In this case, machine washing is the most convenient way to clean a plush stuffed toy. Here's how to do so. Pre-treat stains with a laundry stain remover. Use a white washcloth or sponge to gently blot the stain. Upholstery or carpet stain remover may also be used.
Full Answer
Can you vacuum animal stuffing?
— To keep dust off your stuffed animal, once a week use your vacuum cleaner. Most home vacuum cleaners have a hose and brush attachment. Just go lightly over the stuffed animal with the brush. Make sure that items like eyes on the stuffed animal are secure before doing this.
How do you clean dusty plush toys?
0:001:35CLEANING STUFFED ANIMALS - Queen Of Clean - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you don't shake salt all over then you're gonna do what I call the shake shake. Shake. Do it aMoreSo you don't shake salt all over then you're gonna do what I call the shake shake. Shake. Do it a few times let that slug fit in there and absorb all of that dirt all of that dust.
How do you wash your child's favorite stuffed animal?
Place the stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag, zippered pillowcase or pillowcase with the ends tied for added protection against wear and tear. We recommend using the Delicate, Hand Wash or Gentle cycle setting on your washing machine, along with cold water to help keep colors from fading.
How do you wash stuffed animals that Cannot be washed?
How to Clean Non-Washable Stuffed Animals and ToysSpot Clean the Toy. To clean non-washable toys, spot clean stains. ... Rinse and Air-Dry. Wipe down the cleaned area with a cloth dipped in plain water to remove any cleaning solution residue. ... Absorb Odors With Baking Soda.
How do you keep stuffed animals dust free?
We recommend freezing the stuffed animal or toy for a day or two. Freezing will kill the dust mites and not harm the toy. Once they have thawed out you can just put them in the dryer on air or low for about 15-20 minutes to shake them up. The dust mite allergens will get vented out.
How do you clean a 30 year old stuffed animal?
Hand-washing stuffed animalsStep 1: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and detergent.Step 2: Wash using a pumping motion.Step 3: Let it soak for 30-60 minutes depending on its condition.Step 4: Rinse until free of suds.Step 5: Squeeze out any water and let it dry on a towel, using a hair dryer to fluff up the fur.
Can you clean stuffed animals with carpet cleaner?
Wash on gentle cycle using little cool water liquid cleaner for delicates, or wool fabrics. If you really want the plush to be fluffy and sanitized, use a teeny tiny bit of upholstery or carpet cleaner. Add a little fabric softener to the rinse cycle. After washing, place the plush in the dryer on medium heat.
Can you use OxiClean on stuffed animals?
For badly stained stuffed animals, use a gentle stain removal product like baking soda, OxiClean, or Borax. Soak the stuffed animal in water mixed with one of those products for a longer period of time.
What happens if you wash a stuffed animal?
Stuffed toys like teddy bears or bunnies can be machine washed, which will be the easiest choice for most parents. However, you run the risk of damaging some toys by throwing them in with the wash, especially when it comes to cleaning well-loved (and well-worn) stuffed animals.
How do you dry stuffed animals without a dryer?
Placing the stuffed animals near a dehumidifier for a couple of days will also remove the water content much faster than air drying. This method of drying further reduces the risk of mildew forming inside the stuffed animals. Using a blow dryer on a no heat setting works great for a quick dry method.
How do you clean stuffed toys with baking soda?
Clean with Baking Soda Put a light layer of baking soda on the full surface of the stuffed animal and toss them in a bag or pillow case. Shake the bag vigorously for a few minutes and then let it sit for about a half hour so that the soda can absorb all of the oils.
How do you make stuffed animals fluffy again?
1:363:53How to make an old stuffed animal look new again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow it's just totally transforming a regular brush. Doesn't do this it's the wire bristle brush justMoreHow it's just totally transforming a regular brush. Doesn't do this it's the wire bristle brush just really turns his fur back into this awesome fluffiness.
How to clean stuffed animals?
Surface clean first to remove dust. Rub a slightly damp cloth over the surface of the stuffed animal. You can also use the hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller. Finish the process by brushing the toy’s fur with a brush that is not used on human hair (you don’t want the styling products you put in your hair to get in the toy). A brush with well-spaced plastic bristles works best.#N#If you use a vacuum, do not use the short- or long-pile adjustment.#N#Be careful not to vacuum up any accessories that may be attached to the toy.#N#Haley’s Cleaning Tips by Graham and Rosemary Haley suggests performing a dry shampoo with cornmeal, letting it sit for an hour, and then dusting the toy off.
How to get rid of a swollen toy?
Wipe off with a damp cloth. Mix 1/4-c. water with 1/2-c. rubbing alcohol and 1/2-tsp. dish soap. Whisk the solution and apply only the forth to the affected areas. Wipe off with a damp cloth, Wash. Most toys can be machine washed, but always check labels for instructions and warnings.
What to do if you spill something on a toy?
If you do spill something on a stuffed toy, deal with it immediately. Do not rub a spill because it will become more ingrained in the fur. Instead, shake the toy outside or over a towel and then use a damp sponge to blot any leftover residue away. Finish by blotting with a dry towel. Repeat as necessary.
