Everyone has one. It might be your child’s favorite animal friend or one of your parent’s childhood buddies. Regardless, stuffed animals hold a special sentimental place within our hearts.
With that said, they can get dirty as time goes on, but taking a chance on a washing machine or dryer usually ends up damaging the fluffy friend.
How can you keep your child’s favorite buddy fresh without damaging it?
Read on to find out the best ways how to clean stuffed animals.
Remove Any Loose Dirt
To clean stuffed animals, start by removing any loose dirt, debris, or dust that is stuck in the fur with a vacuum cleaner or lint brush. In vacuuming the stuffed animal, use the brush attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, use the lint brush to remove any remaining dirt or dust.
Spot-cleaning
Start by doing a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the stuffed animal to make sure the type of fabric can handle the cleaning method you’re planning to use. If the stuffed animal is particularly dirty, you may need to spot clean it with a mild detergent. This can be done with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
If the animal is machine-washable, put it in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. But if it’s not, you can clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Be sure to avoid getting the animal’s eyes or face wet.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse the shampoo or detergent off with clean water, and then dry your animal thoroughly with a towel. Finally, brush the fur with a soft brush to keep it looking clean and fluffy.
Sanitizing
Once the stuffed animal is dry, you can sanitize it by spraying it with a disinfectant or placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sanitizing stuffed animals regularly will help to ensure that they are safe for children to play with and will also help to extend their lifespan.
Using the Right Tools
Every pro has their way of doing things, but when it comes to cleaning stuffed animals, there are a few basics that always hold true. First and foremost, you need the right tools, a good vacuum cleaner with attachments is key, as is a lint brush and some good old-fashioned soap and water.
Beyond that, it’s just a matter of taking your time and being thorough. You can also check mybeaniebabies.com for stuffed animal cleaning tips.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
The first is over-washing, this can cause the stuffed animal to lose its shape and color. If you must wash it, do so sparingly and only when necessary. Another mistake is using harsh chemicals or detergents, these can damage the fabric and cause the stuffed animal to fall apart.
Instead, opt for a mild soap or baby shampoo. Finally, avoid putting the stuffed animal in the dryer, the heat can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink. Instead, let it air dry.
Follow These Tips on How to Clean Stuffed Animals
If your child’s stuffed animals need a good cleaning, follow the tips in this article on how to clean stuffed animals. You’ll need to gather some supplies and the right tools.
With a little effort, you can make sure your child’s favorite friends are fresh and clean.
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