How to Clean Your Stuffed Animal From Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear stuffed animals are toys created using supplied materials -- or purchased pre-made -- at a Build-A Bear Workshop store. As with any stuffed animal, fabrics and other materials become dirty over time from general use and accidental spills.
Without proper cleaning, the toy’s appearance not only degrades, but it can become a health hazard if your child has allergies. Build-A-Bear Workshop recommends two forms of cleaning: spot cleaning and monthly washing.
Things You Will Need
- Bear Stuff Cleaner
- Lint-free microfiber cloths
- Clothesline (optional)
- Clothespins (optional)
- Soft-bristled brush
- Mild laundry detergent
Warning
Drying your Velvet Puppy or Velvet Bear in a dryer may cause it to shrink, even when dried using the low-heat setting. Never dry any Build-A-Bear stuffed animal with medium or high heat; you will damage it.
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Spray fresh stains with Build-A-Bear Bear Stuff Cleaner according to label directions, then blot the area with a lint-free microfiber cloth until the stains disappear. Wipe away any cleaner residue, then set the stuffed animal aside or hang it from a clothesline with clothespins. Allow to air-dry, then fluff the treated area with a soft-bristled brush.
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Wash the toy in cold water and mild laundry detergent in your washer’s gentle cycle at least once a month or more often if extremely dirty. If the stuffed animal has a sound unit, take it to your local Build-A-Bear store to have the unit removed before washing. If you’re concerned about dust mites in the toy, before washing place it in a freezer bag in a freezer for least 24 hours to kill the mites.
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Set the stuffed animal on a waterproof surface or hang it from a clothesline to air-dry. If you’re dealing with an asthma-friendly Velvet Puppy or Velvet Bear, tumble dry on low in your dryer. After it has dried completely, use the soft-bristled brush to fluff the stuffed animal.
The Drip Cap
- Build-A-Bear stuffed animals are toys created using supplied materials -- or purchased pre-made -- at a Build-A Bear Workshop store.
- As with any stuffed animal, fabrics and other materials become dirty over time from general use and accidental spills.
- Set the stuffed animal on a waterproof surface or hang it from a clothesline to air-dry.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Southern Pennsylvania, Irene A. Blake has been writing on a wide range of topics for over a decade. Her work has appeared in projects by The National Network for Artist Placement, the-phone-book Limited and GateHouse Media. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Shippensburg University.
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