Plush Toys - How To Take Good Care Of Them
Posted by Wookie85 in FamilyPlush toys are cute and a lot of fun to have around the house. Many of us have acquired quite a few favorites over the years. Which brings us to the care and cleaning of our plush collection. What is the proper way to clean them and maintain their softness and color? Some people just choose to store them in a closet or an attic to avoid the hassle of washing them or the risk of getting them dirty. But that takes away the fun of displaying your stuffed pals.
So here is some advice on the best ways to care for your stuffed animal collection. You can make use of your collection as decoration without putting up with the dust if you just make use of this advice!
The simplest technique to make sure your stuffed animals are sanitary is to dust them off once in a while. Your home will naturally produce dust mites, so when you dust around the house, you can give the teddy bears a quick clean. A regular duster, cloth wipes, or even baby wipes all work well. Baby wipes and damp cloth wipes (sold nearly everywhere) work great on fur because the dust mites will cling to the wet surface. A regular dusting will also help keep your favorite plush pal’s colors crisp and bright.
For larger or more durable stuffed toys you could also use a hand vacuum. Hand vacuums have the advantage of removing dust and dirt more thoroughly than a duster, but you have to be careful! Check the suction level of the appliance you are using. Make sure that your stuffed friend is not old or too fragile. Many times a teddy bear has lost an eye because his owner was in a hurry. I upgraded to a more powerful vacuum for floors when my old one gradually lost its power, but the old model is great for delicate jobs such as teddy bear tidying.
Some stuffed animals can be machine washed. The easiest way to find out if this is an option is to simply read the label, as you would with clothing. If your toy is machine washable, it’s best to use the gentle cycle with some fabric softener. The softener can help keep the toy velvety.
One time I washed my favorite plush cat, but its hair looked matted and dingy after he was washed. Fortunately I thought of my hair dryer and used it to restore him to his previous fluffy self. I later used the same trick on the mane of a stuffed lion. Blow-drying is a great way to fluff up any toy’s fur.
Using these tips can help keep your animals clean and happy and keep the dust down as well. You shouldn’t hide your favorite plush pal away in storage when you can show off your best teddy bear to company! Just wipe them off as part of your regular dusting or give them a quick spin in the washing machine for a more complete scrubbing. It can be much easier than you think to keep your plush friends looking fresh and flawless!
Resources: Iveta Volegna’s advices have helped many adults and children take care of their stuffed plush toys.To make your life easy find lots of machine washable stuffed animals, including teddy bears, plush bunnies and stuffed leopards, at KCPlush.com
