Most stuffed animals come with care instructions on the tag, and most can go through a washing machine for cleaning; however, some require more delicate care when it comes to maintenance.
For this task, a clean space that's large enough to submerge the toy in water is required along with mild detergent and cold water. Allow this soak time of 15-60 minutes before rinsing and drying it off afterwards.
How to Remove Pee from Plushies
Children's favorite stuffed animals may quickly become dirty and stained through daily use, as well as being susceptible to dust mites and odors from napping or sleeping on them. Regular washing helps remove these substances while also restoring its fluffiness and softness - it is advised that at peak allergy seasons, plush toys be washed at least every month!
Many stuffed animals and teddy bears can be washed using cool water and terry cloth, though there may be special instructions on their tags for cleaning them properly. Others feature fabric that cannot be machine-washed - mohair or wool for instance - while others might feature glue-on decorations such as sequins for decoration.
OxiClean(tm) Versatile Stain Remover can help revive any toy with an unsightly stain, as it's available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Test the product first on a small area to make sure it won't damage the toy; fill a sink, tub, laundry sink, or large bucket with cool water; dip plushie into solution then blot away excess with clean white toweling - it should come up clean.
Clean Urine Stains
Most stuffed animals can be machine washed, while others require special cleaning instructions like "Spot Clean Only." This may be because of fabric that fades quickly or mechanical components like music boxes that do not perform well with water exposure; or glue decorations that do not do well under damp conditions.
To clean a toy that requires spot cleaning only, take the following steps. Remove all stuffing and wash with cold water only using nontoxic detergent.
If the stain is fresh, use a cleaning solution like Dreft Fabric Refresher & Odor Eliminator. Apply it directly onto the spot, working it into fabric fibers without over-saturating. Do not saturate as this may lead to mildew growth and use white paper towels or cloths to blot the area dry afterwards. For older stains that need treating more effectively use a vinegar solution made up of 10 ounces of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 tablespoon freshly opened baking soda plus 2-3 drops of dish-washing liquid for best results.
Remove Odors
Stuffies often emit musty odors due to saliva, food stains, sticky residues, dust and skin oils accumulating over time on fabric and fillings. Over time these soils oxidize and bond to the fabric or stuffing material and become difficult to remove from it.
Cleaning may help eliminate odors. Simply combine cool water and mild detergent, submerging your stuffed animal in it before gently agitating and squeezing out excess soapy water without disturbing its stuffing - then rinse thoroughly and pat dry afterwards.
When it's time to store away toys, look for a storage bin or box made of mesh or cotton that allows airflow. Consider adding moisture-absorbing silica gel or charcoal into the container, to absorb ambient moisture and prevent mildew growth. Alternatively, baking soda solutions can act as deodorizers: simply sprinkle some on, allow it to sit overnight, brush away any remaining powder, and store in an airy cloth bag or plastic resealable container for safe keeping.
Restore the Fur
Stuffed animals have more significance than just being toys; they represent love, happiness, childhood memories or nostalgia in our lives. Because stuffed animals hold such special meaning for people it is crucial that we learn how to properly clean and care for them.
After washing and disinfecting your stuffed animal, the next step should be restoring its fur to its former softness and fluffiness. First, brush out gently using a soft-bristle brush or comb to untangle knots and tangles; be mindful not to pull too forcefully as doing so could damage or create bald spots in its fur.
Use a hair conditioner to soften up the fur on your stuffed animal and then roll it in a towel after rinsing for easy air-drying. For special stuffed animals that cannot get wet, try vacuuming instead to keep dust-free and free of mold or mildew growth; store in plastic totes or containers suitable for climate controlled storage afterwards.
