Keep plush toys free of germs and dirt with these easy cleaning tips.
Some stuffed toys can be easilytossed in the washing machine, while others should be delicatelycleaned by hand.
Discover the best methods for cleaning stuffed animals safely and effectively.
Credit:Getty Images / YCHEGZHANINA
How Often Should You Clean Stuffed Animals?
If your child has been sick, disinfect and clean plush toys as soon as your child is well.
Some stuffed animals cannot be machine-washedespecially those stuffed with plastic pellets, beanbag-style, instead of cotton batting.
Those will need to be cleaned by hand.
Stuffed animals with buttons, clothing, or sequins sewn or glued on may also be candidates for handwashing.
Never submerge stuffed animals with batteries or electronics or put them in a clothes dryer.
Put larger toys directly into the drum.
Instead, sanitize the toyon a delicate cycle.
They could melt or fall off in the heat of a clothes dryer.
To wash by hand, soak the toy in water with mildliquid laundry soap.
Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub any stained areas or hard areas.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse the toy with clean water to get off the soapy residue.
Use a towel to gently pat or wring out the excess moisture.
Air dry or put the toy in a laundry bag and tumble dry on low.
Baking soda absorbs oils, dirt, and odors, but this will not disinfect the toy.
Heres how to do it.
Sprinkle the toy with a generous amount of baking soda and terminate the bag.
Shake the bag for about 3 minutes to distribute the baking soda all over the toy.
This allows the baking soda to absorb smells and oils and dirt.
Take the toy out of its bag, shake off excess baking soda.
