How To Clean Stuffed Animals That Can T Be Washed

One of the most popular posts here at Mama's is How to Wash Stuffed Animals. It is in the top three most viewed posts every day.

And while it offers good advice on how to launder stuffed animals, it doesn't address those animals that can't be submerged in water.

How to Wash Stuffed Animals that Can't Go in the Washing Machine

▶Have a stuffed animal thatcan go through the washer? Don't miss: How to Wash Stuffed Animals

**So what stuffed animals cannot go through the washer?**

– Those with a music box
– Those with items that are glued on, such as buttons or a hat. Glued-on eyes will probably survive washing okay if you follow Mama's instructions.
– The animal has on delicate clothing items that can't be removed
– Those that have objects such as glitter or sequins
– Those that have styrofoam balls inside (ie: Beanie Babies)
– Those that have been over-loved and are extremely old or fragile

How to Wash a Stuffed Animal that Cannot Go Through the Washing Machine

If you have a most-loved stuffed animal that cannot go through the washer for a good cleaning, use the following guide to spot-clean it by hand. It's not nearly as hard or time-consuming as you might think.

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Assemble your supplies:

Supplies for Washing Stuffed Animals

— A clean toothbrush (it doesn't have to be new, just clean)
— Two clean white washcloths
— A clean white towel
— A small bowl or wash basin
— High-Efficiency laundry detergent

I've tried washing stuffed animals using several different types of soaps (dish detergent and hand soap) but it works best to use an HE detergent due to its low-sudsing properties.

Use only a white or very light colored towel to wash and dry your stuffed animals. A towel that is dark in color or hasn't been washed a million times might transfer its color onto your animal. And then you've got a whole new set of troubles. So save yourself the headache and use white linens.

Depending upon the size of your bowl or basin, place a small amount of HE detergent in the bottom. There is only about a tablespoon in this basin.

Detergent to Wash Stuffed Animals

Fill the container with warm water, agitating the water as it fills the bowl so the detergent dissolves.

Soapy Water for Washing Stuffed Animals

Water to Wash Stuffed Animals

Dip your washcloth into the detergent solution and leave the cloth fairly wet, but not saturated.

In a circular motion, very gently rub the outside of the animal. Continue washing until the whole stuffed animal is clean.

Wash the Stuffed Animal

If you have a problem spot or stain, dip the toothbrush into your detergent solution and very lightly scrub the stubborn spot. I will caution you that scrubbing any garment or stuffed animal with a toothbrush can cause damage. So only use a toothbrush for stains after you've tried to lightly scrub it with the washcloth.

A toothbrush should be your last resort for a stain.

Wet the other washcloth under cool, running water and again leave it fairly wet but not saturated. 'Rinse' the stuffed animal using the water-only wash cloth, gently rubbing in a circular motion. You might have to rinse this washcloth several times and wash again to remove the bulk of the detergent.

It is best to let the stuffed animal hang-dry or sit in front of a fan to dry.

In all likelihood, if the animal is too delicate to go in the washer then it is probably too delicate for the heat of the dryer also.

Hang Dry Stuffed Animals

More Washing Tips for Stuffed Animals

→ Once a stuffed animal is cleaned in any fashion (washing machine or spot-clean) the nap (the baby's fur) will probably never look the same again. While you are able to clean the animal, it won't have that 'brand-new' look. Make sure your expectations are realistic about what the animal will look like after it is clean.

→ If you want to fluff up the nap of the stuffed animal, try lightly brushing or combing it. If you don't have the results you were hoping for, you can put it in the dryer on the air cycle for a few minutes. Be extremely careful with the heat of the dryer. Delicate items cannot handle its heat and can melt quickly. You can also try drying it and fluffing it with a hair dryer. Again, be very careful with the heat of the dryer.

→ Don't overdo it on the detergent. You want there to be enough detergent to be effective, but you don't want so much that you can't get the soap off. A dry soapy stuffed animal is a crunchy stuffed animal. For best results, use a high-efficiency detergent so the sudding won't be as severe.

Questions about washing stuffed animals? Feel free to leave them in the comments.