If your child’s favorite stuffed animal is starting to look a little bit grubby, don’t despair! With a little bit of time and effort, you can get them looking good as new. Here are some tips on how to clean stuffed animals.
Machine Washing
If your stuffed animal is small enough, you can put it in the washing machine. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect it, and wash it on a delicate cycle with cold water. You can also hand wash your stuffed animal in the sink. Fill the sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Swish your stuffed animal around in the water, then rinse it off and squeeze out the excess water.
Washing by Hand
If your stuffed animal can’t be tossed in the washer, you’ll need to clean it by hand. Begin by gently brushing away any surface dirt or debris with a soft bristle brush. If the stuffed animal is very dirty, you may need to vacuum it with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Next, spot-treat any areas that are particularly soiled with a mild laundry detergent. Dilute the detergent in water according to the package directions, then apply it to the soiled areas with a clean cloth. Allow the detergent to soak in for a few minutes before blotting it away with a dry cloth.
Once you’ve removed all of the dirt and stains, you’ll need to rinse away any residual soap. Use clean, cool water for this step, and be sure to rinse thoroughly until all traces of soap have been removed. If possible, stuff the animal with newspaper or towels to help it keep its shape as it dries.
Allow the stuffed animal to air dry completely before putting it away. Placing it in direct sunlight will help kill any remaining bacteria.
Cleaning Non-Washable Stuffed Animals
It’s inevitable. No matter how much you try to keep them clean, your kids’ stuffed animals will eventually get dirty. And, if they’re like most kids, your children won’t want to part with their beloved toys, even for a trip through the washing machine. Here are some tips for cleaning non-washable stuffed animals.
To start, take a look at the care tag. Many stuffed animals have tags that give specific instructions for cleaning; be sure to follow those first and foremost. If the care tag says “dry clean only,” take the stuffed animal to a professional.
If the care tag doesn’t give specific instructions or if it says “surface wash only,” you can try spot-cleaning the toy with a damp cloth. Use mild soap and warm water; be sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the stuffed animal first to make sure it won’t cause any damage. Gently rub the soiled area with the damp cloth until it comes clean; avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the fabric or cause the color to bleed. Allow the toy to air dry completely before giving it back to your child.
In some cases, spot cleaning just isn’t enough – especially if the stuffed animal has been through a lot of wear and tear. If this is the case, you can try hand washing the toy in a sink of cool water and mild soap. Again, be sure to test the solution on a small area of fabric first; if it seems safe, proceed with carefully hand washing the entire toy. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing too hard; instead, gently swish the toy around in the water until it is clean. Rinse well and allow plenty of time for drying – stuffing can take several days to dry completely, so be patient! If possible, stuff the toy with crumpled newspaper during drying to help retain its shape.
Cleaning non-washable stuffed animals can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with a little patience and careful handling. With these tips, you can keep your child’s favorite toys looking and smelling fresh – no trip to the washing machine is necessary!
How to Dry Wet Plushies
It’s inevitable. At some point, your child is going to get their favorite stuffed animal wet. Here’s how to dry wet plushies so they’re as good as new:
1. First, remove any excess water by gently pressing the stuffed animal between two towels.
2. If the stuffed animal can be machine washed, put it in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on a delicate cycle with cool water.
3. If the stuffed animal can’t be machine washed, lay it out on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to air dry fully before giving it back to your child.
