Washing a delicate, beloved stuffed animal

johnjohn320

Diamond Member
Jan 9, 2001
7,572
2
76
An old, been-in-the-family-awhile, beloved stuffed dog. Little guy's been snuggled on by a sick nephew and looking a little worn, so it's time for a bath. I googled some options, but thought I'd ask here if anyone has any experience with this. Because it's old/delicate, we'll probably wash and dry it by hand. Any particular mild detergents to recommend? Any other tips?
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
57,981
8,219
126
The best thing is don't wash it at all. If you must, I'd use dish detergent, and dry it on the dashboard of your car while it's in the sun.
 

Greenman

Lifer
Oct 15, 1999
20,936
5,560
136
PM Fuzzybabybunny, he dragged around a stuffed toy well into his adult life, I'm sure he knows the best way to clean one.
 

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
4,422
23
81
I just washed my stuffed 11 year old polar bear. Do it on very gentle cycle, with lots of water.

Yes, I am crazy, I still sleep with the polar bear, because I have no one else to sleep with.. :(
 

Itchrelief

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2005
1,398
0
71
I dunno the "proper" procedure, but if you end up putting through the washer/dryer, you'll probably need to put them in some thick netting or something. The eyes and whatnot eventually get scratched up when they bang against the walls.
 

Broheim

Diamond Member
Feb 17, 2011
4,587
2
81
An old, been-in-the-family-awhile, beloved stuffed dog. Little guy's been snuggled on by a sick nephew and looking a little worn, so it's time for a bath. I googled some options, but thought I'd ask here if anyone has any experience with this. Because it's old/delicate, we'll probably wash and dry it by hand. Any particular mild detergents to recommend? Any other tips?

I wouldn't know of any american brands, but look for ones meant for handwashing wool and silk, those are the most delicate. Don't fall for any marketing, look for allergen free and organic (these will be the most delicate) . Make sure the water isn't too warm about 30 degrees Celsius is what you're aiming for, afterwards repeat the process without detergent three times with fresh water that is just a little bit colder every time.


that's how I wash all my delicate clothing and it keeps them looking completely brand new.
 

BurnItDwn

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
26,167
1,638
126
Hand wash for sure ...

My fiance does knitting and all sorts of work with wool. She likes to use eucalan on all the delicate stuff. It's "no rinse", might be good for what you want to do. (I believe she is actually a timelord since she uses a spinning wheel to create yarn from sheep hairs and I thought that was technology that was lost through the ages.)
 

Eug

Lifer
Mar 11, 2000
23,807
1,385
126
yarn-hipster.jpg
 

Maximilian

Lifer
Feb 8, 2004
12,604
15
81
Stuffed animal made me think of this:

PMmhTe.jpeg


As graceful in death as it was in life... :awe:
Goodnight sweet prince!
 

FeuerFrei

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2005
9,144
929
126
That foaming carpet-cleaner spray for cars should work - Tuff Stuff.

Not that I've ever cleaned a stuffed animal.