Your old teddy has been with you through thick and thin. New schools, new jobs, new places, you’ve brought that teddy with you everywhere. Maybe you’ve even passed it on to your son or daughter, who has proceeded to take teddy with them on their own adventures. But the years have taken a toll on ol’ teddy, and he just doesn’t look as good as he did all those years ago. If that’s the case, it really is time to give him a good cleaning, not just for your own sake (as stuffed animals can easily become germ magnets) but for his sake too. Here’s how:
Hand-washing stuffed animals
You may groan at the idea of hand-washing something, but it really is the safest route for your stuffed animal. Especially if they have glued-on items, delicate clothing, or are a few decades old, you should really be hand-washing them. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
Step 1: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and detergent
Step 2: Wash using a pumping motion
Step 3: Let it soak for 30-60 minutes depending on its condition
Step 4: Rinse until free of suds
Step 5: Squeeze out any water and let it dry on a towel, using a hair dryer to fluff up the fur
Machine-washing stuffed animals
If you determine that your stuffed animal can be safely machine-washed, then the process is pretty straight-forward. Just follow these tips to help your stuffed animal come out in one piece:
- Use the gentlest cycle on your washing machine
- Use cold water and mild detergent
- Place it into a mesh bag if possible
- Let it air-dry on a towel, using a hair dryer to fluff up the fur
And voila! Your old friend looks just like new.
But as much as you love your old teddy, you can never have too many stuffed animals. If you feel like your teddy could us a new companion, then stop by The Zoo Factory to see all of the stuffable animals that we offer!
