Angela LaFollette was born in raised in West Virginia, but she currently resides with her husband and children in Minnesota. Add the animal after the washer is done filling so you don't bleach the colour. If you can, machine wash them using vinegar. Step 4 – Put the stuffed animal in a plastic bag and pour 1/2 cup of baking soda in the bag. Remove residual baking soda, which includes dirt and grime, from the stuffed toy using a vacuum cleaner hose. Step 2 – Wash the stuffed animal according to the care instructions on the tag. Step 1 – If your stuffed animal has mildew on it, take it outside and brush it off with an old toothbrush or hairbrush. In certain climates, stuffed animals tend to get musty easily. Remove the stuffed animal from the machine and pillowcase. Seal the bag and shake it really well. My daughter has a stuffed animal that she loves to fall asleep with, but she always chews on the ears. Then, if they are not washable, put them in a large plastic bag and add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda or cornstarch. Fill up a sink, add baking soda, let it soak for awhile. The odor often is a result of mildew, but it can also be from dust. Keep Stuffed Animals Clean and Smelling Good with Baking Soda. Step 1 – Check the tag to see if you can wash your stuffed animal in the washing machine. If you can, then move on to Step 2. If the stuffed animal is irreplaceable, either because it’s personalized or … Step 2 Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle; vinegar aids in killing the mold spores and removing the associated odors. Step 3 – Shake the bag so that the baking soda covers the stuffed animal completely and then let it sit in the bag for at least 15 minutes. Whenever we have clothes or stuffed animals that smells like mildew, I fill the washer up with soap and put about a cup of bleach. Joyce. After 1-2 days have passed, return to remove the stuffed animal and shake off the baking soda. Step 3 – Wash the stuffed animal according to the care on the tag. This powder works wonders at absorbing odors and freshening musty stuffed animals. link to How to Wash Pet Hair Out of Blankets (6 Easy Steps! Step 4 – Hang to dry or lay across a clothing drying rack. The heat from the sun will help to kill any remaining mildew and it will help air out the toy. Use one that you don’t plan on using again. Sprinkle baking soda on the stuffed animal to remove any lingering musty smells. Hot water aids in killing mold spores. Make sure you don’t use too much because you don’t want the stuffed animal to get completely soaked. Related: Cleaning Stuffed Animals. Set the dryer to air dry and add scented dryer sheets to help remove the smell. July 2009 in Babies: 9 - 12 Months. Make … Remove all excess water first and dry with a towel, then place in a well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Step 5 – The next day, vacuum the stuffed animal to remove all of the baking soda. Spray the solution over the toy, but not too much, you don’t want the fur to be soaked. So, your child’s stuffed animals are safe! The heat will help kill some of the germs. An Overview of Cleaning Plush Stuffed Toys. 4. If you are worried about preserving the quality of the stuffed animal, read the tag to ensure that you can dry it in the dryer. Let it sit overnight. How to Wash Pet Hair Out of Blankets (6 Easy Steps!). If that doesn’t clean your old stuffed animal though, then try these steps below.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-leader-1-0')}; Step 1 – Make some warm soapy water and get a sponge. Vacuum or brush them off first. They carry them around with them, play with them, and sleep with them. When stuffed animals are stored in warm and moist environments, they can develop a musty odor. We are sisters doing what we love most: spending time together and writing about cleaning, decorating and organizing. If the animal looks clean, but just smells bad, you might try something like Fabreeze. Hang the stuffed animal in the sun to dry after you clean it. Yuck! A musty smell is a warning sign that toys or other objects have been exposed to mold. The combination of heat and bleach helps to kill mold spores. If your child's favorite stuffed animal becomes dirty or stained, you can't simply dispose of the animal. So many memories and experiences have been lived with these treasured toys. It will take more time, but you can get these stuffed animals just as clean. Place the stuffed animal in a cardboard box with several sheets of crumpled newspaper and securely close the box. Do not let your child play with their stuffed animal before it is washed! Check stuffed animals on a weekly basis to make sure extra cleaning is not required. Old stuffed animals can become almost like a member of the family. Follow the steps in this guide to get fleas out of those areas as well. I had someone from Craigslist donate over 100 beanie babies to my classroom and I am so excited. Step 4 – Once the stuffed animal is completely dry, put it in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 72 hours. Step 5 – If you want, you can even use a vacuum sweeper and use the brush attachment to sweep off any baking soda that isn’t coming off with just shaking it. Just enough to clean the surface. 