Nuna prams are premium, understated, and beautifully built. The MIXX, TRIV, and DEMI Grow are among the most popular pushchairs in London — and among the most frequently brought to us for professional cleaning by parents who attempted a home clean and were not satisfied with the result.
The issue is not that Nuna prams are fragile. They are well-made. The issue is that the fabric care requirements, the generation-specific disassembly processes, and the sensitivity to sun exposure and certain cleaning products make home cleaning riskier than most parents expect.
Why Nuna prams need careful cleaning
Three characteristics set Nuna apart from other premium prams when it comes to cleaning:
- Sun-sensitive fabrics. Nuna state in their product manuals that "continued and extended exposure to sunlight can change the colour of many materials." This is not a defect — it is a characteristic of the fabrics they use. It means that any cleaning process which involves drying in sunlight, or any product that strips the fabric's UV protection, will accelerate fading. Darker colourways like Caviar and Oxford Blue are particularly vulnerable.
- No silicone lubricants. Nuna explicitly warn against using silicone-based lubricants on any moving parts. Silicone attracts dirt and grime, which over time causes joints to stiffen rather than loosen. Many parents reach for WD-40 or a general-purpose spray when the wheels or fold mechanism feels stiff — this makes the problem worse, not better. Nuna recommend a light, non-toxic oil applied carefully away from wheel bearings.
- Multiple generations with different fabric systems. The original MIXX, MIXX 2, and MIXX Next all have different fabric attachment points, different snap locations, and different harness routing. A tutorial for one generation will not work for another. We regularly see prams where parents have followed a MIXX 2 video to clean a MIXX Next and ended up with fabric that does not sit properly because the clip positions have changed.
Which model do you have?
| Model | Type | Price Range | Cleaning Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIXX Next | Full-size travel system | £650–900 | High — multiple snaps, threaded harness, zip-off canopy |
| DEMI Grow | Expandable single-to-double | £800–1,200 | High — dual seat option, extra attachment points |
| TRIV Next | Compact city stroller | £500–700 | Medium — lighter build, fewer attachment points |
| TAVO Next | Lightweight travel system | £350–500 | Medium — simpler fabric, quicker removal |
| MIXX (original/2) | Full-size (discontinued) | £400–700 (second-hand) | High — older snap system, different harness routing |
The MIXX Next and DEMI Grow are the most complex to clean. If you own either and have never removed the fabrics, read the rest of this guide before you attempt it.
What goes wrong when parents clean a Nuna at home
Fabric fading after washing. The most common complaint. Parents wash the fabric at 30°C as directed, dry it indoors, and notice that the colour looks different — slightly lighter, or uneven in patches. This happens because the washing process can strip trace amounts of the surface dye, and the drying environment (even indoors) can accelerate the change if there is any UV exposure from windows. It is more noticeable on dark fabrics and on prams that have already had some sun exposure.
Fabric that does not sit flat after reinstallation. The MIXX Next has a specific way the fabric wraps around the seat frame, held by a combination of snap buttons, elastic loops, and fabric tucked under edges. If you remove it without photographing the original configuration — or if you follow instructions for a different MIXX generation — the fabric goes back on slightly wrong. It might bunch at the sides, sit too high at the back, or leave a gap at the base. The pram still works, but it looks off, and once you notice it, you cannot stop noticing it.
Stiff wheels and joints from wrong lubricant. Parents spray silicone lubricant or WD-40 on squeaky wheels or a stiff fold mechanism. Initially it feels smoother. Within a few weeks, the lubricant has attracted dust, sand, and grime into the joints, making them stiffer than before. With the wheels, the problem is worse — lubricant that gets into the sealed bearings can displace the original grease, causing the bearings to wear out faster.
Canopy warping. The MIXX and DEMI Grow canopies have internal stiffening that gives them their shape. Parents who machine wash the canopy — or who hand wash it too aggressively — can distort this structure. The canopy ends up sitting unevenly on the frame or not folding flat when you collapse the pram.
Mould in the bassinet. The MIXX bassinet has a padded liner that absorbs moisture. If the bassinet is put away while the liner is even slightly damp — or if it is stored in a garage, loft, or under-stairs cupboard without proper ventilation — mould develops in the padding. Parents often do not discover this until they bring the bassinet out for a second baby.
Fabric removal: model by model
Nuna MIXX Next
The MIXX Next fabric removal involves unsnapping the seat fabric from the frame at multiple points around the edges and underneath. The shoulder harness straps thread through slots in the fabric — these need to be unthreaded before the fabric can come off, and re-threaded at the correct height setting when you put it back. The canopy unzips from the frame rather than unclipping, which is different from most other pram brands.
The key difficulty is getting the fabric back on correctly. The MIXX Next fabric wraps tightly around the seat, and there is very little tolerance for error. If you pull it too tight on one side, the other side bunches. If you miss a snap underneath, the fabric shifts during use. Photograph everything before you start — from above, below, and both sides.
Nuna DEMI Grow
The DEMI Grow compounds the complexity by supporting single and double configurations. In double mode, there are two separate seat units, each with their own fabric set, harness routing, and attachment points. The upper and lower seats have different canopy mechanisms. If you are cleaning both seats, you are effectively doing two complete strip-downs — and the fabric sets are not interchangeable between the upper and lower positions.
Nuna TRIV Next and TAVO Next
The lighter models are simpler. The TRIV has fewer snap points and a lighter fabric that removes more easily. The TAVO is simpler still. But even on these models, the harness must be unthreaded and re-threaded correctly, and the canopy should be hand washed rather than machine washed to preserve its shape.
