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5 Smart Hand Washing Tips For Your Soft Toys

By Padmapreetham Mahalingam

The most common category of soft toys includes teddy bear or plush toys. Most children love to cosy up next to their favourite toys, be it a stuffed animal or cloth doll. After being lugged around for years, soft toys have the tendency to accumulate grime, dirt and breed bacteria. Your little ones prefer soft toys since they can hug, cuddle and adore them hence it is important that you maintain it and keep them looking new and clean. If the cuddly toys have accumulated dirt then there are chances of it to pass on germs and bacteria to your child. Whatever the reason may be, you have to make sure to clean the soft toys before it ruins your little one’s health.

Most children are emotionally attached to their soft toys since they slobber kisses on them and it does get smelly overtime. All manufacturers reckon that many toys are machine washable, yet some toys which are delicate and brittle are quite incompatible with the harsh agitation, beat up and tumbling action of the washing machine. All toys come with a product care label that overtly states whether the material is machine washable or should be hand washed. As a parent or guardian you need to opt for a safe option to clean the dirt and debris of toys which your little ones come in contact with regularly. Usually washing stuffed toys can be tricky, if you don’t know how to remove the dirt or grime. Here are some of the best ways to wash soft toys.

TIPS TO BLEACH WHITE CLOTHES

Stitch up the loose parts
Remember an important hand washing tip for soft toys is that before you sluice your child’s favourite toy, the first thing you need to do is to see if the toy needs any repair. If there are any rips, try to mend the loose parts of your baby’s toy so that you don’t mislay them during the wash.

Wash Soft Toy | Wash Teddy Bear | Washing Tips

To keep them looking new
If you want the soft toys to look clean and new, then try to add 3-tbsp of baking powder, two drops of pepper mint oil in a bowl. Next make sure to mix the ingredients well. Later sift the baking soda ingredient on the toy and gently rub the powder with clean hands. Remember that baking soda is good for keeping the toys clean.

Dusting it off
You can also start off cleaning the soft toy with quick dusting or opt for vacuum action. You can also use the hose attachment on the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust or dirt while at same time try to fluff up the toy. On the other hand if you are planning to operate vacuum then never use the short or long pile adjustment instead opt for handheld blow dryer.

Wash Soft Toy | Wash Teddy Bear | Washing Tips

Liquid dish
After puffing out the dust from the plaything the next step you need to focus on is the next hand washing tip for soft toys. Make sure to check the spots and stains thoroughly before you sparingly apply the liquid cleaner. Remove the germs that have accumulated over the years with a quick wipe and hand wash. Try to scrub your lovely soft toys with mild detergent (liquid wash or liquid soap) on the spots and wash it off. If you find any discoloration make sure to change the soap. This is the best way to wash the soft toys when there is grime or stains.

Homemade cleaner
You can even try some homemade cleaners to remove the stains. Try to add 3-tbsp of liquid dish soap, 1/4-tsp ammonia and ¾ cup of water on the bowl. Next make sure to whisk the ingredients thoroughly and then try to apply the froth on the affected area using a toothbrush. Before you allow the affected area to dry, make sure to wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Wash Soft Toy | Wash Teddy Bear | Washing Tips

Vinegar
Aside from regular cleaning you can try another method to remove stain. Try to put a small amount of water in a bowl and then a few drops of vinegar in it. Whisk the mixture and apply it on the toy to remove the stain.

Rubbing alcohol
Try to treat stains by combining ¼ cup of water with ½ cup of alcohol and next include ½ tbsp of mild liquid dish detergent. Make sure to mix thoroughly. After whisking, try to apply the ingredients on the affected area. Later use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue or to remove the excess solution.

Bran water
The next interesting hand washing tip for soft toys is to boil the bran for 15 minutes. Later add cold water to the ingredient to make it a little runny. Try to strain off the bran. Now make sure to use the solution to remove the grime from the toy.

Always remember not to wash any toy that is stuffed with foam beads, fibre fill or if it contains paper. These are some of the easy hand washing tips for soft toys.

Story first published: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 12:15 [IST]
Read more about: washing tips cleaning tips