Understanding the Care for Build-A-Bears: Are They Washable?

Are you planning to get your little one a Build-A-Bear? Or perhaps you already have a Build-A-Bear collection sitting on the shelf, accumulating dirt and dust with each passing day. And now you are pondering the best way to clean these adorable stuffed animals.

Hold on, are Build-A-Bears even washable? Yes, they are washable, and there are multiple ways to do so. Want to learn? Stick around till the end of this brief guide.

Introduction

Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bears Workshop is a leading American retailer selling teddy bears and other stuffed animals. It was founded by Maxine Clark and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. The workshop has other sub-brands, including Build-A-Dino, Promise Pets, Honey Girls, Beary Fairy Friends, and Kabu.

What makes Build-A-Bears stand out from its competitors is its unique concept of allowing customers to build their own customized stuffed animals, hence the name.

During their in-store experience, customers engage in an interactive and immersive process where they actively assemble and customize their selected stuffed animal. It involves tailoring various elements to their unique preferences, such as choosing from a range of scents, selecting specific sounds, and dressing the bear in outfits of their choice.

In terms of appearance and design, Build-A-Bears leaves little room for complaint. Crafted from high-quality materials, they boast a delightful softness and the added charm of personal customization. Plus, they also excel in durability.

But do note that the durability of Build-A-Bears ultimately boils down to proper care and maintenance. Regular dusting and periodic washing are key to enjoying the companionship of Build-A-Bears for years to come.

Are Build-A-Bears Washable?

Yes, Build-A-Bears are completely washable. These toys are made with outer cloth fabric and filled with high-grade polyester fiber. That means you can wash Build-A-Bears by hand as well as toss them in the washing machine.

Word of Caution: If your toy contains an electronic part, DO NOT submerge it in water. You can only surface-clean (spot-clean) such toys. In case of more thorough cleaning, visit your nearest Build-A-Bear store to have the electronic part removed. You can also do this at home by carefully undoing the seam and unstuffing the toy before washing it.

Now that that’s out of the way, here are some tips on how to wash Build-A-Bears:

Spot Cleaning Your Build-A-Bears

For spot cleaning, the company offers their in-house non-toxic Bear Stuff Cleaner. It is a mixture of water softeners and mild detergent.

If you can’t get your hands on one, make a homemade solution for spot-cleaning your furry friend. To do this, mix a quarter capful of oxygen stain remover in a bowl of warm water.

Spray the soiled area with the solution, then blot with a clean kitchen towel. Next, wipe it with a clean cloth and allow the toy to air dry. Finally, brush the cleaned area with a soft brush, and you are all set!

Machine-Washing Your Build-A-Bears

Here are the steps for washing your Build-A-Bears in the washer:

Place your toy inside a zippered pillowcase. Or you can simply tie a knot to close the case. The goal is to ensure your toy remains securely enclosed within the pillowcase.

Toss it in your machine.

Hit the gentle cycle in cold water with mild soap.

Once washed properly, allow your toy to air dry.

Handwashing Your Build-A-Bears

Fill your sink or bucket with cold water and add a few drops of mild laundry detergent.

Submerge the bear into the soapy water and agitate gently.

Scrub the bear using your hands.

Once clean, rinse the toy under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Finally, wrap the toy in a clean towel to remove excess water and brush the bear’s fur with a soft brush.

Allow it to air dry.

Can You Put Build-A-Bears in the Washer?

Yes. According to the official website, you can put your Build-A-Bears in the washer.

However, DO NOT make the mistake of tossing your furry toy into the washer on its own. Doing so could potentially damage its fur, alter its shape, or lead to wear and tear.

Instead, protect your Build-A-Bears by putting it inside a pillowcase first. Then, you can proceed to wash it on the washer’s gentlest cycle with cold water and mild detergent.

Once done, remove the toy from the washer and brush the fur to prevent matting or clumping. Allow to air dry after.

Can You Tumble Dry Build-A-Bears?

No. Tumble drying your Build-A-Bears is not advisable. Tumble drying involves drying washed clothes by spinning them vigorously in hot air inside a dryer. This process can damage your toy’s fabric and stuffing.

So, what’s the best way to dry Build-A-Bears? Always opt for air drying. You can do this by securing your toy using a clothespin and hanging it on an indoor clothesline. If not, try laying it flat on a clothes rack or any clean surface in a well-ventilated room.

You can use a fan or hair blower in the cool setting to speed up the drying process.

Can You Put Build-A-Bears in the Dryer?

Yes, you can put Build-A-Bears in the dryer. It is a great way to fluff up your stuffed animal after washing.

Here’s the right way to use a dryer for Build-A-Bears:

Toss your toy in the dryer only after it is completely air-dried. DO NOT put wet Build-A-Bears in the dryer.

ONLY use the Air Dry, Air Fluff, Delicate, or Gentle Cycle on your dryer for about 10 minutes.

And voila! Your stuffed bear should be looking as good as new.

Conclusion

With the above tips, you can wash your Build-A-Bears without worrying about ruining them. To reiterate, all Build-A-Bears are safe for spot cleaning, handwashing, and machine-washing, provided you remove the electronic parts (if any) before washing them.

Once they are all clean and tidy, you should take a moment to brush their fur to prevent matting. Finally, allow them to air-dry completely before tossing them in the dryer to fluff them up (optional).