How to Clean Stuffed Animals?

Answer 1

Most children have a multitude of stuffed animals and some of these may end up being a child’s favorite toy. This means that a cleaning will have to take place every once and a while. Stuffed animals can be made from a variety of substances and that will dictate the best way to clean them.

First, before any cleaning is done at all, one should look over the stuffed animal for tears, loose seams, or loose objects. Stuffing or little items, such as buttons or bows, can be lost in the washing machine if not properly taken care of. If the animal has any batteries or mechanical parts, it is best to remove them before washing.

Second, always check the tag that is sewn onto the animal. Most stuffed animals come with tags attached describing proper cleaning instructions. This technique should always been followed first. If no cleaning instructions are found, there are other ways to keep children’s stuffed animals clean.

Third, pay attention to how dirty the stuffed animal actually is. If there are just a few dirty spots here and there, it may be better to try spot cleaning instead of placing it in a washing machine. A washing machine may cause a stuffed animal to lose its shape. For spot cleaning, one can use an all-purpose cleaner or upholstery cleaner and a damp sponge. Animals that are not dirty can be kept clean by dusting weekly with the vacuum cleaner.

Fourth, decide which stuffed animals can be washed in the washing machine. Always place the animal inside a pillow case and tie it shut. This will protect it from the agitator. Wash it on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent. For a softer or fluffier animal, fabric softener can be added to the washing cycle. As for drying, one can either put it in the dryer on a low setting or hang it up to line dry.