

If needed, fluff with hands to revive the plush.Hang up to air dry (we recommend outside or someplace where you don’t mind water dripping).Rinse and squeeze the toy under running water to remove any excess detergent.Submerge the toy and squeeze out the soap, continuing until the water coming out of the toy looks clear.Dip an old toothbrush in liquid dish soap or laundry detergent and scrub out any stains or discolored areas on the toy.If dirt comes out, you’re on the right track! Keep squeezing until the water coming out is clear. Dunk the toy under the water and squeeze it.If you see a label marked “hand wash only”, you can dunk it in a sink or the bathtub to clean it. Let the toy air dry and then fluff with hands.Clean the cloth and wipe the stained area with water to remove the cleanser.For tougher stains, use a toothbrush to scrub more deeply.Put a dab of the cleanser on a damp washcloth and gently rub the stain until it disappears.Test the cleanser on a less visible part of the toy first to make sure it won’t discolor or damage the fur.We recommend baby shampoo, a detergent designed for delicates like Woolite or a homemade cleanser (check online for recipes). Depending on the material and color, different cleansers may work better than others. If needed, you can use a vacuum with the tube attachment to remove any excess baking soda.įor plush toys marked “surface wash only”, spot cleaning with a gentle cleanser is your best bet.Shake the toy and fluff with your hands to get out the baking soda.Let the toy sit in the bag for 30 minutes and then remove it.Close the top of the bag as securely as possible and shake for about a minute so the baking soda gets all over the toy.Put the toy in a household garbage bag with a 1/2 cup of baking soda (you may need more or less depending on the toy’s size).For a light cleaning, use baking soda to “shampoo” and deodorize. Here are some tips to clean your child’s stuffed toys without ruining them.Īll stuffed toys pick up dirt and smells simply from being handled repeatedly. Children love taking their favorite plush toys and teddy bears wherever they go, from the backyard to the car or plane, and those toys are bound to start looking a bit dirty. School’s almost out and the weather is warming up! For most kids, that means spending time outdoors and maybe going on a family trip.
