Stuffed animals are great friends for both young kids and grown-ups, often becoming cherished companions. However, since kids frequently use them, these cuddly friends can accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens over time. To keep them clean and safe, it’s important to wash or dry cleaner stuffed toys periodically, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin.
In this article, responses to the kind of questions such as “Can we wash soft toys in a washing machine?” as well as “How to wash stuffed toys?” will be shown with additional information on the usage of a toy washer to clean your plush toys safely.
Can we wash soft toys in a washing machine?
Of the many questions that many people ask, among the most common is whether or not one can wash soft toys in the washing machine and the answer to this question is that the answer is either yes or no depending on the kind of stuffed toy that one possesses and the state of deterioration of the stuffed toy. Now let’s discuss which toys can be washed in the machine and how to do it correctly.
Always Check the Label
The first thing that one should do in washing the plush toy is that he ought to read the tag. The label will clear indicate how a toy should be cleaned, in a washing machine, by hand or spot cleaned. If it says on the label, ‘please machine wash,’ you are in the clear in that department.
Inspect the condition of the toy
If it has lost stitches or if the fabric used in the garment is of a tender nature, then you should go for hand wash despite the fact the garment tag suggests the opposite. Further, do not submerge toys with electronic components as this should not be made permanently wet.
Remove Loose Parts
First of all, if your item has some clothes or hat or bow attached to it, please, remove these accessories beforehand. To ensure that glued-on items such as eyes or other beautifying features or decorations deteriorate you need to check for them.
How to wash stuffed toys in a washing machine
In cleaning the plush toys which can be machine washed, there are special precautions that have to be observed in order not to ruin the toys. Put it in a mesh laundry bag or a pillow case during washing to avoid throws around and the consequent possible tear. Wash only with a mild baby soap that has no chemicals that will combat the natural oil of the skin. Strong detergents will be very harsh on the fabric of the toy and prove very harmful to the skin particularly that of the children. prolonged use of fabrics softeners can leave a residue over the stuffed toys that will in a way attract more dirt, like a magnet.
How to Wash Stuffed Toys by Hand
In the case where toys cannot be machine-washed then hand washing should be the best option. Here’s how to clean them without wrecking them:Here’s how to clean them without wrecking them:
Prepare a Cleaning Solution: To do it, you should pour lukewarm water into the basin or the sink and then add several drops of mild detergent. Rotate the tumbler so that the water inside in it and the detergent mix/stir together.
Spot Clean First: Wipe the area of the bad stains with a soft cloth or sponge and apply the solution on it. Wash the stains by patting them because rubbing them also affects the fabric in such a manner as to destroy it.
Soak and Rinse: Submerge the stuffed toy in the soapy water and move it in clockwise and anticlockwise motions. You need to fold and unroll the toy with your hands in order that the water permeates the stuffing of the toy and wash it well.
Good Rinse: Nevertheless, you should shift the water, and in its place, rinse the dish with just clean water. Submerge the toy lightly; as much as you want to pound at it to get the soap out, wait until the water is clear.
Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water: Avoid to twist the toy into a tight roll with the hand. Squeeze gently so that you remove excess water, this is necessary to avoid distortion of shape of the toy.
Air Drying: Put it on flat board and keep it on clean towel and let it dry naturally. It is also possible to put the toy in a well-aired area or near a fan so that it dries much faster. In toys that have long fur, just rub on the material gently with a soft-bristled brush when the material is dry.
Can Stuffed Toys Be Washed in a Washer?
Concerning washing of the stuffed toys, many people will ask if they can be washed in a washing machine and the answer to this question is yes. But only if the toy is durable enough for machine wash. Here’s the checklist to help one finally decide if your plush toy can be machine-washed:But only if the toy is durable enough for machine wash. Here’s the checklist to help one finally decide if your plush toy can be machine-washed:
Sturdy Construction: Toys with good sewn seams and more robust materials are those that receive a go for machine washing.
No Electronic Parts: If the toy has electric parts, sound boxes, or batteries do not wash it in the washing machine.
No Toys or Parts with Loose or Fragile Decorations: For instance, if the toy that is being manufactured comes along with glued-on eyes, or any other part which is relatively delicate.
Consider Size: Some large toys cannot be placed inside a washing machine if they are too large for it, then hand washing or spot washing has to be done.
Using a Toy Washer: Worth It?
Toy washer is compact washing equipment intended for use with small toys particularly teddy bears. It is even more delicate than an ordinary washing machine, but the matter is, does it actually clean the clothes?
Convenience
Toy washers are; small in size, portable, and can be taken around to the play areas to wash the toys. They come in very handy when used in a home with small children who ‘entertain’ a load of toys including stuffed animals daily.
Gentle Cleaning
A toy washer throws at the toys a gentler cycle than a regular washer and dryer will. They are designed for washing articles without causing them to fade or rip and therefore safe for use on soft toys.
Limitations
Toy washers cannot be very large and, therefore, they have to peter out in terms of size. They can only accommodate little toys; hence, large stuffed animals will still either need to be washed by hand or in a normal washing machine.
Other Pointer in Taking Care of Stuffed Toys
Additional care tips which are of importance to ensure your stuffed toys appear fresh and are long lasting are;
Regular Dusting
Coffee cups should be washed frequently as well as using vacuum cleaner brush attachment on your toys. This prevents dust deposition and you are shielded from the repetitive washing that is often needed.
Sunlight for Deodorizing
If the smell has over time become moist, then you can place your plush toy under the direct sun for some hours. Paradoxically, neither simple heat nor bacteria is lethal to a certain extent, but rather the sun’s UV rays which give a refreshing sensation.
Storage
Let the stuffed toys to dry up and when dry put them away in areas that are cool and dry as well. It will thus be easier to curtail any formation of mold and mold on the walls of the building. Do not accept them to be stored in basements or any other place with a high level of humidity.
FAQs
How often should toys that are stuffed should be washed?
The basic rule is to wash more often if the toy is used more often and if it is left in a more dirty environment. For example, daily used toys that children use may be washed every few months. As for those people who are put on the shelf, an annual wash will suffice.
What is the procedure of drying stuffed toys: can I put the stuffed toys into the dryer?
By and large, it is advisable not to place a stuffed toy in the dryer. The heat will make the stuffing accumulate and the fabric may shrink or develop some form of distortion. This method of drying is considered the most secure of all of them.
Conclusion
“How to wash stuffed toys”: it also means knowing how it should be done correctly if one is dealing with varied types of toys or a washing machine, hand washing or specialized toy wash. By referring to the various steps explained above for cleaning them and concerning the kinds of materials used, you can keep your stuffed toys clean, fresh as well as safe for a very long time.