Stuffed animals are very popular among children of all ages. So, it is important to know how to clean it properly. Make sure you always read the label so that the doll is not damaged or torn. Use a soap that is safe, either for the doll's material or for your health. Don't forget to make sure the inside and outside of the doll are dry to prevent mold from growing.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Washing Machine
Step 1. Make sure you check if the stuffed animal is machine washable
Read the label to make sure it is machine safe for stuffed animals. You cannot use the machine if:
- Stuffed animals have a music box on the inside.
- Dolls are very old, have loose hair or limbs, or feel brittle to the touch.
- There are components that are glued together, such as plastic eyes, feet, hands, ears, or sequins.
- Stuffed animals wear fragile garments that are permanently sewn and cannot be removed, such as sequined dresses or tiaras that break easily.
- Stuffed animals are filled with foam balls, not lumpy ones.
Step 2. Examine the doll carefully
Do you need to remove certain parts? Are there loose threads to deal with? Make sure you don't damage the doll or the washing machine.
Step 3. Check the type of machine you have
Stuffed animals are best washed in a machine that does not have a stirrer. Machines equipped with a stirrer will change the shape of the doll because the stirrer tends to move the location of the foam.
Instead of using a top load washing machine, you can take your laundry to the coin launderette and wash the dolls along with the rest of the laundry there
Step 4. Put the doll in the mesh wash bag
Special mesh bags for washing machines can be purchased at a local hardware store, supermarket, or coin launderette. The mesh wash bag provides added protection against pulling and pushing in the washer.
Step 5. Use a gentle or light cycle
Normal cycles may still be too rough for a stuffed animal. So, it is recommended to always use a gentle or light cycle to be on the safe side. Use warm or cold water. Avoid using hot water as it can dissolve the glue used to attach the accessories and cause them to come off.
Method 2 of 3: Manual Wash
Step 1. Read the label
The manufacturer may instruct you to wash the doll by hand or a gentle cycle. The toy may be too fragile even for a gentle cycle so hand washing is the best option to clean it thoroughly without damaging it.
Do not only clean certain surfaces because the stains may penetrate to the bottom of the surface. If the stain manages to penetrate to the inside of the doll, the germs and odors will last a long time. For example, if a child who is practicing urination pees on a toy, the inside of the doll may be wet and rinsing the stain on the surface visible to the eye will not solve the problem
Step 2. Fill the sink with cold water and one cup of mild soap
Attach the sink plug during the filling process or use a large container such as a bucket or sink and fill it with water and mild soap. Make sure you check if the soap is suitable for the material used to make the doll. Soap that is too harsh can change the color of the doll or damage it.
Don't use too much soap as this will make it difficult to rinse off
Step 3. Soak the doll
Make sure the doll is completely submerged so the water and soap mixture can seep into the interior and clean the stain thoroughly. Gently clean the doll while soaking it. Wash the doll by hand and rub gently while removing any dirt or stains.
Step 4. Rinse the soap thoroughly
Rinse the doll thoroughly. Remove as much water as possible. Do not shake or squeeze the doll. Use an old towel to absorb excess water by gently pressing the doll.
You may be able to squeeze the doll slowly, depending on the condition. Old doll parts may be prone to slipping if handled incorrectly
Step 5. Let dry
Pat and return the doll's shape to its original shape. Let the doll dry on its own. Do not place it near a heat source or dry it in the sun as it may change color or shape.
Step 6. Clean the stains on the surface
If there are only small stains on the surface or the toy label says “surface clean only”, use a mild cleaner. You can use upholstery shampoo that creates a lather to clean the stain. Read the ingredients used to make sure there are no harsh chemicals that can harm the child.
The child may put the toy in his mouth. So, make sure the cleaning agent is safe. There are various cleaners on the market that are specifically for washing dolls. Look for products that are safe to use and suitable for you. You can also use unscented baby detergent and a damp cloth to clean stains in certain areas
Step 7. Use a trash bag and baking soda
If the doll is medium in size, put it in a large trash bag, then add cup of baking soda. You can add more baking soda if the stuffed animal is large enough. Cover the top tightly, then shake vigorously. Keep the bag closed with the doll in it for 15-20 minutes. Open the trash bag and remove the baking soda that's stuck to it.
You can use a vacuum cleaner if the doll's condition is strong enough and not easily damaged. Don't shake the bag too much if you're worried the toy will come loose
Method 3 of 3: Drying Stuffed Animals
Step 1. Use a clothesline
The wetter the doll is, the longer it will take to dry. Make sure you've removed any excess water before drying it on a clothesline. When the weather is sunny, use clothespins to hang toys and dry them.
The sun is a natural stain remover and disinfectant. Local stain removal does not require a lot of water. So you don't have to hang the doll if you're just doing some local cleaning
Step 2. Air dry the doll
If the weather is not favorable, dry the doll in the air. You simply put it in a protected area, out of reach of pets and children.
Step 3. Use a tumble dryer
If the label says tumble dryer is allowed, place the doll in the dryer on a low heat setting or on a permanent press. You can also use a hairdryer on a low or cool setting.
While heat can make the doll dry faster, it can also damage the doll or make the hair clump. If your dryer has an air-only setting, use this option to help keep the coat in good condition
Step 4. Avoid tumble dry
Add a towel to the laundry to soften the doll's movement. Also, use a dryer sheet to get rid of the build-up of static electricity so your little one won't get stung the first time they handle it.
Step 5. Make sure the inside and outside of the doll are completely dry
The inside takes longer to dry. Make sure the inside is dry to prevent mold from growing as this can harm your child's health. Use a blow dryer or hairdryer for a few moments to speed up the drying process.
Step 6. Rearrange the position and shape of the doll
Stuffed dolls may be pushed back and forth during the drying process. So, rearrange the shape of the doll and expand the fur so that the doll looks like its original shape.
Tips
- After using any kind of spray, make sure the doll is completely dry before the child plays with it.
- If you wish, after spraying the cleaner, you can spray on the air freshener.
- Even if the label says you should only wash the doll's surface, it's probably safe to wash it in the washing machine.
- Put the doll in the pillowcase before washing to prevent the doll's parts from snagging in the washing machine.
Warning
- Don't rub the doll's surface too hard.
- Don't use the washing machine to wash dolls, unless the label says it's OK to do so. Most labels only recommend washing the doll's surface.
