How to Clean Vintage Stuffed Animals
If you’re anything like me, then your childhood bedroom is a shrine to all of the stuffed animals that have been turned into pillow friends and cuddle buddies. You can’t bear to part with any of them because they bring back so many memories. But as we grow up, it seems like there’s less and less time for these furry friends.
Cleaning vintage stuffed animals is a delicate job. Cleaning them in the wrong way can cause irreversible damage to your precious memories. Read on to find out how to clean vintage stuffed animals!
Things You Will Need
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft toothbrush
- Old towel
A Step by Step Guide on How to Clean Vintage Stuffed Animals
Step 1:
For washable toys that are plush or fuzzy, hand washes them in your kitchen sink or bathtub. Make sure they’re not plugged into an outlet while you do this. Fill up the sink with warm water and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of laundry detergent (liquid works best), and two tablespoons of bleach.
If any part of the stuffed animal can be removed (arms, head, legs), make sure they are detached before washing it for better results. Soak the toy for 10 minutes and then use a soft-bristled brush to clean it. Rinse it off with warm water and let it air dry.
Step 2:
Lift the stuffed animal out of the mixture and use a soft toothbrush to scrub any dirt or grime away gently. Then, rinse it off with warm water and let it air dry.
Step 3:
If the toy is not washable, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Dampen a soft-bristled brush with this mixture and scrub it into the fur or plush. Rinse it off with warm water and let it air dry.
If the toy has removable parts, put them in a small container filled with this mixture and let them soak for an hour. Then, rinse them off with warm water and let them air dry.
Step 4:
If the stuffed animal has any unpleasant smells, sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Let it air dry.
Step 5:
If you don’t have a sink or bucket, put the stuffed animal in the washing machine. Fill it with warm water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Please put it on a delicate cycle and let it air dry after it’s done.
Step 6:
If the stuffed animal is made of wool, it may lose its shape if you machine washes or hand-wash it. The best way to clean the toy is by using a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck out all the dirt and grime.
Tips
- If the animal has a removable fabric cover, take it off and wash it separately in cold water.
- If the animal is made of a solid material such as cloth, vinyl, or rubber, wipe it down with a damp cloth using a mild detergent.
- Be careful not to get the stuffing wet, as this could cause the animal to become moldy or mildewed.
- Allow the stuffed animal to air dry completely before putting the cover back on or reinserting the stuffing.
- For extra protection against dirt and dust, consider placing the stuffed animal in a sealed plastic bag after it has dried.
- Do not store the animal in an area where it will be exposed to sunlight, as this may cause fading over time.
You Can Check It Out to Clean Stuffed Animals With Baking Soda
Can Stuffed Animals Be Washed?
Stuffed animals can be washed by hand or in a gentle-cycle machine. There are products on the market made especially for washing vintage stuffed animals, but if this type of product isn’t available, look for something mild and fragrance-free such as dish soap or baby shampoo. But, again, just like children’s toys, it is best to spot clean rather than try to wash it all at once.
Preparation
Read the label for any special instructions. Make sure your stuffed animal can be washed before proceeding further. Rinse well in cold water~ if the eyes are not glass, they may come out with hot water, so stick with the cold! Get old towels ready to place inside your machine and set the water level to low.
How Do You Disinfect Stuffed Animals From Covid?
If you have any old stuffed animals that are collecting dust in your attic, it might be time to disinfect them and bring them back to life. Follow these simple steps to clean and disinfect your vintage stuffed animals:
- Vacuum the fur or feathers of the toy thoroughly. This will remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Soak the toy in soapy water for a few minutes.
- Rinse the toy under running water until all the soap suds are gone.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible from the toy and place it on a towel to air dry.
- Once the toy is dry, spray it with a disinfectant spray made for stuffed animals.
- Let the toy air dry completely before you allow your child or animal to play with it.
Why Do Stuffed Animals Say Surface Wash Only??
Stuffed animals are like children: They attract dirt and grime like magnets. And just as you wouldn’t wash your child in the bathtub, it’s not advisable to wash your plushie friend in a sink or washing machine.
You should follow the instructions on your stuffed toys’ labels to protect their surfaces and keep them looking good. Of course, how often you clean any toy depends on how dirty it gets, but you don’t need to clean it every time your child plays with it.
Conclusion
The idea of cleaning a vintage stuffed animal may seem daunting, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. With the right information and products, tackling this task can be easy! To help get you started on DIYing your way to cleanliness for these old friends, follow the article on how to clean vintage stuffed animals that will make this process easier than ever before.
