How to Care for Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are anyone's prized possessions. They remind us of special moments when a friend or family member presented us with these cherished toys. They bring us back to happy times and wonderful memories. And just like any beloved possession, you should take special care of these animals. By maintaining its appearance, you can increase the longevity of a stuffed animal's life.

Things You'll Need

• Stuffed animals
• Baking soda
• Vacuum
• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponge
• Rubbing alcohol
• Pillowcase
• Safety pins
• Fabric softener
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions on the labels of your stuffed animals first if they get dirty. Most animals have a fur coat made out of a synthetic material, such as polyester. Others have a natural material covering the body, such as wool.

2. Sprinkle baking soda on your stuffed animals to keep them fresh. Let the soda sit on the animals for 15 minutes, and then brush it off.

3. Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to lightly vacuum dust or dirt particles off your stuffed animals weekly. Make sure there isn't anything that could get sucked off your animals, such as loose eyes, ribbons or bows.

4. Clean off soiled marks with a mild all-purpose cleaner and a sponge. Use a scrub brush to remove heavier soiled areas. If there are spots or stains you need to take care of, use rubbing alcohol.

5. Wash your stuffed animals in the washing machine only as a last resort. Check the label to see if your animals can get wet. Place the animals in a pillowcase one at a time, close with a safety pin or two and wash on the delicate cycle. You can add fabric softener to the cycle to give your animals a fluffy coat.

6. Dry your stuffed animals with a hair dryer rather than in the clothes dryer. Be careful not to get too close to the animal with the hair dryer. The best option, however, is to let your animals air dry, even though it may take several days for all the stuffing to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Bleeding of colors may occur when placing your stuffed animals in the washing machine. Take special care and remove any clothing your animals may have.

• If your stuffed animals have dust mites, place them in a plastic bag and put the bag in the freezer overnight. In the morning use a vacuum to suck up the mites.

• Don't wash stuffed animals in the washing machine if they contain styrene foam, foam beads, cardboard, stiffeners or voice boxes. Check the label if you aren't sure.

• If liquid lands on your stuffed animals, don't wipe it off since wiping can force the liquid further into the fur. Instead shake the liquid off the animals, and then blot the remaining liquid with a dry sponge.