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How to Clean Stuffed Animals & Dolls

Stuffed animals and dolls take a lot of abuse. They frequently acquire food and drink stains, dirt from outside, pet slobber and numerous odors. After a while, the stuffed animal can get so dirty and grimy that it poses a health risk. This is especially true if your child has been sick with a cold or other infection. Periodic cleaning will keep stuffed animals and dolls germ-free.

Things You'll Need

Lint roller
Bowl
Dish soap
Rubbing alcohol
Spoon
Sponge
Zippered pillow case
Washing machine
Mild laundry detergent
Fabric softener
Brush

Instructions

- 1
  Roll a lint roller over the entire surface of the stuffed animal to remove surface dust and excess lint.
- 2
  Pour 1/4 cup water into a bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap and 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol. Mix the solution well with a spoon to combine. Apply the mixture to any stained areas on the stuffed animal or doll using a sponge. Rub the stain with the sponge until it is gone.
- 3
  Insert the stuffed animal or doll into a pillow case with a zipper and close the zipper.
- 4
  Place the pillow case containing the stuffed toys into a washing machine. Set the washing machine to the gentle or hand wash cycle and add a mild laundry detergent. Pour one capfull of fabric softener into the appropriate machine location to make the toys extra soft.
- 5
  Allow the washing machine to complete the wash cycle and remove the pillow case from the washer.
- 6
  Unzip the pillowcase and remove the stuffed animal or doll. Set the stuffed animal in an area with good air circulation to air dry.

Stuffed Animals