|
How to clean those favorite stuffed animals
Teddy bears are objects of unconditional love. They snuggle into beds at night. They travel in backpacks, in car seats and on airplanes. They endure sticky fingers, dusty corners and gooey kisses. They've even been known to stand in for pacifiers and chew toys. It's no wonder that this best buddy might just need a bath!
November 14th is National American Teddy Bear Day. It was created to honor the contribution the teddy bear has made to popular culture and remembers the day in 1902 when President Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub while on a hunting trip in Mississippi. What better day to gather up those teddies, along with any other cuddly companions in the household, and give them all a good cleaning?
Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association, recommends that you start by vacuuming off any dust and loose grime. Then check for split seams; repair them before cleaning. If teddy has a sound box or other mechanical or electronic device, it will need to be removed. Otherwise, washing will cause it to rust or create a corrosive residue and it won't work anymore.
If there are any particularly nasty stains, pretreat them by rubbing a little bit of liquid detergent directly on the stain. Then put teddy into a pillowcase and secure it shut with a knot, rubber band, or hair elastic. Although teddy won't mind being washed with other stuffed animals, don't overfill the pillowcase. Those cozy companions need room to move around. Wash in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent. Before putting teddy in the dryer, check to make sure the stains are gone. Close up the pillowcase again and put teddy in the dryer on low heat.
If teddy's fur needs a bit of "fluffing," brush it gently with an old, clean hairbrush.
Email
Us
 |
Cleaning Matters is
compiled by The Soap and Detergent Association and is
not copyrighted. Such information is offered solely to
aid the reader. The Soap and Detergent Association and
its member companies do not make any guarantees or warranties,
expressed or implied, with respect to the information
contained in Cleaning Matters and assume no responsibility
for the use of this information. |
|
