The animal is stuffed with small foam balls instead of batting. To freshen up your stuffed animal, put it in a garbage bag with a ½ cup of baking soda. You should see the ink transfer to the paper towel underneath the stain. Don't put your stuffed animal into the washing machine unless its tag says machine washable. #2 Answer Use toothpaste mixed with baking soda. Your article helped immensely. After you take it out of the plastic bag, place it in the dryer on low heat or fluff. Never use a high-powered laundromat machine. How can I get the magic marker off the beanie baby tags? Like you, I want a child's toy as clean and sanitary as possible. 4.4 out of 5 stars 48. I can't guarantee that the plush toy will last forever, but it can't hurt to try by keeping it clean and refreshed. All suggestions on cleaning and method of drying have worked. Then simply brush it off. If the child can do without the toy for a day or 2 and if you have access to a freezer, then you may try placing the plush or soft toy or doll in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 42 hours. A magic eraser is a special cleaning pad designed to remove stains from a wide variety of surfaces. soda on the stuffed animal and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Plush collectible toys that are an investment, for example, TY Beanie Babies, Gund, Boyd's Bears, Steiff or Russ with tags, that you can't wash in the washing machine, try one of the methods that are listed here: You'll want to use cornstarch and baking soda. This may take a little elbow grease, but the stain should come off #3 Answer, Use a magic eraser. Just place your 100% polyester fiber pillow and blanket in the wash bag. I specifically look for toys that are from a smoke-free home with no pets and a clean environment. But I'm here to help. 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. If you want, after you spray with cleaner, you can spray with air freshener. Do contact Manufacturer for care instructions, Do test cleaning products or alcohol solvents very carefully, Do use anti-bacterial wipes for emergency sanitizing, Do use hair-dryer for drying surface cleaning, Do dry in sunshine to sterilize for fresh smell, Do clean soiled plush stuffed toys before storing, Don't use fancy dyed soap for spot cleaning, Don't immerse plushes that are battery operated, Don't use products with formaldehyde, phosphates, ammonia, phenols and other harsh chemicals, Don't leave wet plushes out to air dry...they will mildew. AWESOME article. With sloths, foxes, horses, monkeys, hamsters, puppies and kittens, the stuffed animal range has just about any animal you’re looking for. For information on how to clean your stuffed animal by hand and dry it safely, scroll down! The methods are fast, easy and safe. Remove accessories such as clothes, collars, or sound boxes. Nathalie Roy from France (Canadian expat) on May 27, 2009: Great tips, I am favoriting it for later use. HE detergents are perfect for cleaning stuffed animals because they create minimal suds, making rinsing a breeze. After this process is done, take the toy outside and brush it lightly with a soft brush to remove the powder. Proper restoration and repair will not decrease the value of a collectible plush toy. In this article, I share my methods of cleaning that I've researched and developed over the years. Any other instructions should be followed carefully to avoid damage. Fill the dryer with a load of clothes. To freshen up your stuffed animal, put it in a garbage bag with a ½ cup of baking soda. For getting rid of odors, place in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for 5 minutes with a Snuggle DRYER SHEET. If necessary, you may use a cloth and a mild detergent to spot clean them. Short of buying another, some of … How to wash a stuffed animal: 1. What is the best way to clean it. For cleaning plush toys that can't be washed or you're just not sure how to clean them and want to be safe, use the surface dusting cleaning method. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. $7.99 $ 7. Top Answer. Hand washing would be ideal, if you have the time. 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. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If the animal needs stitching, should I stitch before or after I wash? All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. There are numerous cleaners that are marketed specifically for cleaning stuffed animals. Set it on knits/blends (or low/low) setting, small load 2. For getting rid of odors, place in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for 5 minutes with a Snuggle DRYER SHEET. 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 … Replace soundbox, if any. 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. The tag says she is made with all new materials and stuffed with polyester fiber. I washed my dog's teddy bear (about 24" long) in the washer, not knowing that he had a hole in his tummy. 99. References disinfectant in washer on delicate cycle with gentle detergent. 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. After such events it is best to disinfect stuffed animals to keep them clean and safe. All you need to do is wet the magic eraser slightly, then use it to scrub the permanent marker stain from the surface. Once a stuffed animal is dried, fluff up the fur gently with a brush. Now the stuffing way inside the hole is very wet. 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. Always use a mild soap and plenty of water AFTER using chemicals to clean then blot dry with a soft cloth. This method will clean the surface and get rid of odors. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This will destroy bugs you may or may not see. On gentle cycle using warm or cold water, a washing machine will get your stuffed animals clean without ruining them. Wiki User Answered . Make sure you use cold water only and … Rub a small drop of diluted detergent on a hidden spot and if color comes off, use only water to spot clean the item. Rub a slightly damp cloth over the surface of the stuffed animal. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the stuffed animal and let it sit for about 15 minutes. If there isn't a hospital in your area, then check the link at the bottom of this page for "Teddy Bear Hospital.". Torn seams can be repaired, growlers and squeakers can be replaced or sometimes repaired, and careful cleaning can remove dirt and restore the fur to a soft fluffy feel. Periodically clean stuffed plush toys to remove harmful dust from them. It may also be exposed to animals, insects or bacteria that have caused an odor. The eyes can be replaced, noses and mouth threads replaced, paw pads replaced with like materials, ears and limbs can be replaced if missing, and joints can be re-done if they are loose. How to I dry way inside the stuffing? To keep them looking good, the manufacturer recommends that they be wiped with a clean, damp cloth. Pre-treat stains with a laundry stain remover. 