Let's be honest, your child's stuffed animals have seen better days. They've been to the beach, the ballpark, and even to outer space, if you will! You may have hidden stains with a marker or used wet wipes to get the dirt off, with no positive outcome.
Cleaning stuffed animals can be a challenge. So, we want to make sure they are clean, which is why we have created this helpful guide. Here are some safe ways to clean stuffed animals and toys.
Washing Your Child's Stuffed Animals
Given the number of germs that can accumulate on stuffed animals, it's really not a bad idea to take the time to clean them every once in a while. We all know that there are millions of kids out there who love their stuffed toys; so it's up to parents to keep those toys safe from germs and lingering stains!
Below, we will go over the steps to ensure you are washing your child's stuffed animals correctly.
Check the Care Label
Before you make a choice to hand wash your child's stuffed animals or machine wash them, it's important to check the label. All toys will have tags on them; you will find the recommended washing instructions on these tags in the form of laundry symbols.
However, it's important to remember that even if the label says one thing, it doesn't mean that doing the opposite is necessarily bad. Use your own judgments and washing methods to ensure that your child's toys are as clean as they can be.
Spot Test the Fabric
Spot-testing your stuffed animals' fabrics is important because colors can run, and you don't want to risk ruining your washing machine or other items in the wash. Before machine washing, take another look at the care label on your child's stuffed animal.
Some tags will indicate that the toy should be hand-washed, washed on gentle cycles, or even dry-cleaned. When you are spot-testing the fabric, it's recommended to use the cycle listed on the label for a realistic outcome.
Machine Washing or Hand-Washing Stuffed Animals
Depending on the label and what you think will be best for your child’s toy, you can either machine wash the stuffed animal or hand wash it. If you will be hand washing your child's toy, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the toy: First, get the toy damp in the sink with warm water.
- Create the cleaning mixture: This can be done by mixing Tru Earths’ laundry detergent strips and a bowl of water together so that you have a foamy soap.
- Clean the stuffed animal: Finally, dip a clean towel in this mixture and wash the stuffed animal by hand. Alternatively, you can soak the toy in the detergent mixture if the bowl is big enough, or fill up the sink with this mixture and more water to make it easier to wash the toy thoroughly.
- Rinse the toy: After these steps are complete, you need to get rid of all excess detergent left on the stuffed animal. Gently dip the toy in clean water, and ensure that all soap suds and detergent is off.
When hand washing, it's advised to use the least amount of water possible and the proper amount of detergent. This is said because sometimes it's tricky to remove loads of water from toys fully, so to ensure a speedy and correct drying process, the less water, the better.
On the other hand, if you wish to wash your child’s stuffed animals in the washing machine, this is even easier. Stuffed animals are safe in the washing machine if you use the correct detergent and choose the proper spin cycle.
If you want to wash your child’s favorite stuffed animal in the washing machine, many parents will put the toys into a mesh laundry bag for added protection and more benefits. Once this is done, choosing a gentle or delicate cycle for washing is key. Cold water and a mild, scent-free detergent should also be used.
Tru Earths' fragrance-free laundry detergent strips will be the best cleaning options. These strips are designed to effectively find stains, odors, and dirt and lift them from their surfaces until they are washed away. Not only are these strips hypoallergenic and vegan, but they are also paraben-free and chlorine bleach free.
Dry Stuffed Animals Thoroughly
This is a very important step to finish with because your child's stuffed animals must be fully dry. It's recommended to air dry stuffed animals after removing moisture. You can do this by rolling the stuffed toy in a clean and dry towel, then placing it next to a fan.
If you are in a rush and have a bedtime countdown, it's typically fine to pop the stuffed animal into the dryer. However, ensuring you set your dryer in the coolest and shortest cycle setting is important. This way, there will be no loosening seams or breaks in the toy.
Cleaning Toys With Electronic Components
Cleaning toys with electronic components can be tricky. The last thing you want to do is fry them! Did you know you don't have to remove the batteries before washing? However, if you don't take out their batteries, then it may be a better idea to hand wash the toys.
This way, you won't be putting yourself or your child at risk for electric shocks when the batteries are re-added.
How Often Should You Wash Stuffed Animals
It's typically recommended that you wash your child's stuffed animals as often as they wash their bedding. This is especially important if your child has frequent colds or allergies, and it will sometimes be better to wash their stuffed animals more frequently.
How Do You Keep Stuffed Animals Fluffy After Washing?
If you are worried about washing your child's favorite stuffed animals and ruining any fur on them, then don't worry. We have a simple fix. Once you choose to machine wash or hand wash the toys, you need to dry them with a hair dryer.
Doing this will ensure that your child's toy has the same fluffy fur that it had before cleaning.
Do Your Kids a Favor - Wash Their Stuffed Animals Today!
It may seem trivial, but the benefits of keeping these toys clean are rather great considering the consequences of not washing them. So, take a few hours and wash your children's stuffed animals with the proper cleaning materials!
Not only is Tru Earths' laundry slips safe for the environment, but they are also safe for you and your family. With no harsh ingredients, your child's stuffed animals can be washed and loved to their fullest potential.
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