", http://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/how-to-wash-stuffed-animals/, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-stuffed-animals-199116, http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/January-2010/A-Spore-To-Abhor/, स्टफ़्ड एनिमल या टैडी को साफ करें (Clean a Stuffed Animal), consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Always make sure both the inside and outside are dry to prevent mildew. Put your stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag to protect it, and use your machine's gentle or delicate setting. I have "rescued" stuffed animals using a little, "The dry method with baking soda was most helpful. I wonder if you have any advice on how to "buff" out scratches in a safety eye on a plush bear? Step 3 Stuff the animal into a pillow case. How to Clean Stuffed Animals. It may also be exposed to animals, insects or bacteria that have caused an odor. All worked. I was told that if I put her in the wash then the stuffing would clump up. Find a cleaner that’s safe and works for you. I specifically look for toys that are from a smoke-free home with no pets and a clean environment. I've been selling plush stuffed toys on eBay for 9 years. ::shudder:: I can relate to your mouse dilemma and wanting the stuffed animal to be clean again! With kids toting them around everywhere — and putting them through some inventive and strenuous playtime — stuffed animals tend to develop some wear and tear, and it may be unclear how to clean … Awesome! Hand washing would be ideal, if you have the time. If you really want the plush to be fluffy and sanitized, use a teeny tiny bit of upholstery or carpet cleaner. Don't scrub too hard on the stuffed animal surface. In this article, I share my methods of cleaning that I've researched and developed over the years. Use soaps that are safe for both the material and your health. Rub a slightly damp cloth over the surface of the stuffed animal. Don't put your stuffed animal into the washing machine unless its tag says machine washable. Wash on gentle cycle using little cool water liquid cleaner for delicates, or wool fabrics. I washed my dog's teddy bear (about 24" long) in the washer, not knowing that he had a hole in his tummy. Stitch it first, as more water may become stuck inside, causing it to take much longer to dry, and also allowing some stuffing to get out. Note that chemical dry cleaning by your local dry cleaners is NOT recommended because of potential damage to the stuffed animal. Nathalie Roy from France (Canadian expat) on May 27, 2009: Great tips, I am favoriting it for later use. Moe Wood from Eastern Ontario on December 28, 2010: Excellent! In the beginning I had a difficult time trying to figure out how to clean and sanitize the toys so they would be presentable and clean to list on eBay. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. I rescued twenty boyds stuffed animals that had been exposed to a light rain and they have a mildew smell. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Shop Target for Polyester Fiber Stuffed Animals you will love at great low prices. See Link for Teddy Bear Hospital at the bottom of this page. If the toy is very precious to you or your child, then you may want to have it professionally cleaned. Check your local Doll Hospital for prices or go online for more options. HE detergents are perfect for cleaning stuffed animals because they create minimal suds, making rinsing a breeze. After washing, place the plush in the dryer on medium heat. Take the bag outside and remove the stuffed toys and brush. I found you on eBay and was not surprised to find you also wrote exceptional articles on SQUIDOO. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Periodically clean stuffed plush toys to remove harmful dust from them. There are items that have been glued on like plastic eyes, legs, arms, ears, or sequins. Don’t use too much soap or it may be difficult to rinse off. It seems daunting if you have never cleaned one before, but it’s rather easy to do, with either your trusty washing machine or by hand. For about6 years it's been out in our shed were it might have mildew in it. It's not that bad, she is just a little dirty but because she is white it sort of shows. * To keep dust off your stuffed animal, once a week use your vacuum cleaner. Over the past few years, the number of expert restorers has increased to meet the growing demand for time-ravaged and traumatized plushes. See Answer. Ty manufactures a wide variety of teddy bears, dogs, cats, horses, crabs, tigers, seals, and much, much more! For example, if a child is potty training and urinates on the toy, the insides may be soaked despite rinsing any visual signs of the stain away. If you like a soft, squishy pillow at night but can't afford it or are allergic to down, a polyester fiber-filled bed pillow may be your best choice.Polyester-filled pillows … Can gerbils have stuffed animals stuffed with polyester fibers? Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. So I went the extra mile, experiencing much frustration with trial and error, and even ruining a few toys along the way. You may also use unscented baby detergent with a damp cloth to spot clean. Please note that there are a few exceptions that are listed in the do's and don'ts below. After all, I personally wouldn't want to buy a toy that wasn't clean for my grandchildren. I can't guarantee that the plush toy will last forever, but it can't hurt to try by keeping it clean and refreshed. Find a way to seal the hole (or temporarily stuff a rag or other item in it) to keep stuffing from coming out, then dry it in the dryer. Did you know it’s perfectly safe to throw most stuffed animals in the washing machine? On gentle cycle using warm or cold water, a washing machine will get your stuffed animals clean without ruining them. Place the plush toy in a large zip-lock plastic bag with one or two cups of baking soda or cornstarch. Apply this mixture directly to the marker stain and let it sit for a moment or two. Here are the best practices for that operation: Use the gentlest cycle available on your washing machine. Prices for cleaning and repairs vary, so you may want to contact a Plush or Doll hospital in your area for an estimate before sending your lovey to the hospital. Make sure to always read the label so it won't get ruined or fall apart. If the toy gets really dirty then clean it with a little Softscrub on a cotton ball, and remember to take care and not get it on the eyes. If your stuffed animal needs a more thorough cleaning and you've checked the label to be sure it's okay, run it through your washing machine. Start with an HE detergent like Tide HE Turbo Clean Liquid Laundry detergent diluted with water in your sink or tub. Stuffing can be added or replaced as needed with like materials to bring your beloved friend back to life. To wash a stuffed animal or doll by hand, you need three things: A clean space that can hold enough water to fully submerge the toy, like a kitchen or utility sink, or a large bucket. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Thank you for your expertise in laundering them. #2 Answer Use toothpaste mixed with baking soda. Help your child create their very own army of plush animals for a great set of soft collectibles. In this case, machine washing is the most convenient way to clean a plush stuffed toy. Vacuum with the drapery nozzle. How to clean stuffed animals? Stuffed animals may give off the illusion of fragility, but those little guys tend to go through a lot. The first step in cleaning a stuffed animal is to check the manufacturer's instructions. If you go with detergent, a teaspoon or so will do, depending on the size of the stuffed animal. — An upholstery cleaner can be used for stuffed animals that cannot be put in … By consulting online, you may be asked to send the toy for a hospital stay, so be sure to ask about shipping. The time depends on the size of the plush; small 20 minutes, medium 30 minutes and large 40-50 minutes. There are links at the bottom of this page to help you even more. To freshen up your stuffed animal, put it in a garbage bag with a ½ cup of baking soda. I offer my expertise on cleaning for those buying or selling a used/vintage plush toy or doll from a yard sale, estate sale, rummage sale, flea market, thrift store, or one of the many auctions sites online. Proper restoration and repair will not decrease the value of a collectible plush toy. In order to clean a very old stuffed animal first you have to spend some time preparing. How to I dry way inside the stuffing? Your stuffed animal comes with a music box inside. Now a top-loader probably has an agitator and that will definitely put wear and tear on the item, so just know that before you wash. Last Updated: September 23, 2020 Others are surface washable only, scrub the covering without wetting the inside filling. How can I get the magic marker off the beanie baby tags? Remove accessories such as clothes, collars, or sound boxes. After this process is done, take the toy outside and brush it lightly with a soft brush to remove the powder. To remove the dreaded Magic Marker of any color, apply a little Clearasil on the marks and let it dry, then wipe it off gently. This method will clean the surface and get rid of odors. You can also use the hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller. If the animal needs stitching, should I stitch before or after I wash? Asked by Wiki User. Set it on knits/blends (or low/low) setting, small load 2. Thank you. Wash separately. But I'm here to help. After you take it out of the plastic bag, place it in the dryer on low heat or fluff. soda on the stuffed animal and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Method 1: Washing Machine. Being health-conscious, I finally found ways to clean using safe cleaning methods and products. This may take a little elbow grease, but the stain should come off #3 Answer, Use a magic eraser. They are getting very grungy bringing them everywhere, dropping, spilling, etc. After such events it is best to disinfect stuffed animals to keep them clean and safe. ", "Photos of how to hand wash were very helpful.". In order to clean a very old stuffed animal you have to have a special approach. I've been selling plush stuffed toys on eBay for nine years. Never use a high-powered laundromat machine. Placing the stuffed toy in a white or light-colored pillowcase tied or pinned securely will protect plastic eyes and catch any stuffing that may leak from a loose seam. In order to properly disinfect stuffed animals you will have to have an idea what you want to achieve. I select the toys that I buy very carefully, however, there are times that I find an unusual toy that may need a little TLC. This article has been viewed 185,899 times. After spraying with any kind of spray, make sure it is completely dry before play. I also have tips on maintenance for toys that are constant companions to children that are exposed to everyday drink spills, dust, dirt, germs and pet hair. 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