How to make a white toy?
For white or any dye color (blue, red, green, etc.), use baking soda. Do not use coffee as it could leave a stain. Sprinkle a generous amount of the powder into the bag. Seal the bag, then shake it to distribute the powder over the toy. Leave the toy in the bag for at least an hour.
How to clean fur with a Q tip?
Make sure to test any cleaner you use on an inconspicuous section of fur first with a Q-tip. Let the area dry and brush off any residue. If there is any discoloration on or around the area, find another cleaner. Remove any accessories (by clipping the threads—don’t forget where to sew them back on!)
Can you put stuffed toys in the dryer?
Don’t place stuffed toys in the dryer. They may lose their shape or shrink. You can hang them up on a clothesline (but keep away from direct sunlight—this could cause colors to fade!) or place them next to a dehumidifier. The latter might take a few days but will definitely prevent any damage.
Can you wash old toys in the washing machine?
Do not wash old or delicate toys in the washing machine. Instead, use the Dry Method outlined below. Do not place very large toys (over 18 in.) in the washing machine. Do not wash any toys that are stuffed with fiberfill or foam beads, stuffed very densely, or contains paper or plastic stiffeners or joints.
How to keep stuffed toys from leaking?
Wash separately. 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 on gentle cycle using little cool water liquid cleaner for delicates, or wool fabrics.
How to clean a plush toy?
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 . This method will clean the surface and get rid of odors. Place the plush toy in a large zip-lock plastic bag with one or two cups of baking soda or cornstarch.
Why do plush toys smell?
Plush toys can suffer trauma from too much love and everyday life of being dragged around by its constant companion and best friend. It may also be exposed to animals, insects or bacteria that have caused an odor. If the toy is very precious to you or your child, then you may want to have it professionally cleaned.
How to get rid of a smelly toy?
Place the plush toy in a large zip-lock plastic bag with one or two cups of baking soda or cornstarch. Baby Powder will work fine also as it has cornstarch in it. Shake vigorously to coat the entire toy, then leave the bag closed for one or two hours to allow the powder to absorb odors.
How long to dry plushies?
After washing, place the plush in the dryer on medium heat. The time depends on the size of the plush; small 20 minutes, medium 30 minutes and large 40-50 minutes. After drying, you may use the fluff cycle for 5 minutes. Brush if needed.
How to get rid of odors in clothes?
Dust them off periodically with a clean, soft cloth. If necessary, you may use a cloth and a mild detergent to spot clean them. Place it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for around 5 minutes. For getting rid of odors, place in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for 5 minutes with a Snuggle DRYER SHEET.
Can you sanitize a plush toy?
You can easily and safely sanitize a plush toy while on vacation or if it is dropped on the floor in a public place by using an antibacterial Wet Wipe until you are able to clean it properly at home.
How to clean a stuffed animal that has built up stain?
If you have a stuffed animal that has a large amount of built up staining or you really want to give it a thorough deep cleaning and your plush is small enough to fit into the washing machine, this might be the best method for you. Place the plush into a pillowcase and tie off the end to keep the plush inside.
How to get a stain out of a plush?
If your plush is in good shape other than some light surface dirt, you can address this by applying some watered down soap to the stain. Rub lightly at the stain with the direction of the fur so as to not damage the plush fibers. Take care to avoid saturating the plush with the soapy mixture since this will make it impossible to entirely rinse it away. Any amount of soap left on or in the plush, no matter how small, will eventually attract dirt and dust over the years due to soap’s sticky nature, so take extra care to rinse it out thoroughly once you’ve lifted the stain.
How to keep a plush from getting scuffed?
2. If you put your plush through the washing machine, make sure to use cold water, mild detergent, and have your plush securely tied inside a pillowcase to keep its eyes and nose from getting scuffed. Avoid using fabric softener since this can leave a sticky residue on the fur of your plush. 3.
How to get a plush to look flat?
If you have a plush with fur that has become matted and flat looking, it can usually be improved by carefully working through it with a comb or a brush. Do this gently, otherwise you might end up breaking or pulling out some of the plush fur. Once the fur is combed out, tap it gently with your hand or lightly shake the plush to fluff the fur.
Can stuffed animals damage washing machines?
Additionally, in some cases, the large size of these stuffed animals can even damage your washing machine. If the dirt is light and doesn’t cover a large area of the plush, our above tips for Light Surface Dirt & Spot Cleaning will likely work for you.
Can you put a plush in the dryer?
Never, ever put your plush through the dryer. The heat can singe the plush fur and cause irreversible damage. 5. If you have a larger plush that is damp or wet, it can be a good idea to help speed the drying process to avoid any musty odors.
Can you wash a large plush?
Cleaning and restoring large plush can be tricky due to their size. We recommend avoiding putting these stuffed animals through your washing machine since the spindle in the center of the washer drum can damage the plush’s fur. Additionally, in some cases, the large size of these stuffed animals can even damage your washing machine. If the dirt is light and doesn’t cover a large area of the plush, our above tips for Light Surface Dirt & Spot Cleaning will likely work for you. If the stains are more serious, a portable carpet/upholstery cleaner can be used to remove the dirt from the surface of your large plush.
