Soft toys are silent keepers of children's secrets and faithful companions of little ones.
However, over time, these furry friends inevitably become covered in dust, absorb odors and lose their attractiveness.
Washing soft toys in a washing machine may seem like a risky undertaking, but if you follow certain rules, the process is simple and safe, allowing you to return your favorite toys to clean and fresh condition.
Preparing for washing
Before you put your soft toy in the washing machine, you should conduct a thorough inspection.
You should make sure that the toy does not have any tears or damage that could be worsened during washing.
Pay special attention to the seams and places where parts are attached. If the toy has electronic components, batteries or sound modules, they must be removed.
Selecting a washing mode
For washing soft toys, the delicate cycle with low water temperature is optimal - no higher than 30-40 degrees.
High temperatures may damage the toy material or cause the stuffing to deform.
The spin cycle should be set to minimum speed or turned off completely to avoid damaging the shape of the toy.
Use of special means
For washing soft toys, it is best to use mild, hypoallergenic detergents without fragrances.
Baby washing powders or liquid detergents for delicate fabrics are ideal.
Avoid using bleaches and fabric softeners, which may irritate your baby's skin when in contact with the toy.
Protection during washing
To keep toys safe during washing, it is recommended to place them in special laundry bags or pillowcases.
This will prevent damage to toys from the mechanical impact of the washing machine drum and will preserve their shape. In addition, this approach will allow you to wash several toys at the same time without fear of them getting tangled.
Proper drying
After the washing cycle is complete, toys should be carefully removed from the machine and lightly squeezed by hand, without twisting.
It is best to dry soft toys in natural conditions, laying them out on a towel in a well-ventilated room.
Direct sunlight and radiators can damage the material and should be avoided.
Getting back into shape
During the drying process, it is important to periodically change the position of the toys and lightly fluff them up so that the stuffing is distributed evenly and the toy retains its original shape.
For fluffy toys, after they are completely dry, you can use a soft brush to restore the fluffiness of the fur.
Wash frequency
You should not overuse machine washing of soft toys. The optimal frequency is no more than once every 3-4 months, if the toy has not been heavily soiled.
Washing too frequently may cause premature wear of the material and loss of shape of the toy.
Alternative cleaning methods
To maintain cleanliness between washes, you can use hand cleaning with a damp cloth or special dry cleaning products for toys. Regular airing and light dusting will also help keep toys in good condition longer.
