How do I clean large stuffed animals?

Question

What is the best way to clean a large white tiger stuffed animal.It is way to large to go into the washing machine.

Answer 1

Nobody reads the question! It is too large to go in a washing machine, stop saying put it in the machine! Get a spray carpet cleaner, cover the animal in the foam or spray, rub it in and let it dry, then vacuum. That should get your tiger sparkly.

Answer 2

I never put them in the washer because the stuffing shifts, breaks down and bunches to where you can never reshape the animal. I've also had poor results at the dry cleaners and don't like the smell left by their cleaning fluids.

First, I vacuum the animal with the brush hose attachment. Then I use a product called Foley's Upholstery cleaner found at the home improvement stores and is inexpensive. I spray an area, agitate with a brush, blot with a soft terry towel and move on the the next area. You can put the animal in the dryer if it fits and if you have a rack which will keep it from tumbling.

The Foley's will not only clean and brighten the animal, remove stains and dust, but it helps resist stains and dust from adhering to the stuffed animal in the future. It does not leave harmful or toxic fumes on the animal or dirt attracting film, either.

Answer 3

I doubt it is actually cardboard in the head, it's likely some sort of bendable plastic. I had a large beautiful white bear that was quite expensive. Eventually, he got dirty and tired looking. I filled up the bathtub put in a small amount of soap and very gently squished him clean. I carefully rinsed him and then put the poor bear in the washer on the spin cycle for mabey two min. Just enough to get the excess out. He took a few days to dry, and he was fluffed and blow-dried periodically. He looked great and good as new. For your tiger I suggest the same tub method. Then since your guy won't fit in the washer, hang him up, however possible and let the excess water drain off by gravity. To avoid wrecking the fur, don't wring him out, but press the water out. Let him hang for a few hours. Then you can carefully press dry him with towels. You will use every towel in the house. Keep him in a dry place and blowdry to fluff the fur as required. This is time consuming and a pain in the ***. Otherwise, you can probably take him to any dry-cleaner and then will do it for you.

Answer 4

Careful when cleaning stuffed animals, they can pill up in the wash cycle and never look normal again. Also, some fabric animals will melt if you place them in a dryer. Crazy or not, your best best is to take it to the cleaners. They can determine if it is safe to launder or requires dry cleaning only. The best way to clean is to spot clean the dirty area with a clean damp cloth and mild soap solution. The let it air dry in a well ventillated area, otherwise you get mildew.

Answer 5

I always washed my kids stuffed animals in a pillow case knotted at the top onf gentle cycle. But if you are referring to LARGE stuffed animals, I have heard you can sprinkle baking soda on em, and then vaccum them off, and that should make em fresh and dust free.

Answer 6

If you have a steamer, try that. I believe you can buy one at Walmart for only about $25-30, in which case it would make sense not only for your stuffed animal, but also use around the house on your couches, etc...

Good luck!

Answer 7

Remove the stuffing, wash and dry, replace the stuffing with old or new.

Answer 8

wet a cloth and spray some febreeze of simple green on the wet cloth
and wipe it on the stuffed animal

Answer 9

large pillow case and 40 degree or a cold wash dont forget the fabric conditioner keeps him all nice

Answer 10

I scrub any spots with a wet cloth. Then, when its dry, I spray the whole thing with Febreeze Antibacterial.