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Cleaning Tip of the Day
Cleaning stuffed animals without damaging them can be intimidating. These tips help make the job easier.
Stuffed toys can be washed in water or dry cleaned.
Just like with clothing, keep the tags that come with the toy. Cleaning instructions should be on the tags.
For washable stuffed animals use a gentle soap. Always test the soap or detergent on a small, unseen spot on the toy to ensure that no harm occurs to the fabric or dye.
When machine washing place the toy in a closed pillowcase, zippered pillowcase, or laundry bag to protect the toy.
Use cold, cool, or warm water but never hot. Hot water could cause shrinkage, fading of color, or damage plastic eyes, and other non-fabric parts of the toy.
Use a gentle, handwash, or delicate cycle.
For older toys hand wash in a sink, tub, or bathtub.
When washed, wrap the stuffed animal in a large terrycloth towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Then lay the toy flat to dry.
To dry clean stuffed animals, put the stuffed toy in a plastic bag. Add 1/2 cup baking soda for medium sized toys, using more or less baking soda for larger and smaller toys. Gently shake the bag so the toy becomes coated. Leave it sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the toy from the bag, brush off the baking soda, and gently vacuum if necessary.
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Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2022
