How to wash stuffed animals?

[gracie09]

Using rug shampoo with a toothbrush to work on any stains also works well.

[wyoquilter]

If at all possible take the agitator out of your washing machine if you have one. I have washed many a stuff animal too, (I also have a big collection with some from the 80's) and I found that the agitator messes with the stuffing inside making it lumpier in some areas and less stuffed in others. When it comes time for drying I air dry them for quite awhile then I will put them in a dryer on a low heat with either a pair of clean tennis shoes or a couple of clean tennis balls. This helps fluff them back up.

As far as detergent I use whatever detergent I have to wash my clothes, but I reduce the amount I put in.

[Roseannad]

I put it on a delicate cycle and let it air dry.

[omigawd]

You can get the large mesh laundry bags at the dollar store. I have several and use them when I'm washing my pillows or my DDs stuffed animals.

[Swan Dive]

Originally Posted by omigawd

You can get the large mesh laundry bags at the dollar store. I have several and use them when I'm washing my pillows or my DDs stuffed animals.

cool thanks I will check that out

[NoExcuses]

It depends on what they are stuffed with. If it's straw, then the only thing you can do is brush them off, or wash the outside with a cloth and a little water. If they are stuffed with cotton batting, they will take forever to dry.

[springfieldva]

I've always taken care to sew any spots that need some stitching. Then I've put them into the washer with plain liquid Tide (or Dreft) and washed on gentle cycle then fluffed in the dryer to get them mostly dry

[peppermint]

I'm reviving this thread because I have a problem and need some advice. I have a custom-made 30+ year-old, life sized Raggedy Ann doll, and she is stuffed with raw cotton. I had the bright idea to wash her in the bathtub because I thought the washing machine would be too harsh for her. Now she looks awful! She's stained and just looks horrible.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to clean her? Am I ruining the cotton or her fabric? I was thinking I would call some dry cleaners/laundry facilities to see if they can restore her. I feel so terrible about "ruining" her.

[JustJulia]

My mother collects antique linens and quilts, and she washes them with detergent made especially for quilts. I looked online for the type she uses but cannot find it because it has such a bland name: QuiltCare. I also know that home "remedies" like vinegar or baking soda can help clean and brighten fabric. If your Raggedy Ann looks stained, you probably want something mild that will gently bleach her without wrecking her hair. This sounds like a problem for Heloise! Good luck.

I'm going to move this to the Home forum because this is a cleaning/domestic topic, not about parenting.

[Coldjensens]

My mom used to take the stuffing out. Wash them in the machine and then put in new stuffing. It is hard to get them dry if you wash them stuffed. Sometimes they get moldy or mildew and smell awful.