Calling all Domestic Divas!

[Eilan]

Sorry to offend you pervs, but this isn't a sex-related question.

My 22-month-old has a stuffed animal that she's recently become VERY attached to. As a result, it's starting to get a bit grungy.

I need to clean it, but I can't just throw it into the washer because it plays music and there's no way to remove the musical component. It's not electronic, btw.

Because my daughter puts this toy in her mouth, I'm reluctant to clean it using soap/detergent. Is there anything I can use that'll be safe (and not bad-tasting) for her?

Thanks!

 

[EJFan]

i thought this would be a cooking question... but i'll try my best.

how about those home dry cleaning kit things? there are several on the market... dryel (i think) is one of them.

sorry... that's all i can come up with.

 

[silverwhisper]

eilan: i thought most stuffed animal/toys came with care instructions? i assume you haven't still got the packaging it came in, but if you happen to be in a store and can find it again on the shelves, i'd recommend examining it for that kind of information. if it isn't visible, i'd recommend asking a store employee for assistance in that regard.

ed

 

[SweetErika]

I've seen a couple of methods for cleaning stuffed animals. One involved putting the toy and some other substance (one of them is baking soda) in a bag and shaking. Another was a nontoxic spray.

Google "cleaning stuffed animals" and you'll come up with sites like:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980813b.cfm
http://www.stuffemal.com/misc/HowToCleanPlush.html
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_cleaning_tips_hints/article/0,1801,HGTV_3111_1388465,00.html

 

[Eilan]

eilan: i thought most stuffed animal/toys came with care instructions? i assume you haven't still got the packaging it came in, but if you happen to be in a store and can find it again on the shelves, i'd recommend examining it for that kind of information. if it isn't visible, i'd recommend asking a store employee for assistance in that regard.

I'd do that, but it's an older (though apparently never played-with) stuffed animal that someone gave my grandmother when my oldest daughter was born. It was at her house for years, and my other three kids never paid any attention to it, but my youngest completely latched on to it about a month or so ago.

i thought this would be a cooking question...

Um, sorry?

I've seen a couple of methods for cleaning stuffed animals. One involved putting the toy and some other substance (one of them is baking soda) in a bag and shaking. Another was a nontoxic spray.

Google "cleaning stuffed animals" and you'll come up with sites like:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980813b.cfm
http://www.stuffemal.com/misc/HowToCleanPlush.html
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_cleanin...1388465,00.html

I asked my mom and my grandma about this, but they weren't really sure. I was wondering if baking soda would work.

I'm going to check out those links you so thoughtfully provided for my lazy ass.

My other kids were/are attached to blankets, which are easier to wash (once I wrestle them away from their owners).

 

[HollyHawkk]

I have no suggestions, just do'nt lose it. we had to drive 2 hours back to Grandmas cause one of my little ones forgot his stuffy. She even promised to send it on the bus, but, he wanted it right now. He would'nt stop crying.

It was one of those stuffed Hostest chips Munchie characters, at one time you could find them all over at sencond hand shops and garage sales... but they are a rare find now.

I am glad my boys are older now.
good luck

 

[Eilan]

I have no suggestions, just do'nt lose it. we had to drive 2 hours back to Grandmas cause one of my little ones forgot his stuffy. She even promised to send it on the bus, but, he wanted it right now. He would'nt stop crying.

Yeah, we have fun at bedtime trying to round up my toddlers' toys and blankies.

My two-year old sleeps with her soccer ball, among other things. Now THAT'S really easy to keep clean!

 

[Cathleen]

I don't know why but 20 mule team borax is coming to mind. Something on the order of what Erika said - in the bag and shake it.... (It could be my mother channeling through me.)

 

[EJFan]

I don't know why but 20 mule team borax is coming to mind. Something on the order of what Erika said - in the bag and shake it.... (It could be my mother channeling through me.)

this is actually how i bathe my dog... he has no electronics though. *shrug*

 

[Eilan]

I think I'm gonna start with a combination of baking soda and spot cleaning. Assuming, of course, that I can pry the toy out of my toddler's mouth. She likes to "kiss" it. Eeew.

 

[glynndah]

There used to be some stuff called dry shampoo that you sprinkled in your hair and brushed out. I think it was probably corn starch and baby powder. If you can find that. Try medical supply or home health care place. As a mother of a 20 yo male, sometimes you just have to let them eat dirt. Maybe you should get her used to the taste of Listerine. If you can't clean the toys, clean her.
Just a joke!