Cleaning stuffed animal (sorta Disney)

[Mr Poohbrain]

OK, so this doesn't have much to do with Disney, except for the fact that this is my DS's favorite stuffed animial, (Donald) Duck.

Duck had the misfortune of being in the wrong spot at the wrong time recently and has suffered the consequences of having a sick owner (need I explain more?)

My question - Duck's instructions specifically say that he is "SURFACE WASHABLE ONLY" Surface cleaning is not cutting it. He's still icky. I've gone to Target to get replacement Duck (aka - Duck 2.0), but I'm wondering if I can go ahead and stick Duck 1.0 in the washer for a good scrubb'in (then he can be "back up Duck" in case something happens down the road to Duck 2.0). Has anyone done this before and what were the end results?

Mrs. PB

 

[rt2dz]

As long as you have another duck and would have to get rid of it anyhow, what could it hurt?

Also, just an FYI--you can kill germs very effectively (better than the washing machine) by putting stuffed animals (and blankets, and pillows, etc) in a deep freezer for 24 hours. Something interesting I learned last year as our baby has health issues.

 

[andromedaslove]

I constantly put my children's stuffed animals in the washing machine when they get nasty. Just DON"T put them in the DRIER. That can be particularly devestating to a toy duck, or any other stuffed animal for that matter. Hang them up and let them air dry!!

Dana

 

[J/T Gramdma]

If you decide to wash it in the washing machine, toss it in a clean pillowcase first. It will be cleaned and contained if duck no1 falls apart. However I have my kids toys like this and they have turned out fine.

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

Also, just an FYI--you can kill germs very effectively (better than the washing machine) by putting stuffed animals (and blankets, and pillows, etc) in a deep freezer for 24 hours. Something interesting I learned last year as our baby has health issues.

Thanks - not so worried about the germs, as the smell. Nothing seems to get that out, and I've anti-bacterial Fabreezed poor Duck almost to death.



Mrs PB

 

[debster812]

This happened to us when DS was about 2. His little Blue had the misfortune of being just too darn close.

We surface cleaned, Febreezed, the whole nine yards. Still icky and smelly. I put Blue in a pillowcase, and ran her through the wash, and then hung her (by her ears ) to dry. We let her dry for about 4 days.

As someone else said, if Duck is ruined anyway, what can it hurt?

Good Luck!

 

[DisneyCosmo]

Then he won't be tossed around by the aggitator in the washing machine - though he'll be really soggy.

I used to wash my kids' baby toys in the dishwasher, they seemed to last longer that way....

Good luck!

 

[AllyBri]

Take Donald, put him in a pillowcase and tie the pillowcase (knot) wash him in cold water, in the washing machine.
When he is washed, take him out of the pillowcase and put him in the dryer, for just about a minute, no more, this is to get him fluffy again.

Been doing this for more years then I care to think about.

 

[ryan840]

I agree with putting him in a tied pillowcase, but put it on delicate... I've washed several stuffed animals this way. I've also put them in the dryer on low heat... (unless he had glued on eyes or other parts)

 

[TJA]

I use my panty hose bags to wash my girls' stuffed animals in the washer. (It's just a little netted bag with a zipper.) If you have one, that works well. I also put them in the dryer, still in that zipped up bag, for about 15 minutes. They don't get totally dry, but they are nice and fluffy. I've never had any problems. Good luck!

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

Thanks to all of you!!

Operation "Duck Wash" was a success. As recommended by several posters, I put him in a pillowcase and washed him on delicate in cold water. Tossed him in the dryer (air only, no heat) and he's as good as new.

Thanks,

Mrs. PB

 

[Aidensmom]

If you decide to wash it in the washing machine, toss it in a clean pillowcase first. It will be cleaned and contained if duck no1 falls apart. However I have my kids toys like this and they have turned out fine.

I do this all the time and have never had a problem...and the stuffed animals have always come out very clean.

 

[robyn323]

My 7yr old ds has a bear that talks that he's had since he was 1. Anyone know how to clean those that can't go in the washer? I sprayed it with febreez and tried to just use a damp cloth but it sure looks dingy and the poor kid will have a coronary if something happens to it! We tease him and call him Mr. Howell from gilligans island because he still has to have that every night. Any idea's? It's Little Bear and I don't think you can even buy them anymore. Thanks

 

[jaz211228]

I machine-wash my sons' stuffed animals all the time. Occassionally there is one (or two) that have a smell to them ...I fill the washer with cool water, then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Then I add the critter and wash on the delicate cycle. It works like a charm. The vinegar really gets rid of the smell.....besides, I'm not really crazy about spraying Febreeze on animals that my kids may be sleeping with.

 

[pyrxtc]

My 7yr old ds has a bear that talks that he's had since he was 1. Anyone know how to clean those that can't go in the washer? I sprayed it with febreez and tried to just use a damp cloth but it sure looks dingy and the poor kid will have a coronary if something happens to it! We tease him and call him Mr. Howell from gilligans island because he still has to have that every night. Any idea's? It's Little Bear and I don't think you can even buy them anymore. Thanks

They ahve this great stuff at BUild-A-Bear that will clean anything off your animal. I have even used it to remove magic marker and Sharpie pen marks of a white bear and iot was awesome. I keep some under the sink. It works on the carpet and some other furniture too without ruining it.