We’ll show you how to wash stuffed animals easily, by hand or in the washing machine, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your or your kid’s teddy bear.
Many people are afraid that washing stuffed animals will ruin them, but as long as you follow a few simple guidelines, there’s nothing to worry about. We’ll give you a step-by-step guide for how to wash stuffed animals, either in the washing machine or by hand.
Washing Stuffed Animals in the Washing Machine
The first thing to do before washing stuffed animals is to check the tag attached to your lovable little friend. This will show you if it’s okay to use a washing machine, and if so, how to do it. Some of the cuddly toys can only be washed by hand, but if yours is made of microfiber or terry cloth, machine washing is generally okay.
Here’s how to wash your stuffed animals in the washing machine:
- Take away any removable pieces, like clothing or batteries, from the stuffed animal.
- Check carefully to see if any seams are loose or coming apart. If you find any, re-sew these areas before washing them. This way, you can prevent the filling from coming out during the wash cycle.
- Place your stuffed animals in a washing net or a pillowcase.
- Add your detergent in the proper compartment. Use only mild laundry detergent, like wool detergent.
- Set the temperature to cold.
- Wash on a delicate cycle.
- Let your freshly washed stuffed animals air dry for two or three days in the sun.
How to Wash Stuffed Animals by Hand
If your teddy bear is made of a very delicate material, you can’t find the tag with washing instructions or putting him in the washing machine feels too cruel, you can also wash him by hand. In this instance, it’s best to use organic liquid soap to avoid creating microplastic particles.
Here’s how to wash your stuffed animals by hand:
- Remove any loose parts.
- Examine the toy closely to see if there are any loose stitches. Sew them back up to make sure all the filling stays inside.
- Wash the stuffed animal in the sink with liquid soap. Ensure the water you’re using doesn’t get warmer than about 80 degrees.
- Rinse well until all the soap is gone and the water runs clear.
- Wring the stuffed animal out very carefully.
- Lay it out in the sun to air dry for several days.
This article was originally published by Chantal Gilbrich.
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