How to Restore Antique Steiff Bears

General Bear Care

• 1

  Assess the injuries to your collectible Steiff bear and note the repairs needed. Little children̵7;s hands and loving attention can cause rips, lost stuffing and eyes, as well as the need for fur cleaning and paw replacement. Have your bear avoid dangers such as exposure to dust, sunlight, dampness, smoke, bugs and pets, which can all seriously damage your collectible.

• 2

  Check for bug infestation by looking for small holes in the bear or on the pads of the feet. Put the bear in a plastic bag and set in the freezer for up to seven days.

• 3

  Vacuum your bear's fur regularly using a low setting. Place an old stocking over the vacuum nozzle. Avoid any trim on the bear and its eyes. Dust is the worst enemy of an antique teddy bear.

• 4

  Use a damp cloth on the fur only. Gently brush it down with a clean toothbrush. Note if there are any washing instructions on the bear. Some fur can be washed with woolen cleaner or baby shampoo with some warm water. Use a soft bristled brush to remove stains and then rinse the fur. Do not hang the bear up to dry by its ears. Put it in a muslin bag and hang the bag out to dry. Afterward, brush the bear's fur gently.

Repair Bear Care

• 5

  Replace any missing stuffing with cotton batting.

• 6

  Pin together any rips and carefully sew the areas with matching thread.

• 7

  Fix any missing paws, loose or missing fur, as well as missing eyes with felt, buttons or parts you can purchase at craft stores. Check the Steiff website for ideas on current bear models. Take your antique bear to a professional restorer if the damage is too severe to fix at home.