Why Your Baby's Car Seat Probably Needs a Professional Clean (And Where to Get One in Dickinson)
A couple of weeks ago, I got to spend a little time with Lexie, the mompreneuer behind Dirty Seats, Dickinson's own car seat cleaning service. She welcomed me into her neat, tidy laundry room, gave me a no-nonsense rundown of her process, and let me snap some photos while she worked. Lexie is the kind of person who is clearly passionate about what she does and isn't short on words about it and after seeing her in action, I left wishing I'd brought my own kid’s seat in with me.
Lexie from Dirty Seats cleaning a baby car seat in Dickinson, ND
Let's be honest—the car seat is one of the most used, most abused, and least cleaned pieces of baby gear in most households. It survives blowouts, spit-up tsunamis, crumbled crackers ground into every crevice, and the occasional full cup of spilled milk. And most of the time it gets a half-hearted wipe-down and called good.
But here's the thing: your baby spends a lot of time in that seat. And what's living in the padding, straps, and buckles is worth paying attention to—not just for the obvious ick factor, but for your baby's safety.
That's why I’m excited to introduce Dickinson families (even though, as a hometown girl and owner of a popular Dickinson daycare, she hardly needs introduction to many readers) to Lexie Smith at Dirty Seats, a local car seat cleaning service that is doing something really important for our community. I sat down with Lexie to talk about how she got started, what she's actually finding in those seats, and why professional cleaning is worth it for your family.
How Dirty Seats Got Started
Like a lot of great small businesses, Dirty Seats was born out of a problem Lexie couldn't stop thinking about.
"I got the idea after watching several TikToks of people starting up businesses. I really got the push when I was watching people throw seats into a bathtub, and drowning the seats in inappropriate chemicals and soaps! I knew I had the knowledge and care to do it!"
And that's exactly the gap she's filling. There's no shortage of well-meaning parents out there Googling "how to clean a car seat" and ending up with advice that ranges from questionable to genuinely dangerous. Lexie saw it happening in real time and decided to do something about it.
What the Cleaning Process Actually Looks Like
One of the first things parents want to know is: what are you actually doing to my seat? It's a valid question. Lexie's approach is refreshingly straightforward, as well as intentionally gentle.
"Primarily soapy water, and a small shop vac. Once I put them in the wash I use baby detergent or whatever the car seat brand recommends! Car seats are cleaned on a gentle cycle. And NEVER dried, even if the seat says it's ok! I do this to be safe and never “whoopsie” put a seat in the dryer that cannot be dried!"
Scrubbing the buckle assembly on a Dickinson toddler’s car seat
That "never dried" rule is worth underlining. A lot of parents don't realize that heat from a dryer—even on a low setting—can degrade the materials in a car seat, potentially compromising the structural integrity that keeps your child safe in a crash. Lexie's conservative approach isn't just cautious, it's smart.
Drop-off is easy: Lexie works out of her home in Dickinson, making it a convenient stop for local families. She also offers pick-up and drop-off services, which a huge help for busy families. And for Belfield, Richardton, Killdeer, New England families bringing their seats to town? She's happy to work with you too.
The Mistakes That Could Actually Void Your Warranty—or Worse
Here's something most parents don't know: cleaning your car seat the wrong way can void the manufacturer's warranty. And in some cases, it can do damage you can't see but that absolutely matters.
"The biggest thing is always make sure you follow the cleaning recommendations of the car seat brand and model! This will help keep your car seat in good condition and void the warranty!"
(Note: Lexie means this as a warning—not following manufacturer guidelines is what risks voiding your warranty. Always check your manual before cleaning.)
“Some of the most common DIY mistakes parents make:
Pressure washing: the force can damage padding and compromise harness webbing
Tossing the cover in the dryer: heat degrades materials, even when it seems harmless
Using harsh chemical cleaners or disinfectant sprays: these can break down flame-retardant coatings and irritate baby’s skin
Soaking the entire seat: saturating padding and harness straps can cause hidden damage and mold growth”
Reviewing each car seat’s expiration date is an important part of Lexie’s car seat cleaning service.
“When in doubt, check your manual. And when you’re not sure you’re doing it right? Call Lexie.”
Lexie says her small shop vac is one of most reliable car seat cleaning tools.
What's Actually Hiding in That Seat
Professional Dickinson, ND car seat cleaner scrubs safety strap.
I had to ask and Lexie delivered. 😆
"I mean I've gotten all kinds of yucky seats from, poop to throw up, but most commonly just loads of snacks and change!"
Mystery crumbs, coins, forgotten Cheerios, and yes—the aftermath of blowouts, stomach bugs, and car sickness. It's all in there. And while some of it is just gross, some of it, such as mold from a soaked-in spill or bacteria from biological messes, is a genuine hygiene concern for a child who spends hours a day strapped into that fabric.
How Often Should You Actually Be Getting This Done?
This is one of the most common questions parents have, and the honest answer is: it depends.
"This definitely depends on the environment—some parents don't allow snacks and eating in the car, so your seat probably doesn't need cleaned as often. If your child eats often in their seat, I'd recommend once a month or every few months. A lot of my customers reach out when they're getting their car detailed!"
That last tip is a great one to tuck away—pairing a car seat clean with a full car detail is a smart, efficient habit. A few other natural touchpoints to consider booking a professional clean:
After a stomach bug or significant illness
After a major blowout or vomit incident
Before a new baby uses a previously used seat
At the change of seasons
When you notice staining, odor, or buildup that a wipe-down isn't touching
A Word on Child Passenger Safety
I asked Lexie whether she's considered becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), a nationally recognized certification for professionals trained in proper car seat installation, fit, and safety.
"I have thought about it and have deeply looked into it. Sadly, in our state it is not easy to come across training opportunities, so hopefully in the future I will be able to!"
This is actually a really important point for North Dakota families. CPST-certified technicians are genuinely hard to come by in our region, which means many parents are installing and using car seats without ever having them checked by a trained professional. If becoming a CPST is on Lexie's horizon, that would be an incredible resource for Dickinson families and I’ll be cheering her on.
In the meantime, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a Car Seat Inspection Station locator where you can find the nearest inspection event or certified technician. The easiest answer for Dickinson families is to call Dickinson Head Start.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
I asked Lexie what she loves most about serving Dickinson families and her answer says a lot about who she is.
"My favorite part about working with families is getting to meet new people and build strong relationships. I think what brings people back is my positive attitude, fast turn around time, and care not just towards the seats but the families as well!"
That tracks. In a small community like Dickinson, word travels fast, and the businesses that stick around are the ones that treat people like people, not transactions.
Ready to Book?
If your car seat is overdue for a real clean—or you just want the peace of mind of knowing it's been done right—reach out to Lexie at Dirty Seats on Facebook or give her a call at (701) 290-5465.
Your baby's seat deserves better than a wipe-down, and so do you.
This post is part of our ongoing series featuring trusted local professionals who serve pregnant and new parents in the Dickinson area. Know someone we should feature? Contact me at regina@dickinsonbirthphotographer.com.