As you know, giant stuffed animals are hugely popular with children. They are also very popular with adults, whether for an original interior decoration or for an effective psychological and emotional contribution.
But, like any object, our large stuffed animals accumulate dirt. In order to keep them longer and to respect the rules of hygiene, they must therefore be maintained and cleaned regularly .
But how to do it ? How to dust off a giant teddy bear? How to wash a grease stain from the neck of a giraffe plush taller than you? What products to use?
In this article you will find all the answers from the experts at La Pelucherie.
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The importance of properly maintaining your giant stuffed animals
Yes, these adorable furry creatures give us and children a lot of joy and comfort.
However, let's face it, they are dust, stain and bacteria magnets.
Whether it's a birthday party overflowing with joy and chocolate or simply the dust of the house , our giant stuffed animals see all the colors! It is therefore essential to maintain them well, and it is not just a question of aesthetics.
First, good maintenance can extend the life of your large stuffed animals and preserve them from the damage of time and wear and tear so you can enjoy them longer.
Second, it's a health issue! A clean plush is a hygienic plush . By regularly cleaning your sweet companion, you eliminate bacteria and germs that could accumulate and cause illnesses or allergies.
Read Also : Why Give Your Baby A Giant Comforter?
The Lucien Bear , A Giant Plush That Can Reach 250 cm!
How often should you clean a giant stuffed animal?
As mentioned above, stuffed animals, whether small or large, are veritable nests of dust that must be cleaned regularly.
However, your stuffed animal can lose its softness if you wash it more than necessary . It is crucial to respect its manufacturing materials to optimize its lifespan.
If it is a large decorative stuffed animal in the baby's room or in the family living room, the cleaning can be done every two to three months, with some dusting in between.
Also Read : 5 Tips For Washing Your Stuffed Animal!
The Giant Giraffe Soft Toy from La Pelucherie
Care tips for large XXL soft toys
Maintaining and washing an XXL plush is not easy when you don't know how to go about it. Here are the maintenance tips from La Pelucherie for a giant soft toy that is always soft and silky:
Read Also : Baby Soft Toys: Tips and Tricks for Making the Right Choice!
Care Instructions
Before you start cleaning a stuffed animal, always look for a label that might tell you how to do it safely .
For example, some stuffed animals cannot be machine washed or require dry cleaning only. This will mainly depend on the materials used.
Regular surface dusting
Between washes, regular cleaning of the surface of your giant stuffed animals is essential in order to eliminate dust and allergens .
For this, you can use a sticky roller to remove any pet hair or dust, or gently vacuum the plush with a soft brush attachment.
Also remember to shake your stuffed animal regularly , preferably outside so as not to spread the dust throughout the house.
At La Pelucherie, we also recommend using a card brush . It will make the hair of your stuffed animals silky while dusting them without damaging them.
The carding brush , an essential tool for the maintenance of your stuffed animals.
Spot treatment
If your giant stuffed animal has a stain, try to treat it as soon as possible.
Use a mild stain remover (see below) and test it on a small, non-visible area first to make sure it doesn't discolor the fabric.
Apply the stain remover to the stain, let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions, then gently dab with a clean, damp cloth.
Machine wash
All stuffed animals from La Pelucherie are machine washable. In the case of giant stuffed animals , however, you may have a size problem...
If your stuffed animal fits in the machine, first place it in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it during the wash.
Use a delicate cycle and cold water (30°).
Hand washing
If your stuffed animal isn't machine washable or won't fit inside yours, you can hand wash it .
To do this, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the stuffed animal and gently clean with your hands or a small, soft brush .
Rinse well with clean water until all detergent is removed.
Drying
The same size problem arises for the clothes dryer. Our giant stuffed animals can technically be tumble dried on a fragile or delicate cycle.
However, if your big black panther does not fit in the dryer, you can dry it manually. First squeeze it gently to remove excess water , then let it air dry . Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, as this can discolor the fabric.
Remember to brush your plush well once dry, and in the direction of the hair!
Plush XXL Black Panther , La Pelucherie .
Also Read : 10 Decorating Ideas For A Jungle-Themed Baby Room!
Baking soda deodorization
If your stuffed animal smells bad, you can freshen it up using baking soda.
Simply sprinkle some baking soda on the plush, let it sit for a few hours, then brush or vacuum it off.
Tear Repair
It can happen that your big plush is torn or has holes (especially if you have children!).
If so, repair it quickly to prevent further damage.
Read Also : How To Repair A Torn Comforter Or Stuffed Animal?
Location of stuffed animals
Ideally, giant stuffed animals prefer clean, dry places. Avoid humid places like the bathroom or kitchen, as this can promote mold growth.
If possible, also avoid placing it in places exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, as this may discolor the fabric.
What care products for a giant plush?
To preserve the appearance of your big teddy bear as much as possible, always prefer natural, non-aggressive products, and if possible organic.
For example, you can use baking soda , soap with a neutral pH such as Marseille soap or black soap, and a few drops of essential oils to eliminate bacteria and scent your stuffed animal naturally.
For dry cleaning , you can also use Sommières earth . Just sprinkle the plush and let the product act overnight. The next day, brush the plush to remove the soil from Sommières and restore it to its original appearance.
Homemade detergent for stuffed animals: the recipe!
For a gentle and respectful laundry of your stuffed animals you will need:
- 20 cups of water
- Black or Marseille soap
- A cup of borax
- Half a cup of baking soda
- 45 drops of essential oil.
Bring the water to a boil and grate a little soap. In a container, pour the soap into the boiling water and stir everything until the soap dissolves completely. Then add the borax and baking soda. Finally, pour the drops of essential oil and let cool.
Finally, remember: each plush is unique . Be gentle and take the time to maintain it well. With a little TLC and care, your giant plush will stay soft, clean, and ready for lots of cuddles.
And if you have any comments or questions, feel free to comment below!