Need info on removing dirt from stuffed toy?

Question

I have a stuffed toy pet lamb that need cleaning cos its fur/fleece is dirty. It has been in such a condition for over 7 years, and I'm afraid of sending it to the dry cleaner's cos I don't turst them to clean it without shredding half its fur out. There's no mention anywhere on the web as to how to remove stains/dirt from stuffed toys. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I haven't chosen a best answer yet, but your answers are absolutely brilliant, and I thank you so very much!! I mean, I have a book on removing stains, but it doesn't even have a page on removing stains from stuffed toys, and I've been agonizing about what course of action to take for a long long time. Thanks again :)

Answer 1

Even though a lot of stuffed animals say to spot clean only, I have had no problems with washing them on the gentlest cycle of the washing machine in cold water with Woolite or another low sudsing wash liquid.

Place the toy inside one of those wash bags that are made for delicate items such as sweaters or "unmentionables" and wash with a small amout of the woolite and a bit of powder Oxyclean, use warm water only if the lamb is really dirty. It also helps to wash a couple of hand towels or a bath towel to keep the machine more balanced.

Dry in your dryer, not at it's hottest setting. You may have to cycle it through the dryer a few times. Just check to make sure there are no tears in the fabric before washing it this way, or the stuffing will come out during the washing process. I alway check any attachments...eyes, nose or bows just to make sure that they have not loosened up in the cleaning process. You do not want to have something come off of the toy that may be dangerous for the child that may play with it.

Good luck and have a good day!

Answer 2

The best way I've found to clean stuffed animals is to place them into a pillow case, tie the case shut with a rubber band (or use a protective fabric pillow cover with a zipper) and then wash them in the washing machine, with some other clothes, on gentle cycle, with Woolite.

Dry it in the dryer the same way... in the pillow case... on a low-medium heat with other clothes (this is to refluff the stuffing)

Good luck to you! (I found several folks suggesting that you open a seam, remove all the stuffing and then clean just the outside... but I think that's horribly impractical!)

Answer 3

Wash it in the sink with shampoo.