being climate-controlled so that they stay fresh and free of pests. If outdoor storage isn’t an option for you, then another option is to throw your old car seats away. Make sure that you dispose of them properly so that they don’t end up in a landfill or posing a safety risk to people who might later borrow your equipment.