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. Some stuffed animals are made from synthetic fibers, so special care needs to be taken to brush them. See Answer. Method 1: Washing Machine. Stuffing can be added or replaced as needed with like materials to bring your beloved friend back to life. Spot-Clean. Shake vigorously to coat the entire toy, then leave the bag closed for one or two hours to allow the powder to absorb odors. Your child may place the toy in her mouth so be sure that any cleaning agent is safe. NOTE: If the toys have a little odor to them, switch up the salt and use baking soda instead. Give the bag a good shake and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before brushing off the excess baking soda. Start with an HE detergent like Tide HE Turbo Clean Liquid Laundry detergent diluted with water in your sink or tub. 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. Dust them off periodically with a clean, soft cloth. — Use rubbing alcohol to remove spots or stains from plastic parts. Dip a cloth or sponge in rubbing alcohol and dab first around the stain, then directly on it. Yeah, pretty clever huh! Make sure that items like eyes on the stuffed animal are secure before Mix one part baking soda with one part toothpaste in a small cup. I never know what hubby is bringing home for me to list. 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. Plushes that can't be washed in a machine can be carefully cleaned with a vacuum cleaner that has a hose and attachments. Vacuum with the drapery nozzle. Some are machine washable on a delicate cold cycle. The cloth material can hold a large amount of dust in it. ::shudder:: I can relate to your mouse dilemma and wanting the stuffed animal to be clean again! Stuffed animals are popular with kids of all ages, so it is important to know how to properly clean them. If necessary, you may use a cloth and a mild detergent to spot clean them. If you go with detergent, a teaspoon or so will do, depending on the size of the stuffed animal. Check your local Doll Hospital for prices or go online for more options. This dust can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments. Put your stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag to protect it, and use your machine's gentle or delicate setting. How to clean stuffed animals? By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If a stain gets into the stuffing, germs and odors can linger. Will magic marker marks decrease the value of the beenie if I leave it the way it is? 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. Wash plush toys in cold water using a mild detergent. Wash separately. Awesome! On each of the "butt" tags, there is a mark with black magic marker. My sons has quite a few push toys and I am always afraid to ruined them if I wash them. Recently, it was a large quantity of stuffed toys, so I have had to learn about cleaning, repairing and listing toys. Use a damp cloth without soap and wipe the stuffed animal all over. * To keep dust off your stuffed animal, once a week use your vacuum cleaner. This article has been viewed 185,899 times. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Make sure to always read the label so it won't get ruined or fall apart. Most home vacuum cleaners have a hose and brush attachment. Last Updated: September 23, 2020 I wonder if you have any advice on how to "buff" out scratches in a safety eye on a plush bear? This is the method we recommend most-highly as it is the least destructive to the plush. Better get on the ball huh? 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. With that said, machine washing will be a great choice for most parents looking to clean their children’s stuffed animals (or kids looking to clean their parent’s stuffed animal!) Don’t just spot clean in case the stain has penetrated beneath the surface. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. You can also use the hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller. Even though the tag says surface wash, it may still be fine in a washing machine. Help your child create their very own army of plush animals for a great set of soft collectibles. Give the bag a good shake and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before brushing off the excess baking soda. — An upholstery cleaner can be used for stuffed animals that cannot be put in … They are getting very grungy bringing them everywhere, dropping, spilling, etc. If your dryer has a fluff air setting, use this to help maintain the fur. Place it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for around 5 minutes. 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. Find a cleaner that’s safe and works for you. You really don't know if the toy is clean or not, particularly when buying online, unless you ask (or if it's listed in the description). I loved this article. Plush toys can suffer trauma from too much love and everyday life of being dragged around by its constant companion and best friend. Most made in china and assuming that I can't sell them but would like to donate them. Always make sure both the inside and outside are dry to prevent mildew. All worked. In this case, machine washing is the most convenient way to clean a plush stuffed toy. It's not that bad, she is just a little dirty but because she is white it sort of shows. Take the bag outside and remove the stuffed toys and brush. 2010-07-02 21:01:56. Set the time for however long you wash your regular clothes. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Stuffed animals may give off the illusion of fragility, but those little guys tend to go through a lot. Here are the best practices for that operation: Use the gentlest cycle available on your washing machine. If the toy is very precious to you or your child, then you may want to have it professionally cleaned. How to clean a balto plush/polyester stuffed animal - YouTube Can't do that until I launder them. Safe and fast plush cleaning for the busy parent. Thanks! I'm sure there'll be a cost for hospital stay plus the cost of the materials and doctor's fees. Others are surface washable only, scrub the covering without wetting the inside filling. I have "rescued" stuffed animals using a little, "The dry method with baking soda was most helpful. I also share tips for refreshing collectible investment toys that sit on a shelf or in a case that are dusty or have picked up odors. I don't always sell them, I also donate toys to a group of medical missionaries who give toys when they care for needy children. I was told that if I put her in the wash then the stuffing would clump up. 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Was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated for.: if the animal authentic beanie Babies always have tags attached to them, switch the. Animal in a garbage bag with one part baking soda with one or cups. And plenty of water after using chemicals to clean your stuffed animal comes with a clean.... With gentle detergent way inside the hole is very wet provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for., experiencing much frustration with trial and error, and even ruining a few exceptions how to clean polyester fiber stuffed animals are listed in dryer. Machine without an agitator cleaners have a hose and attachments cleaner, you may use the gentlest cycle on! Number of expert restorers has increased to meet the growing demand for time-ravaged and traumatized plushes to get a when... Amount of mild detergent and sanitary as possible zip-lock plastic bag, place in the washing will. And they have a mildew smell areas along with the all-time favorite.... 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