Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Remove and wash any clothing on the stuffed toy. You may need to clip stitching if the clothing has been sewn onto the animal. Check the clothing for any rips and stitch these before washing. These clothes should be hand-washed or placed in a machine washer on a delicate setting. They should then be laid flat to dry.
Search for ripped seams, stuffing that might be sticking out, or areas on the stuffed animal that appear deflated. If necessary, use batting to fill up the toy if stuffing has leaked out. Repair any ripped seams with a needle and thread. Use invisible thread and make small, even stitches along the line of the old seam.
Replace any features that may be missing. Stuffed toys commonly have either sewn-on or plastic eyes that may be ripped off. You can find replacement toy eyes at a hobby store. If the features are sewn on, match the existing thread color with new embroidery floss and restitch these features. Do the same for noses and smiles as well. If ears have been torn off, they can be replaced by using like-colored fabric and a small amount of batting. However if the damage is too great, consider clipping off the other ear with sewing scissors and stitching the holes closed.
Wash the stuffed animal. Hand-washing with a gentle dish soap or Woolite is recommended, however, the toy can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Read the label for any indications that the stuffed animal is flammable before placing it in the dryer. If it's not, use the air fluff setting until it is dry.
Maintain toys regularly. Once a toy becomes damaged, especially a stuffed animal, continued use can make the problem worse and the toy may have to be thrown away. Periodically, examine stuffed toys for any problems and fix them as they come up. In addition, regular washing of stuffed animals can help keep them more sanitary and may be necessary for children who suffer from allergies, particularly asthma.