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If you or your child has a favorite stuffed animal, chances are they get a lot of use. Over time, stuffed animals can collect dirt and grime with wear and tear. You may want to clean the animal from time to time. Checking the tag of your stuffed animal will allow you to see whether its suitable to go in the washing machine. If you’re worried that your stuffed animal may not make it through the washing machine or the instructions tell you not to put it in the washing machine, there are still plenty of ways to wash a stuffed animal by hand.
Steps
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Place the stuffed animal in a plastic garbage bag. A garbage bag will keep you from spilling while you clean. [1] X Research source- If you don’t have a bag, you can apply the baking soda directly to the animal.
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Add baking soda to the bag. You want about ½ cup of baking soda for an average-sized stuffed animal. [2] X Research source
- If your stuffed animal is bigger or smaller, you can adjust the amount of baking soda appropriately.
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Shake the bag vigorously. This will agitate the baking soda and allow it to penetrate the stuffed animal.
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Wait 15-20 minutes and let the bag rest. This will give the baking soda time to interact with the dirt and clean it off.
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Clean off the baking soda. You can use several methods for this:
- Shake off the baking soda,
- Brush the baking soda with your hand,
- Use a cloth to remove the baking soda from the stuffed animal,
- Use a handheld vacuum cleaner if you really want to be thorough.
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Video: Handwash a Stuffed Animal With Baking Soda
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Fill a sink or a wash basin with cold water. This method involves submerging the entire stuffed animal, so you need a sink or basin deep enough to do that.
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Scrub the stuffed animal. You can use your hands, but a cleaning brush is better for this.
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Squeeze the stuffed animal out. Submerge the stuffed animal into the cold water again to ensure that all the dirt and soap are being removed. It’s very important to do this to get all of the soap out of the animal. [5] X Research source
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Rinse the stuffed animal out. Holding the stuffed animal under cold water, rinse out all the soap. While under the water, keep squeezing the stuffed animal to make sure you are removing all the soap.
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Brush out the stuffed animal’s fur. This will keep it from tangling. If the animal needs it, this is a good time to fluff it back to its original shape.
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Dry the stuffed animal. Hanging the stuffed animal to dry is the best method. A line in the sun is best, as there will be lots of dripping water. If you can’t hang the animal outside, hang it somewhere where dripping water won’t be a problem, such as above a sink or the bathtub. [8] X Research source
- Using a hair dryer and drying them in the dryer are acceptable alternatives for drying your stuffed animals. If you use the dryer, use the permanent press option with low heat.
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Video: Handwash a Stuffed Animal Thoroughly
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Get the necessary supplies. You’ll need a clean toothbrush, two clean washcloths, a small wash basin or bowl, and a high efficiency laundry detergent. [9] X Research source
- Spot cleaning is best if the whole stuffed animal does not require cleaning.
- You’ll also want to spot clean if the animal is made of something delicate enough that you don’t want to submerge it.
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Apply a small amount of cleaner to the basin or bowl. [10] X Research source
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Fill the basin or bowl with warm water. Here, you want to use your hand to mix the detergent around the bowl, ensuring you have a proper mix of water and detergent. [13] X Research source
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Dip the washcloth in the basin. You want to get the cloth pretty wet, but not soaked. Using a circular motion, rub the entire stuffed animal down. Gently scrubbing any trouble spots.
- For a particular troublesome spot, use your toothbrush to scrub a little harder.
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Rinse the stuffed animal. Using your remaining washcloth, run it under cold water. Make sure you get the washcloth wet, but not soaked. In circular motions, wipe down the stuffed animal.
- You may need to wet the wash cloth a couple of times to make sure you are removing all the detergent from the stuffed animal.
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Dry the stuffed animal. You should hang the stuffed animal out in the sun to dry or place it in front of a fan.
- If the stuffed animal is not suitable for the washer, it most likely can’t go in the dryer either.
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Video: Handwash a Stuffed Animal by Spot Cleaning
Community Q&A
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QuestionI am afraid to try this on my favorite stuffed animal. Does it really work?Community AnswerYou can try this out on a stuffed animal you don't care so much about that has similar material to your favorite. Then you will be more confident that it will work.
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QuestionDoes a stuffed animal grow mold after washing it?Community AnswerIt depends the material it's made out of, but usually not. Make sure you let it dry completely.
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References
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-stuffed-animals-199116
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-stuffed-animals-199116
- ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/washing-stuffed-animals.html
- ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/washing-stuffed-animals/
- ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/washing-stuffed-animals.html
- ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/washing-stuffed-animals.html
- ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/washing-stuffed-animals/
- ↑ https://www.stain-removal-101.com/washing-stuffed-animals.html
- ↑ https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/washing-stuffed-animals/
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Reader Success Stories
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"This helped me wash the cheeto dust off my toy shark (don't eat near a plushie)."
"This was good advice given in orderly categories and steps. I think I can actually use this advice. Thanks for not just saying, "Oh, just pop the animal in the washer on delicate!" I have stuffed animals that are 50 years old, and some other youngsters that are in the 20's. It will take some very careful methods to clean them up the best I can."
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"I've seen stuffed animals get floppier in the washer and have always been worried that the same thing would happen to mine until I saw this article. BEST ADVISE EVER!!! I followed everything step by step and, not only is my stuffie so fresh and clean, but it didn't get floppy at all. Thank you!"
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"My stuffed animal is over 18 years old. It was in need of a very good clean. This article helped me clean the stuffed toy without damaging it."
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"I have tried this on many stuffed animals and it has worked perfectly! I use dish soap instead of laundry detergent."
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