3. Step 2 – Put the stuffed animal in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer. Repeat the process as many times as needed for the toy to be fully dirt and odor free. Wash the stuffed animal in the machine or by hand, using the hottest water possible along with a detergent containing color-safe bleach. North Carolina State University: Mildew Prevention in the Home, Earth Easy: Non-toxic Home Cleaning and Care, Teddy Bears: How to Clean a Stuffed Animal, Stuffed Animal Central: Quick Tips to Keep those Stuffed Animals in Good Shape. Treating and cleaning the stuffed animal properly will allow you to salvage it instead of throwing the toy away in the trash. Thankfully, there is an easy fix for that! Steps to Remove Odor: Fill the washing machine with water. If you have a pet with fleas, then there is a good chance that your child’s stuffed animal has fleas too. If you are like most people, you have probably gone days, weeks and even months without cleaning your makeup brushes! 2. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Leave for a few days. Professional Dry Cleaning. Get Help from the Doctor Cleaning is a huge priority right now with the pandemic. Getting pet hair out of your blankets or your pet's blankets is a huge challenge, but we have some great... How To Clean Makeup Brushes (It's as easy as 1-2-3!). Step 1 – Mix a solution of mild detergent and water. Spray the solution over the stuffed animal, and the vinegar will neutralize the odor. How to get musty basement smell out of stuffed animals? Spray the solution over the stuffed animal, and the vinegar will neutralize the odor. Step 4 – After the 15 minutes are up, open the bag outside and shake the baking soda off your stuffed animal. Sprinkle baking soda on the stuffed animal to remove any lingering musty smells. Wear gloves and a mask to protect your health. Follow the instructions on the tag and launder the stuffed animal. Finding out that you or someone in your home has lice is pretty upsetting! This is a video of me testing the theory that a stuffed animal can be cleaned using only baking soda, a plastic bag, and a towel. If the stuffed animal can be washed and dried, that is the best solution. Step 3 – Lay your stuffed animal out to dry on a towel. Wash hard plastic toys in the dishwasher. Use a washcloth and scrub every inch of the stuffed animal. Wait for the toy to dry completely. Step 2 – Pour a small amount of laundry detergent on the stuffed animal and work it into the stained or dirty area. When a stuffed animal has been in storage for a while, it can have dust mites. Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle if you still notice the musty smell. HE detergents are perfect for cleaning stuffed animals because they create minimal suds, making rinsing a breeze. cup of baking soda, baby powder, or cornstarch and shaking it. Take the stuffed animal outside. Check out this article that will keep your home safe and clean! Step 2 – Shake the bag well and let it sit for a couple of hours. Step Three. Read the tag on the stuffed animal. "A Little Dusty" Dust is unavoidable, and so cleaning some off before the plush animal's status becomes code red is a good idea. ... Our friends over at Apartment Therapy have the solution to keeping stuffed animals feeling and smelling fresh. Use Cleaning Without Water method, but use baking soda. Step 2 – Very gently dab the dirty or stained areas on the stuffed animal. Whether the plush animal is only a little dusty, or extremely soiled, these tricks and tips will insure you never lose another stuffed animal to the ravages of dirt again. Remove any visible mildew from the stuffed animal. Just dab the soapy water on the area and let it sit. Measure a full cup of baking soda and pour within a sealed trash bag along with stuffed animal. Fleas can be hard to get rid of and you will have a reoccurring problem if you don’t also clean your animal’s bedding, your upholstered furniture, and your carpet. You can follow the same steps for cleaning a stuffed animal with batteries. Spray the solution over the stuffed animal, and the vinegar will neutralise the odour. Make sure if it has batteries, to take those out first! Then prepare another washing cycle. A musty odor needs to be treated to remove anything harmful that may irritate the skin or lead to allergies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University. Give the bag a heavy shake and place aside for 24-48 hours. Next, sprinkle some baking soda on the toy and leave it overnight. Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle if you still notice the musty smell. You probably think that it will be a nightmare to strip everything in the house and clean it for fear that others in your home will also get lice. Note: For regular cleaning to prevent dust mites from building up, use the brush attachment on your vacuum sweeper to clean all your stuffed animals. Stuffed animals with batteries are a little more challenging to clean because you can’t just toss it in the washer. Add some baking soda or vinegar to the wash water, it will remove the musty odor. Pet hair has the unfortunate habit of sticking to anything and everything in touches. You can also wash it one final time and it … ). Vinegar is another substance that kills mold spores and also removes the musty odor. These nine issues are all covered with detailed steps that will ensure that the stuffed animal is cleaned and survives the cleaning process! Note: If you aren’t totally sure that your freezer temperature is accurate, then you will want to put a thermometer in there to monitor. Step 2 – Get a clean washcloth and plain water to clean the detergent off. If you know for sure that your child’s stuffed animal has bed bugs, then freezing them is the most effective method. This stuffed animal cleaning guide covers how to wash stuffed animals that can go in the washer, have batteries, are old and delicate, sanitize after an illness, remove a musty smell, dust mites, fleas, lice, and bed bugs.