People don’t always realize you can clean stuffed animals, but, luckily, you can!
You can put stuffed animals in a typical washing machine. First, pre-treat stains like you’d do for your clothes. Use laundry stain remover, or even upholstery/carpet cleaner. Next, if the stuffed animal has any accessories like clothes, jewelry or battery cases inside, remove them temporarily. Those can be washed separately.
Find a white or light-colored pillowcase, and insert the stuffed animal inside. Tie the pillowcase securely; use a pin if necessary. Put the filled pillowcase into your washing machine and add some cool water liquid cleaner for “delicates,” along with fabric softener. Let the washing cycle run.
When the item(s) are finished being washed, transfer them to your dryer and use medium heat. For smaller stuffed animals, run the dryer for about 20 minutes, and for larger ones, about 45 minutes. If you want to, after drying use the “fluff cycle” for an extra five minutes if needed. You can also use a hair dryer on the animal, or let it dry naturally over a couple days.
Some stuffed animals shouldn’t go in the washing machine. If they’re stuffed very firmly or with styrene foam, foam beads or excelsior, give these animals a “dry bath,” sprinkling baking soda on the animal, letting it sit for about 15 minutes, and then brushing it off. You can also use a vacuum cleaner hose and brush attachment to dust your stuffed animal on occasion.
When your stuffed animal has minor stains that don’t warrant a full wash, try using a mild, all purpose cleaner and giving the animal a gentle “sponge bath.” For tougher stains, use a soft scrub brush with the all purpose cleaner.
If the stuffed animal has plastic parts that are dirty, use rubbing alcohol to remove the spots or stains.
If you suspect your stuffed animal has dust mites, place it in a plastic bag in your freezer overnight, and use a vacuum cleaner on it the next day.