How to clean stuffed animals?
Start by filling the sink, or whatever space you’re using, with enough cold or warm water to fully submerge the stuffed animal, then add a teaspoon to a tablespoon of detergent per gallon of water.
How to get soap residue off a toy?
When it’s time to rinse, you can either hold the toy under cool running water or drain and refill the sink with clean water, repeating the pumping motion to get rid of soap residue . The latter method is more gentle and will be best for especially tattered toys.
How to dry a plush toy?
To dry a plush toy after hand-washing it, drain the sink and press down gently on the stuffed animal several times to push out as much water as you can, then roll it up in a clean dry towel, which will pull out more water.
What is the best way to clean a toy that is not submerged?
Spot treating is the method of choice to clean toys that cannot be submerged because they have electronic or musical components. Spot treating involves doing a surface-only cleaning of the toy, by wiping its exterior using a damp cloth and a mild soap. Karpas recommends using a foaming hand or dish soap.
What to use to clean a toy before washing?
If a toy is especially grimy, or has a stain, you can also include a laundry booster, such as OxiClean (for grime), or apply a pretreatment product like Zout (for protein stains such as blood or vomit) to the toy prior to washing.
Can you wash stuffed animals in the washing machine?
However, you run the risk of damaging some toys by throwing them in with the wash, especially when it comes to cleaning well-loved ( and well-worn) stuffed animals. Be sure to look for the manufacturer’s washing instructions by checking the care tag when deciding if machine washing is the best option: You wouldn’t want to mangle Mr. Buttons. If you choose the machine-washing route, here’s where to start:
Can you wash a stuffed animal by hand?
Do not be daunted! If you can wash a child, you can wash a stuffed animal (stuffed animals are easier … less squirmy). 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. A mild detergent.
How to get rid of stains on stuffed animals?
Immerse your stuffed animal. Fully immerse your animal so that the soap water mixture gets into the innards and fights the stain thoroughly. Gently clean the animal as it is immersed. Use your hands to gently rub the material and get out any debris or stains.
How to wash a stuffed animal?
1. Make sure that you’re able to machine wash your stuffed animal. Read the label of the animal to ensure that you are able to wash it in your machine. You won’t be able to machine a stuffed animal if: Your stuffed animal comes with a music box inside. It’s very old, fur or limbs are falling apart, or it’s fragile to hold.
How to clean stuffed animals in the washer?
Place your stuffed animals inside a delicate clothes mesh bag and toss them in the washer. Use 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar for the rinse cycle to deodorize and remove any detergent residue. Then, let them air dry or tumble dry on low. Thanks!
How to get soap out of a dog?
Thoroughly rinse out all the soap. Get as much water out as possible . Don’t shake or twist the animal. Press it between old towels as you squeeze the water out. You may gently ring out your animal depending on its condition. Older animals may easily fall apart if mishandled. ...
How to dry a toy?
Make sure all the excess water is gone before drying your animal on a clothesline. On a sunny day, use clothespins to hang your toy and set it to dry.
Can you wash stuffed animals in a washing machine?
Stuffed animals are best washed in a machine that does not have an agitator. Machines with an agitator tend to ball up the animal because the agitator displaces the batting. Instead of using a top loading machine, you could take a large load of laundry to a laundromat and wash your stuffed animal with that load.
How to clean stuffed toys?
Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda into a plastic garbage bag. If you are dealing with an oversized stuffed toy, consider adding a full cup or more of baking soda to ensure adequate ...
How to get rid of caked on dirt from toys?
Remove residual baking soda, which includes dirt and grime, from the stuffed toy using a vacuum cleaner hose. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrape away caked-on baking soda and dirt. Gently shake and pat the soft toy with your hands over the trash can to liberate any remaining baking soda.
How to get dirt out of a toy bag?
The baking soda will not only deodorize the toy, but also will bind and help to liberate dirt and grime from the fabric. Open the bag after the 15 minutes. Shake excess baking soda off into the bag. Discard the bag in the trash.
What is a soft toy?
The soft-toy category commonly includes stuffed animals and plush toys. Although manufacturers deem many toys as machine-washable, some toys are fragile and incompatible with the agitation and tumbling action in a household washer. Many soft toys sold in stores have a product care label that explicitly states that the inner or outer material is ...
How to close a plastic bag?
Alternatively, use a twist-tie to close off the bag. Pick up the bag by sliding your left hand under the bottom and using your right hand to grab the top.
Is soft toy material machine washable?
Many soft toys sold in stores have a product care label that explicitly states that the inner or outer material is non-machine washable. As a parent, guardian or caregiver, you need an effective, safe and nondestructive option for cleaning dirt and debris off toys that come in frequent contact with young and sometimes-vulnerable kids.
Can bleach be used as a toy disinfectant?
Experts commonly recommend diluted chlorine bleach as a toy disinfectant, but this chemical may fade the color of your toy and even corrode the material on some soft toys. Read the product care label for fabric composition and warnings.