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-medrectangle-4-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-medrectangle-4-0_1')}; .medrectangle-4-multi-136{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;text-align:center !important;}. Discard the bag in the trash. Then let it run. Dry them very thoroughly- so spin cycle 2 or 3 times then tumble dry on a low heat for a long time (he stuffing may still be damp even when the plush is dry, so you'll need to keep drying. Step 3 – Keep the stuffed animal in the freezer for a minimum of four days. Put the pillow case in the washer and run it on a gentle cycle. Stuffed animals are a cherished toy that are hard to clean at times, but it’s not impossible. Cleaning a plush toy that doesn't have a Care Instructions Tag is not as difficult as you may think. Pour ½ to one cup of baking soda in the water. Drying Your Stuffed Animal Use a clothesline. Baking soda may also be effective. ), link to How To Clean Makeup Brushes (It's as easy as 1-2-3! We hope that by sharing what we’ve learned, you can create spaces you love in your home! Then rinse and rinse and rinse until the water runs clear. Here is an easy way to make sure your child’s stuffed animal is clean enough for them to snuggle with.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Step 1 – Put the stuffed animal in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 24 – 48 hours. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If the plush is a toy that is a constant companion and is played with every day, it is probably a sturdy, well-made, meant-to-be well-loved toy. When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? She is food freelance writer and blogger as well as a full-time stay at home mother. To freshen them up, try this baking soda method. Using a clean toothbrush, gently brush the stain and blot with a clean towel. Step 3 – Let it dry in the sun. Combine an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle if you still notice the musty smell. Close the washing machine lid, and allow the machine to agitate and swish the water around with the toy in it. For toys that are really old, worn or fragile (beyond anything you think you can repair/reinforce yourself), you could try talking to a good dry cleaning place and see what they recommend…or just try handwashing it. If your child gets a stuffed animal from a friend or a thrift store, it may be best to do this as a preventative measure to keep your home safe. The charcoal in the newsprint should eliminate the mildew smell. But add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the water and detergent. Wash the stuffed animal in the washing machine or hand wash with the hottest water possible and a detergent with color-safe bleach. Remove the stuffed animals and throw them in a pillow case. It also needs to stay that way for the whole four days the stuffed animal is in the freezer or the bed bugs will not all die. As you know, laundry detergent is great at cleaning and getting stains out.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-box-4-0')}; Whether the issue is cleaning off dirt or food stains, washing stuffed animals in the washer is the easiest option for cleaning! If you continue to have a mildew smell from the toy, it is possible that the mildew is inside the stuffing. Make sure you cover that area back up with the fabric and velcro.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Step 2 – Put the stuffed animal in a resealable bag with 1/2 a cup of baking soda. Step 1 – Make sure your freezer is set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Children love stuffed animals. Step 5 Sprinkle baking soda on the stuffed animal to remove any lingering musty smells. We have already bought a couple and donated them, but we also have some new/unused stuffed animals that were sitting in the basement and now have a bit of a musty/moldy smell. Be careful to not soak the area and don’t rub hard. A little bit of time and scrubbing and your stuffed animal will be as good as new! When it's not washed, the stuffed animals starts smelling … Then set the stuffed animal out on a table or a drying rack and allow it to finish drying. This page contains tips and ideas on how to clean and keep toys clean. Unfortunately, polyester stuffed animals are also difficult to clean. Angela's work has appeared on many online publications like Yahoo!, eHow, and Leaf Group. As you know, laundry detergent is great at cleaning and getting stains out. Regardless of how you washed the stuffed animal, the safest way to dry it is to let it air dry. Lightly spray the stuffed animal and let it dry. But, if they are not machine washable, here are steps you can take to sanitize the stuffed animal so that you don’t have to worry about your child cuddling up with it later. Lice can only live