Canopy and bassinet care
The Nuna canopy should be hand washed with mild detergent in warm water. Do not machine wash — the internal stiffening can warp, leaving the canopy misshapen. Wring gently and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
The bassinet liner is removable and should be washed separately. Nuna recommend checking the care label — some liners are machine washable, others are hand wash only depending on the model year. The bassinet frame and shell should be wiped with a damp cloth only. Pay particular attention to the underside and the ventilation mesh, where dust and debris accumulate.
Before storing a bassinet between babies, wash the liner, dry it completely, and store in a breathable bag in a dry location. Never seal it in plastic — this traps moisture and guarantees mould.
Frame, wheels, and lubricants
The Nuna frame is aluminium. Clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives — they scratch the finish. After rain, wipe the frame down with a dry cloth to prevent water spots and corrosion around joints.
Wheels: Clean with water and remove dirt regularly. Nuna recommend lubricating moving parts with a "light, non-toxic oil" — but explicitly warn against silicone lubricants. Be careful not to apply oil to the wheel bearings themselves. For London parents who walk through parks, sand and grit work their way into wheel assemblies quickly. A monthly clean with a dry brush followed by a light oil on the axles (not the bearings) keeps them smooth.
The fold mechanism: Like the wheels, the fold joints accumulate debris from daily use. If the fold feels stiff, the instinct is to spray lubricant. Do not use silicone or WD-40. Use a light machine oil applied sparingly with a cloth, and wipe away excess. If the fold is genuinely stiff or clicking, the joints may need disassembling and cleaning — something we handle as part of a professional clean.
Harness and buckles
The Nuna five-point harness follows the same rule as every other pram: never submerge it in water, never machine wash it. The webbing is a safety component. Wipe with a damp cloth only.
The harness on the MIXX threads through the seat fabric at specific height settings. When you remove the fabric for washing, the harness comes unthreaded. Getting it back through the correct slot, at the correct height for your child, and routed properly through the back of the seat is one of the most common reassembly mistakes we see. Incorrect harness routing can affect how securely the harness holds your child — this is not a cosmetic issue.
Drying and sun damage
Nuna are unusually direct about sun damage. Their manuals state that colour change from sunlight is "normal" and that fabric will "show wear and tear after a long period of use, even when used normally." This is honest — but it means that how you dry the fabric after washing matters enormously.
Line dry indoors, away from windows where direct sunlight falls. Do not dry on a radiator — the heat can shrink the fabric and accelerate colour change. Do not tumble dry. Allow 24–48 hours for the seat pad to dry completely, including the internal padding. Press with a clean towel to extract excess moisture before laying flat.
Do not reassemble the pram until everything is completely dry. A damp Nuna stored folded will develop mould — Nuna themselves warn against storing in a damp place.
Why most Nuna owners use a professional service
We clean Nuna prams every week. MIXX, MIXX Next, DEMI Grow, TRIV — we have stripped down and reassembled every model. Here is what a professional clean delivers that home cleaning cannot:
- No fading risk. We use baby-safe, pH-neutral products tested on Nuna fabrics. No harsh detergents, no bleach, no UV exposure during drying.
- Correct disassembly for your exact model. We know the snap locations, harness routing, and canopy attachment for every Nuna generation. No cracked clips, no misrouted harness, no fabric that does not sit properly.
- Bassinet deep clean. We strip the bassinet liner, clean the shell and ventilation mesh, and dry everything thoroughly in a controlled environment. If there is hidden mould in the padding, we find it and treat it.
- Frame and wheels done properly. We clean the fold mechanism, wheel assemblies, and axles using the correct lubricant — not silicone, not WD-40. The pram folds smoothly and rolls quietly.
- Harness cleaned and correctly routed. We clean the harness webbing and buckles safely, and re-thread the harness at the correct height setting for your child.
- It comes back looking like new. Every component cleaned, every surface sanitised, every part correctly reassembled. That is not an exaggeration.
Need your Nuna professionally cleaned?
Full strip-down, baby-safe deep clean, and free collection and delivery across London. Every model — MIXX, MIXX Next, DEMI Grow, TRIV, TAVO. From £79.
Book Nuna CleanFrequently asked questions
Can you machine wash Nuna pram fabrics?
Yes — Nuna state that their seat fabrics are machine washable. Line dry only. Do not tumble dry, do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners, and do not dry in direct sunlight. The canopy should be hand washed separately to preserve its internal structure.
How do you remove the fabric from a Nuna MIXX?
Unsnap the fabric from the seat frame at multiple points around the edges and underneath. Unthread the harness straps from the fabric. Unzip the canopy from the frame. The process differs between the original MIXX, MIXX 2, and MIXX Next — do not follow a tutorial for the wrong generation.
Why has my Nuna pram fabric faded?
Nuna state in their manuals that continued exposure to sunlight can change the colour of their fabrics, and that this is considered normal wear. Darker colourways show fading more visibly. Washing can also accelerate colour change if the fabric is dried near windows or in direct sunlight.
Can I use WD-40 on my Nuna pram wheels?
No. Nuna explicitly warn against silicone-based lubricants. Silicone attracts dirt and grime, making joints stiffer over time. Use a light, non-toxic machine oil applied sparingly, and be careful not to get oil into the wheel bearings.
How much does professional Nuna pram cleaning cost?
Our Nuna cleaning service starts from £79. This includes full fabric strip-down, baby-safe deep cleaning of all components, frame and wheel cleaning, harness sanitisation, complete drying, and reassembly. Free collection and delivery across London.
Do you clean the Nuna bassinet?
Yes. We strip the bassinet liner, clean the shell, ventilation mesh, and padding, and dry everything thoroughly. If there is hidden mould in the padding — common after storage — we find it and treat it. The bassinet is included in the full clean.