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How to Get a Moldy Smell Out of a Stuffed Animal

Stuffed animals can be special toys for children, pets or even adult collectors. But over time, they may acquire wear and tear to varying degrees. One problem that sometimes occurs with stuffed animals is that they accrue a musty, mold smell. Some animals can be laundered as usual, but others will need to be handled more gently. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to remove that pesky smell from delicate stuffed animals.

Things You'll Need

Baking soda
Laundry detergent
Large plastic bag
White vinegar
Spray bottle
Febreze (or other scent freshener that kills germs, like Lysol and similar products)

Instructions

- 1
  Read the stuffed animal's tag, if it has one. If it says that it can be machine washed, then start the machine and allow the tub to fill with water. Stop the washing process after the tub has filled with water. Add a scoop of baking soda to the water and then mix. Throw your stuffed animal into the washer and let it soak overnight. Add laundry detergent the following day and launder as usual. Make sure to dry it thoroughly when it's finished to avoid moisture, which can cause mold and create a musky smell.
- 2
  Spray the stuffed animal with Febreze, and then allow it to air dry for a few hours.
- 3
  Put the stuffed animal in a plastic bag with a scoop of baking powder. Shake the bag so that the baking powder covers the stuffed animal. Allow it to sit in the bag for several hours. Vacuum it with a hose attachment after taking it out of the bag, to remove any remaining baking powder.
- 4
  Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Spray the stuffed animal with the mixture until it's damp. When finished, set the stuffed animal out in the sun for several hours to air dry it.

Childrens Toys