How to Clean Collectible Stuffed Animals

Protect a stuffed animal collection from damage with regular dusting and brushing.

Plush toys, even well cared for collectibles, collect dust and debris when displayed around the home. A regular cycle of dusting and preening can keep collectible stuffed animals in great condition, according to the Stuffe and Nonsense website. For more heavily soiled items, a more thorough cleaning regimen may be required. While many stuffed animals can be machine washed, this may reduce the value of a collector's item. Use upholstery cleaner to remove any tough stains.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Sink
• Hairbrush
• Baking soda
• Old towel
• Upholstery cleaner
• Q-tip
• Scissors
• Sponge
• Needle
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Wet a washcloth in the sink and wring it out until it is slightly damp. Using a wet washcloth may damage the faux fur covering on a plush animal. Use the washcloth to wipe away any dust, pet hair or other debris that has accumulated on the stuffed animal.

2. Comb a brush through the animal's plush fur. Select a hairbrush with wide, plastic bristles, suggests the Stuffe and Nonsense website. Brushing the animal after dusting will help loosen fur and prevent it from becoming matted, suggests the Dollar Stretcher website.

3. Shake baking soda directly onto the fur of extremely dusty animals. Allow the baking soda to collect on the surface of the animal for 20 minutes. Rub the animal's fur with an old, rough towel to remove the baking soda and surface dust and dirt.

4. Spread an old towel on the floor. Take a stuffed animal soiled with a liquid and shake it vigorously. Just as live animals shake themselves, shaking the animal helps loosen wet liquids from the plush fur. Blot dry with a corner of a towel.

5. Treat extremely tough stains with an upholstery cleaner. Spray cleaner on to a Q-tip and wipe on the bottom of the animal in a hidden space. Allow the cleaner to sit for an hour. Check the spot to ensure the cleaner does not stain the animal's fur.

6. Snip with scissors any strings attaching the animal's clothing to its body. Remove the clothing and place it away from the cleaning area.

7. Soak a sponge in upholstery cleaner and blot the cleaner all over the stuffed animal. Continue applying cleaner until the animal's fur and the backing is wet, but before the interior stuffing becomes saturated.

8. Set the stuffed animal aside until the cleaner is completely dry. Use the dusting and brushing techniques from Step 1 and Step 2 to remove the cleaner from the animal's fur.

9. Replace all of the animal's clothing. Use a needle and matching thread to properly secure clothing in place.

References

• Dollar Stretcher: Cleaning Stuffed Animals
• Stuffe and Nonsense: Cleaning Stuffed Animals