teddy bear cleaner

[RachelTulloc]

does anyone know how to cean teddy bears. spot cleaning with a damp cloth isn't enough

[Solarjunkie]

Depends on the ageof the teddy bear, with regard to the type of stuffing etc, but I have always just put it in a pillowslip & then washed in machine with everything else.

A little rest in the airing cupboard, a quick groom with a hair brush - good as new.

[woofgang]

probably not a good idea with a treasured bear. You can spot clean with dry cleaning fluid if the bear is not a child's toy. The other thing you cna do is get some woolite and make up a sloution then whip it up to a foam. Pick up the foam on a clean cloth and use it to clean the bear, use a toothbrush (not mine!) if the bear will stand scrubbing. dab over with a damp cloth to remove the foam then dry in the sunshine

[ursula62]

If your bear is very very old you could try using fuller's earth. It's a sort of talc that you rub into the fur and then brush out.  If in any doubt, then ask at your local dolls hospital, or contact the British Teddy Bear Museum - I think they're based in Stratford on Avon. There are also a couple of Teddy bear magazines around that might have helpful advice/adverts.

[RachelTulloc]

ok thanks, i'll try these suggestions. teddy isn't old or expensive (tesco @ �2) but is being particularly treasured by my 3 yr old at the mo which is why its so dirty

[simsfreq]

I'll be shot for suggesting this... but would it be at all possible to buy a new one and dirty it up a little so the child doesn't necessarily notice?

[RachelTulloc]

Would obviously buy a new one if i could but bought it at easter 2 1/2 years ago. she has only recently become very attached to it

[*Princess*]

When I was little my Mam used to wash my Care Bear in pillowcases...I used to watch them go round and round in the washing machine, then sit underneath the washing line and wait for them to dry.  I loved my Care Bears!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

My daughter has a treasured cuddly cat and I can vouch for the washing machine in a pillow slip.  I also put it on a coolish wash i.e. woolen so it doesnt have the stuffing spun out of it!  Its always worked and he gets to hang on the washing line by his ears!