In the summer, I relax the rules about leaving stuffed animals at home. We take stuffed friends on long car trips, we play with them outside, we bring them to the grocery store—they’re constantly under foot. That’s great fun, but a bit of a problem because they’re getting really dirty. I cringe when I think of the kids walking around highway rest stops, then climbing back in the car with their filthy shoes stepping all over the floor that's littered with beloved stuffed animals. So I asked Tipnut how I can clean these delicate and much loved toys without destroying them in the washing machine--Diana
Stuffed animals are treasured in childhood yet they can be one of the dirtiest items our children snuggle with. Because of the different materials used in stuffed toys, cleaning them can be tricky but here are a few tips that can get the job done without destroying these little friends.
Stuffed Toys With Delicate Material Or Mechanical Pieces:
Fill a bowl with 2 cups of lukewarm water and add 2 tablespoons of a gentle liquid laundry detergent (or a gentle liquid hand soap), stir to mix. Take a soft bristle nail brush and soak it in the soapy water then gently scrub the stuffed toy from top to bottom. Careful not to saturate the animal with too much water.
After the all-over scrub, wipe the toy down with a wet cloth to remove excess soap and water.
If the fabric will tolerate it (test a small area first), lightly spray the toy with a vinegar and water mix (about 1/4 cup vinegar per 1 cup water). Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can kill germs. Wipe away excess water with a dry cloth.
Allow toy to air dry in the sun.
Washable Stuffed Toys:
There are two ways you can clean stuffed toys if they're made from washable materials. One method is a gentle hand washing in the sink using a bit of shampoo or liquid hand soap. After washing rinse in clear water then roll the stuffed toy in a heavy towel to squeeze out as much water as you can. Air dry or try the dryer on the cool setting or low heat (tie the toy up in a pillowcase before drying in a dryer). Do not use the clothes dryer for toys that are furry, the fur will likely get matted.
The second method is to tie the toy up in a pillowcase and wash in the washing machine (wash alone without any other items), use regular or gentle laundry soap. Cool water temperature, gentle cycle. Once washed you can hang the toy to dry, set it out in the sun to dry or toss it into the dryer for about 30 minutes on cool air or low heat (do not place furry toys in the dryer--fur will dry too matted). After 30 minutes remove from dryer and allow it to air dry.
Note: If you decide to wash the toy in the washing machine, first make sure to check the stuffed animal carefully for any small rips or tears, you'll want to mend these before washing as the stuffing will likely work itself out.
Tip: To add some fluff to furry toys try drying it with a hair dryer (on low heat setting), fluff with your hands as you dry.
My oldest son has been sleeping with the same stuffed dog for 8 years. I've disregarded the rules about careful cleaning and washed Puppy in the washing machine too many times. He's on his last legs, I'm afraid, and I didn't want to wash him in the machine anymore so these instructions are a life-saver--literally. I will sleep easier knowing Peter is sleeping with a thoroughly clean stuffed dog with years of life left in him! Thanks, Tipnut.
How do you take care of your children's stuffed friends? How often do you clean them?