How to Clean Stuffed Animals & Dolls

Stuffted animals harbor germs and bacteria.

Stuffed animals and dolls take a lot of abuse. They frequently acquire food and drink stains, dirt from outside, pet slobber and numerous odors. After a while, the stuffed animal can get so dirty and grimy that it poses a health risk. This is especially true if your child has been sick with a cold or other infection. Periodic cleaning will keep stuffed animals and dolls germ-free.

Things You'll Need

• Lint roller
• Bowl
• Dish soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Spoon
• Sponge
• Zippered pillow case
• Washing machine
• Mild laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Brush

Instructions

1. Roll a lint roller over the entire surface of the stuffed animal to remove surface dust and excess lint.

2. Pour 1/4 cup water into a bowl. Add 1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap and 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol. Mix the solution well with a spoon to combine. Apply the mixture to any stained areas on the stuffed animal or doll using a sponge. Rub the stain with the sponge until it is gone.

3. Insert the stuffed animal or doll into a pillow case with a zipper and close the zipper.

4. Place the pillow case containing the stuffed toys into a washing machine. Set the washing machine to the gentle or hand wash cycle and add a mild laundry detergent. Pour one capfull of fabric softener into the appropriate machine location to make the toys extra soft.

5. Allow the washing machine to complete the wash cycle and remove the pillow case from the washer.

6. Unzip the pillowcase and remove the stuffed animal or doll. Set the stuffed animal in an area with good air circulation to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• When the stuffed animal is partially dry, brush its fur with a hair brush to fluff it up.

• Do not place stuffed animals into a dryer as it will cause them to lose their shape.

References

• How to Clean Stuff: How to Clean Stuffed Toys