– Clean stuffed animals with a damp cloth
For slightly dirty stuffed animals, especially those that are new, a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth will do the trick. Use a white cloth to avoid any color transfer and to easily see if the toy is clean. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of diluted baby shampoo onto the cloth and gently rub the affected area until the stain disappears. Then, go over it again with a clean, damp cloth.
After cleaning, air-dry the stuffed animal in a well-ventilated area. Sunlight is also a natural disinfectant and can help eliminate any unpleasant odors.
– Use a vacuum cleaner for a deeper clean
A vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment can be used to thoroughly clean a stuffed animal without damaging its surface. Gently vacuum the surface to remove any built-up dust and use a soft brush to smoothen the fur afterward.
– Hand-washing stuffed animals
For older stuffed animals that may have accumulated dirt over time, hand-washing is recommended. Submerge the toy in a basin of water and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub and squeeze the stuffed animal to remove any dirt from the inside. Finally, gently squeeze out the excess water and hang it out to dry in the sun.
You can choose to hand-wash or machine-wash your stuffed animals.
– Machine-washing stuffed animals
Medium and small-sized stuffed animals can be placed in a laundry bag and then into the washing machine. Do not wash them together with other types of clothing. Always check the care label before proceeding.
– Deep cleaning by removing the stuffing
This method is more intricate but ensures a thorough cleaning of the stuffed animal, especially for older toys. Locate and cut a small section of the stitching, usually at the back or where the body and head connect. Carefully remove the stuffing through the opening. Then, wash the outer fabric and stuffing separately, and dry them in the sun.
For an even deeper clean, consider replacing the old stuffing with fresh, new stuffing. This will make the stuffed animal look fuller and cleaner. Finally, sew the opening shut, being careful to hide the stitching.
