Isn’t it a shame when we let our stuffed animals collect so much dust and dirt? Yes it is! So, if you have ever been faced with the sad image of a dirty teddy bear, then you will surely benefit reading this article. It gives you a few quick ideas on how to fix up your toy’s image, and even some more extreme ones, if you decide to go all the way and make them truly shine again.

"A Little Dusty"

Ok, your toys are not code red yet. They simply need to be dusted off a little. It is just the normal wear that happens to almost anything, which means the cleaning is quite easy. Use a damp cloth or a duster to wash away the accumulated dust. Then, for extra cleaning use a disinfecting cloth to clear any germs that float in the air. Now your toy should look shiny as new. For a different approach you can toss them in the dryer with some scented dryer sheets. Set the temperature to high (this will take care of any germs and bacteria) and leave it tumble for about 10 minutes. This way they get cleaned, plus they come out fluffy and with a nice fresh smell!

"I Need a Bath"

Not so lucky as the first category, these teddy bears really need cleaning. They are your typical toys which end up on the floor all the time, which calls for a real "bath." No, we don’t mean getting your bubble bath out, but something really close to it. If you do like the bath idea, you can leave them soak in some detergent and softener overnight, then throw them in the dryer. However, a washing machine works as nicely. Put the stuffed animals in a pillow case and make sure you tie a knot, so that they stay inside. Choose a gentle cycle with a low tumble dry and cold water setting to make sure you do not damage the toy. Take them out, straighten them to make sure all the fluffy stuff inside did not shift during the washing and get them ready for the dryer. Put them in on a low-heat setting, and let them in there for about half an hour. Take them out, straighten them again and voila! You have nice, fresh smelling, clean stuffed animals again!

"I Need a Miracle"

Yaiks! These toys really need a miracle. Nevertheless, they bring to many memories to get rid of them, so all you can do is try to clean them and make them look as nice as the memories that tie you. Extreme situations, call for extreme measures, so get ready. You will need a nice carpet cleaner and a toothbrush. Oh, yes they can do marvels. Plus, this method makes you in charge of the spots you clean, without directly affecting the toy. Try to stay away from the carpet cleaner’s brush though. It might be bigger, hence making the cleaning go faster, but it is usually too bulky for a fragile toy. As extreme as it sounds, the toothbrush is the fastest and best tool to use. Drop a little cleaner on the brush and then gently scrub all the spots that need fixing. Afterwards, rinse the plush animal in cold water several times until the water becomes clear (this will tell you that all the solution is out). Put it in the dryer for about 10 minutes and then get let it air dry. Make sure you use a disinfecting cloth, for extra safety.

Now, you know your stuffed animals are clean. No matter what stage they are in, all stuffed animals can be saved. All they need is a little bit of care. Stuffed animals bring to much joy to let them fade away into dust!