Stuffed animals hold a special place in our hearts, not only because they represent the favorite toy of children or some nostalgic keepsake but also because of their cozy decorations. Meanwhile, dust and dirt appear to gather on stuffed animals, and in some cases, germs, over time. Keeping them fresh, clean, and safe requires regular cleaning, but it should be done with caution when it comes to washing stuffed animals because you could end up ruining them.
This is going to be a step-by-step guide about how to wash stuffed animalsthat takes you through the various methods on how to clean your stuffed animals properly, that not to cause damage, so they stay fluffy and as cute as they were on the day you bought them.
Understanding the Material and Care Label
First, ensure to check the care label before it is taken to clean any stuffed animal. Such gives some vital information about materials used and washing instructions. These stuffed animals are usually made from different fabrics and materials, for example, cotton, polyester, or plush, and maybe even filled with foam, batting, or beans.
Labels will usually note whether it is safe to machine wash or must be hand-washed. Fragile or antique stuffed animals may have labels suggesting that only spot cleaning or dry cleaning can be done.
If a label is missing or cannot be read, do not stress about it-take all the mildest steps you can to err on the side of caution.
Prepare Your Stuffed Animal for Cleaning
Before you begin with the cleaning, you should:
Check for Tears and Running Stitches: Look for any tears or loose stitching. If you find any, repair them before you wash them to not damage your stuffed animal further while washing.
Remove Any Accessories: If your stuffed animal has some loose removable accessories like clothes, bows, or hats remove those first. These can usually be hand or machine washed separately.
Look for Batteries or Electronics: If your stuffed animal is equipped with sounds, lights, or any other electronics, take those out before you start to wash it. Most electronic parts are not water-resistant and may ruin the toy as well as the electronics if wet.
How to Hand Wash a Stuffed Animal
Machine washing is convenient and very effective for most modern stuffed animals. It can be done safely with proper cleaning as follows:
a. Gently Cycle
The stuffed animals are fragile. So you must use the gentle or delicate cycle in your washing machine. This helps prevent too much agitation that could possibly tear or damage the toy.
b. Mesh Laundry Bag
Place the stuffed toy in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to make it further protected in the machine. In doing so, there will be no damage caused by parts of it such as eyes, noses or minor details. If not, it can get stuck or damaged while in the washing machine.
c) Use of Mild Soap
Use mild fragrance-free soap that is delicate for sensitive fabrics. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can easily irritate sensitive skin, especially when the stuffed toy belongs to a child.
d) Use of Cold Water
All stuffed animals need to be washed in cold water. Hot water dissolves colors and might also shrink some textile materials.
e) Air Dry or Low Heat
Do not dry in high heat from the dryer after you have washed your stuffed animal. High heat might melt plastics or make stuffing balls. Hang to air dry or dry at low heat in the dryer with towels around it to cushion it.
How to Hand Wash Stuffed Animals
Only hand washing is safe for delicate or antique stuffed toys or those made from hand or that have electronics; here is how you can do it:
a) Prepare a Cleaning Solution
For this, you will need lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap in a basin or sink. Mix the water with a small amount of soap so that it produces suds.
b) Submerge the Stuffed Animal
Rub and swish the water through the item with your hands. Be sure to scrub any soiled spots particularly well.
c) Rinse Thoroughly
Empty out the water from the sink containing soapy water. Fill up a fresh supply of clean water for rinsing and squeeze toy stuffed lightly to remove soapy froth. You might need to repeat this process several times till it runs free of soapy scum.
d) Squeeze out Excess Water
Gently blot the stuffed animal between two clean towels to drain more water from it. Steer clear of wringing or twisting since this would cause severe damage on the stuffing or even the fabric.
e) Air Dry
Hang the stuffed animal outside in a well-ventilated space or lay it flat on a clean, dry towel inside and reshape as needed. Sunlight will fade colors if direct, so use indirect. The hairdryer, on cool can help speed up the process.
How to Spot Clean Stuffed Animals
In case the stuffed animal is generally clean but there are a few little stains or spots, the spot cleaning can be done easily and fast.
a) A Mild Soap Solution
Dissolve a small quantity of mild soap in water. Use baby wipes or a gentle stain remover made for sensitive fabrics.
b) Dab the Stain
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently dab the stained area. Do not scrub hard, as this can damage the fabric.
Rinse with a Damp Cloth
Use another cloth which is saturated in clean water to blot away the soap residue left in the treated area.
Air Dry
Let the stuffed animal air dry entirely before returning it to its rightful place.
How to Dry and Fluff Stuffed Animals
Air drying is the best and safest method to be used. After washing, squeeze out as much water as possible, and then spread it out in a clean towel in a ventilated room to air dry. The amount of time to leave it depends on the size and type of material, but at least half a day or hours should pass.
Low Heat in the Dryer
You can dry the laundry-capable plush toys in the dryer on a low heat setting. To make it a little bit comfy for you, you could place a few clean towels in with the toy to cushion it a bit, and a dryer ball will help keep the fluffing from bunching up.
Fluffing the Fur
Once the stuffed animal is dry, it is now ready to be fluffed up again with a soft-bristled brush or comb. Brushing will restore it back to its original texture and softness.
Tips on Keeping Clean Stuffed Animals
To keep the stuffed animals as clean as possible for longer periods and to minimize time spent often washing them, follow the tips:
Dust regularly Using the upholstery attachment of the vacuum cleaner or a lint roller can remove dust and dirt from the stuffed animals.
Store Properly Stuffed animals should not be placed directly under sunlight. They are best kept in a dry, dust-free setting if unused.
Use a Covering Stuffed animals that have high monetary or sentimental value should be covered with a protective display case or covering to prevent dust collection.
Sanitizing Spray – Use a fabric-safe sanitizing spray from time to time to keep the germs away while not requiring to wash the entire toy.