on a person and not an object. Turn the machine back on to allow it to complete its wash cycle. The first step is to always check the tag to see if there are special instructions. Remove a musty odor from stuffed animals with items in your home. Start by rolling the stuffed animal up in a clean, white bath towel and pressing gently down on it so that the towel absorbs the excess water. If the musty smell is caused by mold or mildew, however, nothing but bleach is going to kill those stinky spores - and since you can't wash stuffed animals with bleach (or with much of anything, for that matter), you may have to consider getting rid of them and getting some new ones. "Dry" clean your stuffed animal by putting it in a shopping bag with about ? Step 3 – If you still notice a musty smell, then mix equal amounts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. The best way to deal with a lice problem is to treat the person’s head and get the nits out. We worked our way through college cleaning houses and through that became passionate about creating spaces that we love. University of Kentucky: Odors: What's That Smell? If Teddy’s care label allows, you can machine wash him safely in a mesh bag. If it smells like vinegar, then wash it again according to the instructions on the tag. lizobss. This won't clean your stuffed animal, but it will make it more pleasant to be around. Stop the cycle when the water is full so you can soak the stuffed animal (s). Step 3 – Put your hair dryer on the warm or low setting and gently blow dry the stuffed animal and shake it to get all of the dead dust mites out. We have been asked to donate stuffed animals to a local organization (NOT a hospital). Our tips and reviews have come from years of cleaning and organizing for others as well as experimenting with our own homes. Step 1 – Remove the batteries! if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-medrectangle-3-0')};Because these stuffed animals are so precious, you will want to make sure you use the right method for washing them so you don’t ruin them. Shake excess baking soda off into the bag. Turn off the machine after agitation to allow the stuffed animal to soak for at least 30 minutes. Bed bugs have become more and more of an issue in recent years. Their food is human blood, so if they aren’t living on a human, then they will die. Welcome to our website! The musty smell may be a result of the mildew. So now, the stuffed animal smells. If your child has had the flu or pink eye or something else that is very contagious, you will definitely want to sanitize their favorite toys! Watch as the machine mixes the soap and vinegar (or baking soda) with the clothes. Drying the stuffed animals in the sun may fade the color. Rub an old toothbrush over the mildew areas. Reply Was this helpful? If the stuffed animal is very old and falling apart, you will not want to rub the area at all. Allow the baking soda to sit on the stuffed animal overnight, and then vacuum it off with an upholstery attachment. Most of them still have the tags on and they look impeccable. It’s a long process, but at least your child can hug their stuffed animal and find comfort in their toy while you comb out their hair. This will also remove any dirt or food particles as well. Add bleach if it is safe for the material of the toys. Soft toys can become musty or stale if left at the bottom of wardrobes, toy boxes or stuffed in corners here and there. The bed bugs will not die unless it is at or below zero degrees, so it’s very important that the temperature is correct. The wetter your toy, the longer it will take to dry. When there is a lot of moisture in the air or the stuffed animal has been stored in a moist environment, it can develop mildew on it or just have that musty smell. Step 2 – Get the stuffed animal out of the freezer and let it sit for a few hours to thaw out. Dry the stuffed animal: To prevent glue or plastic parts from melting, it's best to air-dry the stuffed animal. Is there a way to get musty/moldy smell out of stuffed animals without washing them? The tag will tell you how to wash the toy. Step 1 – Put the stuffed animal in a sealable bag with 1/2 a cup of borax. On the next morning use a vacuum cleaner to clean the toy from the baking soda. But hand washing isn’t your only option for how to clean a teddy bear! I wouldn't leave it out to dry because it would take too long and it would start smelling like mold again. Add baking soda or vinegar to the laundry detergent bin to remove odors. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cleanclassycreate_com-banner-1-0')}; Step 3 – Put the stuffed animal in a mesh bag and set your washer on the gentle cycle using cold water. The baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and will also absorb the dirt and odor. Once it is washed, let it sit outside in the sun to dry. I throw it in the wash every few weeks, but even after washing, there's a slight hint of the smell. This page includes Removing Musty Smells from Dolls?, Cleaning Cabbage Patch Dolls?, Cleaning Rubber Dolls?, Cleaning Barbie Clothes, Removing Sticky Glue From Doll's Hair?, Removing Crayon from Plastic?, Removing Band-Aids from Stuffed Animals?, and more. Whether the issue is cleaning off dirt or… Most stuffed animals, as well as some soft dolls and fabric toys, should be safe in the washing machine.