How to Clean a Canteen High Chair Tray
By Cosco Kids US Official Site | Car Seats, Strollers, & Baby Gear | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the simplest way to clean your Cosco Canteen high chair tray, remove food stains, and keep it sanitary for your baby's mealtime.
Quick answer
Remove the tray, hand-wash it in the sink with mild dish soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste.
Why the tray needs special care
The Cosco Canteen high chair tray is designed to be removable and easy to clean, but food residue can cling to the plastic surface, especially after meals with sticky or colored foods like berries, tomato sauce, or turmeric. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps the tray looking new.
What you'll need
You likely have everything already: mild dish soap, a soft sponge or cloth, warm water, and baking soda for tough stains. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the plastic surface.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Remove the tray: Pull the tray straight out from the high chair. On the Canteen model, the tray slides off easily once you release the side latches. Common mistake: don't force it if it feels stuck—check that both latches are fully released.
- Rinse off loose food: Hold the tray under warm running water to wash away crumbs and visible food. This prevents food from drying onto the surface during cleaning. Common mistake: using hot water on cold plastic can warp the tray; stick to warm.
- Wash with dish soap: Apply a few drops of mild dish soap to a soft sponge and scrub the entire tray, including the underside and any crevices. Pay extra attention to the area where the tray attaches to the chair. Common mistake: using a scouring pad can scratch the plastic, creating grooves where bacteria hide. Check for any residue in the attachment slots—food often collects there.
- Remove stubborn stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water (about 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Apply it to stained areas, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently with the sponge. Rinse thoroughly. Common mistake: don't use bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage the plastic and leave harmful residues.
- Rinse and dry: Rinse the tray with clean warm water until no soap or baking soda remains. Shake off excess water and let it air-dry completely on a dish rack or clean towel. Common mistake: using a dish towel to dry can transfer lint or bacteria; air-drying is safer. Make sure the tray is fully dry before reattaching it to the high chair to prevent mold in the attachment points.
- Reattach the tray: Once dry, slide the tray back onto the high chair until you hear both side latches click into place. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it's secure. Common mistake: forcing the tray on when it's still wet can cause it to stick or not latch properly.
Product facts
- Canteen High Chair - Cosco Kids: The Cosco Canteen high chair tray is removable and can be rinsed easily in the kitchen sink. There's also a place on the back of the high chair to attach the tray when not in use. This means you can clean the tray separately without moving the whole chair, and you can store it out of the way after cleaning.
Canteen High Chair - Cosco Kids
