When I was little, I used to sleep with not one but seven stuffed animals! I don’t remember the rest: a bear, a dog, a duck, a kitten, a rabbit. I still have them to pass on this childhood treasure to my children in the future. And if you have little ones at home, you’ll know that these quilted toys go from place to place and have become your child’s inseparable companions. But what about its cleanliness?
Although imperceptible, the truth is that this is a focus for dust, everyday dirt, and harmful bacteria that could endanger health. Remember that kids love to play with them on the floor, in the yard, in the garden, and even put them in their mouths!
Have you tried washing them but are afraid of deforming and damaging them? The truth is that it is not so complicated; however, each one requires a different treatment. On another occasion, we showed you how to disinfect and remove stains on rubber dolls; today, we will tell you how to clean and wash stuffed animals to make them as good as new in simple steps and prevent them from being a nest of microorganisms and keep them in good condition.
Did cleaning stuff animals How and why to do it?
There are small plush toys, giant plush toys, musical plush toys, polyester plush toys, doormats, and so on. But, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl, at one point in their lives, they are almost inseparable in their daily play. That is why it is imperative to keep them clean, free of microorganisms, and beautiful.
If it is a matter of basic cleaning or occasional stains, it is enough to remove the dust with the help of a vacuum cleaner or a microfiber duster. Once this is done, wet the area without soaking and rub with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush soaked in soap and water until it is completely removed. Rinse with another damp cloth and air dry.
Don’t forget that these toys attract dust, pollen, dust mites and other unhealthy environmental allergens. Here’s how to wash stuffed animals by hand or in the washing machine without getting lumps and caking in the process. Take note!
How to wash stuffed animals in a washing machine?
Can I wash stuffed animals in the washing machine? Of course it is! In most cases, it is a wise option. In case the stuffed animals are too big, no problem, we will tell you later how to wash them by hand or dry clean them.
- First, check the manufacturer label in advance to see if it is machine washable.
- Carefully observe each part and check if there are no seams; if so, sew each hole well and remove any excess thread.
- Then, place the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or mesh bag to protect it from clumping and leaving no lint on it. You can wash it with other clothes, but remember that they must be of the same or similar color.
- Use neutral detergent to prevent any damage to the fabric.
- Select a gentle wash cycle using warm or cold water. Hot water may dissolve glue or damage some of the stuffed animal’s supplementary material (such as plastic eyes, for example).
- At the end of the wash cycle, remove it from the cover and scrub any remaining stains with a soft sponge.
- Finally, with the help of a towel, gently squeeze the stuffed animal to remove excess moisture, brush the hair to shape it (if any), and let it air dry, preferably in the sun.
Note: Stuffed animals made of delicate materials (natural fibers such as wool, foam balls, sequins, or very old) cannot be put in the washing machine. It is not advisable to tumble dry stuffed animals, as the stuffing may be deformed or reduced.
How to wash stuffed animals by hand?
If you want to wash an old stuffed animal, the label indicates that it is fragile or it is too big, the ideal is to do it by hand following these steps:
- Fill a basin large enough for the size of the stuffed animal with cold water and the usual liquid soap. The water mustn’t be hot so as not to burn your hands or damage the toy.
- Take the stuffed animal into the filled basin and let it soak completely, squeezing and moving it gently so as not to mistreat it.
- Rinse and scrub with your hands, paying special attention to stubborn stains and grime. If you notice that the water darkens, replace the water with detergent and wash until it is very clean.
- Finish by rinsing several times until there is no longer any trace of foam.
- Remove excessive moisture by gently squeezing with a towel or two and let it dry in the sun on a clothesline or on an airy surface.
Stuffed animals with musicals, batteries, or electronics cannot be washed with water, unless the mechanism can be removed beforehand.
How to dry-clean stuffed animals?
Some people keep their most treasured stuffed animals as childhood treasures, however, they have been stored for so long that the fabric, stuffing, and padding have worn out. In these situations, it is best to dry-clean them so as not to damage them completely. Also, this is the right method if you were wondering how to wash musical or battery-operated stuffed animals.
You will only need a plastic bag (large enough to fit the stuffed animal), baking soda, and a soft bristle brush.
- Dampen the entire stuffed animal with a cloth and warm water.
- Spread a considerable amount of baking soda inside the bag, put the stuffed animal inside, and close it.
- Shake the bag for a couple of minutes until it is covered with baking soda.
- Let it sit with this mixture overnight.
- Take the stuffed animal out of the bag and brush it with a brush to remove the baking soda and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Not only would you be cleaning it from dust, but you would also be neutralizing annoying odors and disinfecting the fabric.
As a final recommendation: avoid any substance that may contain bleach, bleach, or chlorine, as it could be harmful to the finish of the doll and the delicate skin of children and babies. If you want to disinfect it, after washing (whichever you choose) spray some rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the surface of the stuffed animal, leave it on, and air dry for a couple of hours.
