After being loved for a long time, plush toys and stuffed animals can get a bit scruffy.Many charities don't take stuffed animals unless they are washed.It's not always possible to get to the hard spots.It is possible for scrubbing and harsh chemicals to get out stains, but they can also damage fabric or cause colors to fade.Sometimes a machine wash is the best option.It is possible to wash your stuffed animal without ruining it.
Step 1: Make sure your plush toy's fabric is clean.
Check to see if it has a tag with instructions.All stiffeners should be surface washed.Mohair, wool, rayon plush, and alpaca fur are not to be washed in a machine.If the toy is old, fragile, big, or firmly stuffed, you'll have to wash it.glittery items will probably not survive a wash.It is not suitable for machine washing if it is filled with small foam balls.Make sure to double check for any technology.Look for electronics that aren't meant for exposure to water.
Step 2: You can remove or secure the parts.
Make sure Teddy doesn't lose his arm in the wash.Look for tears or loose parts.The clothing can be separated from the toy.Scissors can be used to cut threads or strings that may come undone in the wash.
Step 3: Use a mesh bag for laundry.
An extra layer of protection is provided by putting the toy inside a laundry bag.The toy will not get torn up in the wash if this is not used.A pillowcase secured with safety pins will work if you don't have one.If something falls off the pillowcase or mesh bag will catch it before it gets lost.
Step 4: Presoak with a solution of water andvinegar.
It works great for common kid-related messes that involve vomit or urine, and is a great natural fabric softener.A dash of lemon juice or dish detergent is included in the mix.You can put the solution into the laundry bag and then put it in the machine wash.If the stuffed toy is caked on, use a sponge soaked in solution to get any mess off before tossing it in the mesh bag.
Step 5: The toy and detergent should be put inside the washer.
If your top-loader doesn't have a separate compartment for detergent, you should put the toy inside before running the water.It's best to use a machine that doesn't have an agitator.Don't use a high-powered laundromat machine.Use a very small amount of detergent, such as Woolite, or just use the solution you made.Depending on the size of the stuffed animal, a small amount of detergent will do.If your child has a dust mite allergy, soap nuts are good.The plush can be harmed by fabric softener.
Step 6: Use gentle cycle to wash the washer.
The risk of parts being torn off will be reduced by the gentlest cycle possible.If you use hot water, the stuffed animal will be discolored.The hot water harms the toy.
Step 7: Reshape the animal.
When you remove the toy from the bag, the washing machine may have left it bumpy.Check for any balled up batting before letting it dry.If it's still damp, fluff it with your fingers and work it out.
Step 8: Don't worry, Hang dry.
The air should be dried on most stuffed toys.Any glue, plastic, or fabric of a stuffed toy can be damaged by a dryer's heat.If you want to hang it, lay it out on a dry towel.If you have any concerns about allergies, hang the stuffed animal inside so it won't pick up anything.The sun's ultraviolet light has antiseptic properties, as well as being an efficient dryer.
Step 9: Don't leave your child.
If you want to give it a little more fluff, use a dental pick or a fine comb.If the toy is not too fragile, you can put it in the dryer with a few towels for ten minutes for added fluff and softness, but make sure it's set to no heat.Make sure that the toy is in good shape, that no threads need to be cut, and that you return it clean and fresh to your child.