As cute as they are, teddy bears easily collect dust and dirt. That is why cleaning them every once in a while is important. Whether you’re a parent or a devoted teddy bear owner looking to restore an old cherished toy, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll show you how to wash your teddy bears of all sizes without damaging them.
Introduction: The Need for Teddy Bear Cleaning
Most people tend to overlook the need for cleaning their teddies regularly. Even though they may look clean from the outside, you never know what could be hiding underneath those furs. It is very easy for dust and bacteria to accumulate, which may pose a health risk for children who play with them.
Hence, cleaning them as regularly as possible is extremely important. Regular washing will not only clean the furs but also increase your teddies’ longevity by keeping them fresh and clean.
When cleaning your teddies, consider using special teddy bear cleaner products. These cleaners are designed to eliminate bacteria while also being mild enough to preserve the fabric of your teddy bear.
Teddy Bear Cleaner: What Is It and How to Use It?
If you’re looking for teddy bear cleaners, you can get a wide range of variants in the market. While cleaning your teddies with mild soap or detergent works well, Teddy Bear Cleaners are the best option if you want optimal cleaning.
Teddy bear cleaners are specially designed for cleaning plush toys, which usually have delicate fabrics. They prevent damage to the furs and help remove allergens and dust from the surface.
These products are generally very simple to use. Each product has a label clearly indicating how to use them. You just have to follow the steps mentioned, and your teddies will look good as new.
A Step-By-Step Guide: How to Clean a Teddy Bear
You can clean your teddies either by hand or in a washer. However, you should check the care label before washing any plush toy.
Your stuffed teddies will usually come with a wash instruction where you can determine if it’s safe to wash in a washing machine or not. The tag will also tell you whether you should use a normal detergent or a special teddy bear cleaner.
Hand-Washing Your Teddy Bear:
· First, fill a bucket with cold water and soak your teddy bear until it is fully submerged.
· Now add your teddy bear cleaning detergent to the water. Read the label to know how much to add. If the teddy has a sturdy fabric, you can use a small amount of mild detergent if you don’t have teddy bear cleaners.
· Step 3 is to gently squeeze your teddy to remove all the dirt. Ensure you don’t scrub it too hard since it can damage the fur.
· The next step is to put your stuffed teddy in a clean and cold bucket of water to rinse out the detergent.
· Finally, once the teddy is clean, you can air dry it. You can also roll it in a towel to soak the water out.
Washing Your Teddy in A Washing Machine
· Place your teddy in a wash bag or a pillowcase before you wash it in a machine. It is always a good idea to take extra care to protect your beloved teddy bear, even if they’re safe for machine wash.
· Next, place it in your washing machine and choose the wash settings. We recommend that you use the gentle cycle to preserve the fabric. Also, make sure that you use cold water only.
· Add the special teddy bear cleaner or any mild, regular detergent in the washer.
· Once the wash cycle ends, remove the teddy from the pillowcase or wash bag and let it air dry.
Special Cases: Cleaning Large Teddy Bears
As you can tell, cleaning regular-sized teddy bears is not a huge task. However, cleaning large teddy bears over 5ft. tall is a whole different story. It can get a bit complicated.
But fret not! We’ll also show you how you can clean off those large ones.
Even with the size difference, the cleaning process is more or less the same. The only difference is that you’ll need a larger basin or bathtub to accommodate your gigantic teddy bear.
Steps:
· The first step is to remove any accessories like bows, outfits, and ribbons that come with the teddy for an easier wash. You can wash those accessories separately by hand or in a machine.
· Fill the bathtub with cold water and add a mild detergent or a special teddy bear cleaner if it’s available.
· Now, slowly place the teddy in the basin to fully submerge it.
· Use your hand to agitate the water to remove dirt from the surface of your teddy. You can also use a soft brush to clean the areas with stains. Make sure you’re extra gentle.
· Now drain the bathtub/basin and refill it with clean and cold water to rinse the detergent.
· Next, take the teddy out and squeeze it gently to get rid of the excess water. Try not to wring it as it can damage the fabric.
· Finally, you can dry it out by placing it on a dry and flat surface.
· Once your teddy is completely dry, you can use a soft brush to comb the fur to fluff it back to its former glory.
Teddy Bear Detergent: Why It Matters
If you wash your teddies, you’ll definitely want to use a teddy bear detergent. These detergents are ideal for washing plush toys like teddy bears since they have delicate fur-like fabrics. Using these detergents will prevent wear and tear on the material, which results from regular detergents.
Conclusion: Bear Cleaning for Longevity and Hygiene
With that, we’ve come to the end of this article. We hope you’ve learned everything you need to know about cleaning your teddy bears. As you can see, washing your teddy bears is not just about how they look. It’s also about eliminating hidden bacteria and allergens and making them last for a long time. So, in a way, teddy bear cleaning is not only a task but also a labor of love.