How to wash plush toys, which cleaning method is better? Relevant experts have provided the following cleaning methods:
1. Take necessary measures according to size
When washing, take necessary measures based on the size of the plush or cloth toy.
Small toys can have their vulnerable parts covered with tape first, then follow the cleaning methods below.
For large plush toys, locate the seam where the filling is, cut the seam, remove the filler (acrylic cotton), special parts can remain unfilled (to better maintain the shape). Cover vulnerable parts with tape, place the toy's outer skin in the washing machine for a gentle wash, spin dry, and hang in a cool place to dry completely. Gently pat the toy intermittently to make its fur and filler fluffy and soft. Then put the filler back into the toy's outer skin, reshape it, and sew it up.
2. Cleaning Methods
1) Coarse Salt Cleaning Method
Items needed: A bag of coarse salt (large-grained salt) and a plastic bag.
Place the dirty plush toy inside the plastic bag, add an appropriate amount of coarse salt, then tie the opening and shake vigorously. After a few minutes, the toy will be clean. The principle behind this is that salt, or sodium chloride, adsorbs dirt. Since salt has strong disinfectant properties, it not only cleans the toy but also effectively kills bacteria and viruses.
2) Baking Soda Cleaning Method
Items needed: A packet of baking soda.
Place the baking soda and the dirty plush toy in a large plastic bag, tie the opening tightly and shake forcefully. You'll gradually notice the plush toy getting cleaner. Finally, the baking soda powder turns gray-black as it absorbs dust and dirt. Remove the toy and shake off the baking soda powder. This method is more suitable for larger plush toys and those that produce sound. When drying, gently pat the toy to make its fur and filler fluffy and soft, helping the toy return to its original shape after cleaning.
3) Water Washing Cleaning Method
Items needed: Water, silk and wool detergent (or laundry powder, liquid detergent), soft-bristle brush.
In a basin, mix water and silk and wool detergent. Use a regular soft-bristle brush or other tools to stir the water in the basin and create abundant foam. Then use the foam-soaked brush to clean the surface of the plush toy. Be sure not to let the brush soak up too much water. After brushing the surface of the plush toy clean, wrap it in a bath towel and press-wash it in a basin full of clear water.
To save effort, you can also cover the accessory parts of the plush toy with tape, place it in a laundry bag, and choose the hand-washing mode for cleaning. This can thoroughly remove dust and detergent from inside the plush toy. Then place the plush toy in a basin of water with fabric softener and soak it appropriately for a few minutes. Press-wash it several times in a basin full of clear water until the water changes from cloudy to clear. Wrap the cleaned plush toy in a bath towel and place it in the washing machine for a gentle spin-dry. After spin-drying, reshape and comb the plush toy and place it in a ventilated area to dry.
Note: When drying, ensure it dries in a well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can easily cause discoloration. For plush toys, cloth toys, or dolls equipped with high-tech electronics, cores, or speakers, always remove the electronic components (some are not waterproof) or batteries before washing to prevent water damage.
After the plush or cloth toy dries, use a clean comb or similar tool to comb the fur in the direction of the hair to make it smooth and neat, enhancing its appearance.