How to Care for Kid's Teddy Bears

Removing Surface Dust

• 1

  Wipe the teddy bear with a damp -- not wet-- lint-free cloth to remove surface dust or dirt that can dull its appearance. Roll a lint roller over the teddy bear or use a dust-brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner if you don't want to use a damp cloth.

• 2

  Brush the teddy bear gently with a clean brush with stiff bristles. Take care not to pull out any of the hair.

• 3

  Wipe the teddy bear's coat once again with a damp cloth to remove any loose hairs or debris that was dislodged by the brush. Allow the hair to air dry.

Spot Cleaning Wet Spills

• 4

  Shake the stuffed teddy bear vigorously outdoors or over a sink or bathtub to rid it of excess liquid from the spill.

• 5

  Blot the wet area with a dry paper towel to soak up as much moisture as possible. Do not rub the area or you may rub the stain into the synthetic fibers.

• 6

  Dampen a paper towel with water and blot the area. Blot with dry towels. Alternate blotting with wet and dry paper towels repeatedly until you no longer see evidence of the spill on the towels. Allow to air dry.

General Care

• 7

  Store the teddy bear out of direct sunlight. Consistent exposure to the sun can fade synthetic fur.

• 8

  Check the teddy bear now and then for loose parts or torn seams. Repair any damages as soon as possible.

• 9

  Replace missing stuffing in the teddy bear with old stuffing from a pillow or purchase stuffing at a craft store. Sew up the tear.

• 10

  Place the teddy bear outside in the sun for four to five hours to remove musty smells.

• 11

  Wash the toy in the washing machine with cool water on a gentle cycle if your child has used her teddy bear as a comfort through a contagious illness. Enclose the teddy bear in a pillowcase and tie the ends shut. Dry the teddy bear in the pillowcase on a low-heat setting.