If you have a child, he probably has a favorite stuffed animal that serves as his toy, friend, and towel. When a child really loves a toy, he takes it everywhere with him. It's cute, of course, but the plush quickly becomes dirty and full of dust. That is why, from time to time, they must be washed to ensure proper hygiene. Here's what you need to know about this potentially dangerous job.
That's very sweet, and as a grown woman with a passion for stuffed animals, I totally understand you. I also liked this question because it illustrates well the differences that can exist when washing stuffed toys; some stuffed animals are older or more popular than others, which can influence the choice of cleaning method .
In Pooh's case, we're going to use it with a gentle hand-washing experience. But in the case of an ordinary plush toy, machine washing is fine. Let's start with these instructions before moving on to the hand washing method, as they are relatively simple.
MACHINE WASHABLE PLUSH
Most soft toys are safe to wash in the washing machine. However, the risk of damaging the plush exists.
In addition, machine washing will be a good choice for most parents who want to clean their children's stuffed animals (or for children who want to clean their parents' stuffed animals!). :
-Use the gentlest cycle of your washing machine.
-Wash soft toys in cold water with a mild detergent .
-If sanitizing is an issue, choose hot or lukewarm water and/or consider using a product such as Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, which is safe for whites and colors, unlike bath water. Bleach .
-If the size and shape of the toy allow it, it is useful to put the stuffed animal in washable mesh bags to protect its parts. Stuffing the washing machine drum with towels can add another layer of protection.
- Air drying will be the gentlest choice, and a hair dryer on low to medium heat can help lather up the fur once the toy has reached the wet stage (consider this the final touch!)
-Tumble drying is also fine, and it's best to use the low heat setting.
HAND WASH PLUSH
Before we get to the instructions on hand washing stuffed animals, know that it may seem long and complicated, but in reality it is not! I like to be thorough when writing instructions, but don't get carried away with the word count here: Hand washing is actually a pretty painless process.
STEP 1: CHOOSE A PLACE TO WASH THE PLUSH.
The kitchen sink is perfect for washing the stuffed animal, but a spacious sink, laundry room, bathtub, or laundry pail are also good options. What you want is a space large enough to submerge the object in water, with enough room to put your hands in without wasting a lot of water. And, of course, make sure the area where you wash your hands is clean.
STEP 2: INTRODUCE WATER, DETERGENT AND ENHANCER, IF NECESSARY.
Fill the sink with hot water and detergent, then add a small amount of mild detergent. Be careful not to put too much: measure a teaspoon. If necessary, adding more is a good way to avoid over-stretching the plush.
In terms of products, regular laundry detergent , Dr. Bronner's, or even Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo are fine. You don't need a specialist product, but if you want one, the Soak, which is a no-rinse, hand-whitening formula, is just right.
In the case of stuffed toys that are ratty, stained, or discolored, using an accelerator like OxiClean, Borax, or baking soda, along with soaking the toy in the detergent solution for a long time, will help cheer up your friend.
STEP 3: WASH THE PLUSH.
Submerge the plush in the water with a pumping motion, so that it is saturated with the detergent solution. Then let it hang down and let it soak well for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on its condition and how dirty it is. Shaking it occasionally also helps release the tithe.
STEP 4: RINSE THE PLUSH ANIMAL.
After soaking the object, drain the wash water . It will probably be quite disgusting! It's okay if you find the water condition oddly satisfying (indeed, some people find it satisfying).
Once the water is drained, wipe or rinse the sink to get rid of the suds, then fill it with clean water and give the stuffed animal a few pumps while it's submerged to help it free the soap . Repeat as needed until the toy is free of foam. If the toy is solid, you can also rinse it directly under running water.
