How to Clean Stuffed Animals Without Putting Them in the Washer

How to Clean a Stuffed Animal

• 1

  Liquid Spills: Clean liquid spills while they are still wet, if possible. Take the toy outside and shake it vigorously to remove excess liquid. Blot any remaining liquid using dry paper towels or a white cloth. Do not use colored cloths. The liquid may cause dye from the towel to bleed onto the toy (See References 1). Push down on the wet area repeatedly, using a clean area of the towel each time. Keep blotting until you no longer see liquid being absorbed by the towel. If some of the liquid remains, dampen a clean white cloth with water and press it into the soiled area. Blot with a clean, dry towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Set the toy in the sun to dry. For a shorter drying time, set the toy in front of a fan or use a hair dryer, on low heat. Once dry, gently brush the surface.

• 2

  Stains: For stains that have dried on the surface of the stuffed animal, it is best to use a product specifically made for plush toys. Build-a-Bear workshop, Inc., sells Bear Stuff Cleaner in its stores and online (See References 2). Another product made to clean stuffed animals is Teddy Bear Bath-Plush Toy Stain Remover, made by Gund (See References 3). After cleaning the toy, let it air dry before children play with it. Cleaners not created for plush toys may leave the surface stiff once dried. Colored cleaners, such as dishwashing liquid or shampoo, can leave a tint on the synthetic fur that is difficult to remove. Vinegar is useful for other cleaning projects, but may damage the surface of plush toys.

• 3

  Germs and dust mites: Even if the surface of your stuffed animal looks clean, it may be harboring harmful germs or bacteria. According to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, steam cleaning is a natural sterilizer and removes odors as well (See References 4). Environmental Health and Safety Online recommends periodically freezing plush toys for 24 hours to reduce the number of dust mites (See References 5). Place toys in a plastic bag before freezing.

• 4

  Mold: Toys left in a damp area, such as a basement, may develop a musty odor or mold. To remove mold, take the toy outside and lay it on a piece of newspaper. Gently brush the entire surface of the toy with a stiff brush. When finished, roll up and discard the newspaper. Put the toy in a large brown paper bag and add one cup of baking soda or cornstarch. Close and shake the bag to coat the stuffed animal. Let the toy sit in the closed bag for five to 10 minutes. Take the bag outside, carefully remove the toy and shake it to remove any remaining powder. Wipe the toy with a soft, dry cloth.