Many people want to wash their stuffed animals but are always afraid of cleaning them. Suppose you want to wash your stuffed animals but are anxious about the possibility of washing the item at home. In that case, we’ll describe the criteria used to determine whether it is washable with care without damaging the color or texture and how you can dry it then dry.
Why you should wash your stuffed animal?
Although the stuffed animal is beautiful, it can accumulate dust and turn into an ideal habitat for mites and mold, just by putting it in place.
Itching could occur if you’ve been bit by ticks. It is a concern for those who suffer from allergic reactions.
Mainly when a baby with soft skin gets bitten by ticks, itching can happen, and then it could be scratched in a flash and result in scratch marks.
It is recommended to clean the animal thoroughly to eliminate any stains that are not visible.
Can I wash the stuffed animal at home? Judgment method from the washing display mark
Plush toys are more complicated to sew than clothings. They are 3D, and the fabric is easy to bend, meaning it’s not easy to clean. Furthermore, as it’s not something you wear, you are more probable to delay washing, even though you’re slightly concerned about dirt.
But, animals that haven’t been washed in a long time are more likely to become hotbeds for mites. Mites can also trigger allergies and allergies, which is why it’s a good idea to clean the toys your child is using, especially if they’re filthy.
Let’s check the washing display mark
If it becomes dirty, it’s best to clean it. However, not all stuffed animals can be washed at home, and many can’t.
First, verify the washing label to see if it can be cleaned. If it has a “washable” mark, you can wash it at your home.
Characteristics of stuffed animals that cannot be washed
Things that fade
The stuffed animal that fades cannot be washed.
Even even if you believe it’s OK, you must examine it. Make use of a towel that has been soaked in some water, and tap the unnoticeable surface. If the color has transferred onto the towel, don’t clean it.
Too big stuffed animals
Some stuffed animals are about the size of a child, but wet stuffed animals are heavier than you think. Even if I try to dehydrate with a washing machine, it does not fit in the washing tub, or it takes days to dry due to insufficient dehydration, so it is difficult to wash and dry.
Mold may develop as it takes longer to dry. If the size does not fit in a bucket with a capacity of about 10L, you should give up washing at home.
A stuffed animal with a machine inside
The stuffed animals powered by batteries that speak or walk could rupture if they come into contact with water since they are equipped with a machine.
Some moving stuffed animals can only be removed from the machine, but if you can’t remove it, you can’t wash it, so give up.
Plush toys with adhesive
Do not wash items that have parts attached by adhesives, for example, the face or limbs.
The majority of adhesives used on animal stuffed toys are water-based, and should you wash them using water, the adhesive will disintegrate, and when you see it, your mouth and eyes could have vanished.
Unfortunately, please do not wash it.
Old
Older stuffed animals might not be able to endure washing due to the weak threads and fabrics that are included in the stuffed animal. You shouldn’t wash anything too old, as if it’s been used for a long time.
Leather and real fur are used
If your stuffed animals are made of leather or fur, it is not advisable to wash them. If you really want to wash it, you can use shampoo or soap, but this can lead to stains or damage to the texture. It would be good if you chose a good professional dry cleaner for these kinds of materials.
Machines are included and metal is used
Nowadays, there are many stuffed animals in which machines are installed, such as moving or making sounds. Even if its materials are made of metal, it is inappropriate to wash them. It may rust if you wash it, so please avoid washing it.
The batting is made of a material that is not resistant to water
Some stuffed animals contain sponge-like polyurethane, which is not washable at all.
Polyurethane is a material that deforms very easily. If you soak it in water, it will get spoiled in the blink of an eye. If you really want to wash it, you need to replace the batting with polyester in advance.
No knowledge about the material
Many people do not know what material their goods are made of. If you don’t know what material your stuffed animal is made of, then you should leave it as it is.
How to wash stuffed animals in the washing machine
Then let’s see how you can wash stuffed animals in a washing machine. If you have made up your mind to wash your stuffed animal by yourself in the washing machine, then, first of all, you should check the washing label on it.
If your stuffed animal has the following label, you can wash it in the washing machine.
What to prepare
- Laundry net
- Fashionable neutral detergent
- Softener
- Soft brush
Procedure for washing stuffed animals in the washing machine
1) Put the stuffed animal on the net
Even if your stuffed animal is washable, you’ll still need to do some preparation. For example, if you put the stuffed animal in the washing machine, there will be very strong pressure inside the washing machine, and the stuffed animal may be broken. So be sure to put it in the washing net and, if possible, take off those things which can come off. For example, if there is any dress or decoration on the stuffed animal, take it off.
2) The course is the most gentle washable course using “neutral detergent”
Your washing process depends on your washing machine. But let’s wash with gentle washable courses like “Dry Course”, “Hand Washing Course” and “Fashionable Laundry Course”.
You should use detergent according to the size of your animal, but a cap of about 5 mm to 1 cm is fine.
3) Before dehydration, take out the stuffed animal, wrap it in a towel and put it in the net.
The rotation of dehydration is very irritating to the stuffed animal, so wrap it in a towel before dehydrating it and then put it back in the laundry net.
4) Dehydrate
Dehydration cures in about 10 seconds. You cannot set the setting for 10 seconds in the washing machine, so it would be better if you count manually.
5) Dry
After dehydration, brush it very gently with light pressure with the help of a soft brush. It will be more fluffy than just dried.
The stuffed animal may take some time to dry, but be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight. It is best that you dry it further in a well-ventilated shade.
How to wash stuffed animals by hand
There are some stuffed animals that you can even wash by hand. You have to see if there is a hand wash sign on it.
You can find out by looking at the sign given below.
What to prepare
- Containers such as buckets (bathtubs are also possible)
- Fashionable neutral detergent
- Fabric softener
- Towels
- Laundry net
- Soft brush
Hand-washing procedure for stuffed animals
1) Put lukewarm water and a neutral detergent in a container.
First of all, bring a container, fill it with 38 degrees lukewarm water and mix the neutral detergent well in it. If you have a large stuffed animal, then you can use a bathtub.
You can add detergent according to the size and dirt of the stuffed animal. If its size is small, then you can use a cap from 5 mm to 1 cm.
2) Push and wash
Gently press and wash for about 5 minutes until the dirt is removed. You can rub the heavily soiled areas, but be careful as rubbing too hard can cause pilling and fluffing.
3) Rinse
Wash off easily. When the dirt is removed, wash again. Change the water 3 to 4 times. Otherwise, the detergent residue will cause discoloration. So wash it well.
4) Soak in lukewarm water containing fabric softener
After washing, dissolve the fabric softener thoroughly in lukewarm water. And put the stuffed animal inside it and leave it for 20-30 minutes.
Use fabric softener according to size, but if it is a bucket or washbasin, a cap of about 5 mm to 1 cm is OK.
5) Dehydration
Only dehydration is done in the washing machine, even if it is hand-washed.
Gently drain with a towel, put it in the washing net while wrapped in the towel, and dehydrate it in the washing machine for about 10 seconds.
6) Dry
After dehydration, brush against the flow of hair with a soft brush. When washing your hands, avoid direct sunlight and dry in a well-ventilated shed.
Hi, am Sukanya Sharma, a professional blogger and writer, from Bhubaneswar. I completed my graduation from Delhi University in 2018. My expertise is in Lifestyle, Food & Health.
