You are surely aware that giant stuffed animals are incredibly popular with children. They are also very much appreciated by adults, whether for an original home decoration or for an effective psychological and emotional contribution.
But, like any object, our large stuffed animals accumulate dirt. To keep them longer and adhere to hygiene rules, it is therefore necessary to maintain and clean them regularly.
But how? How to dust a giant teddy bear? How to wash a grease stain on the neck of a giraffe plush taller than you? What products to use?
You will find all the answers from La Pelucherie experts in this article.
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The importance of properly maintaining your giant stuffed animals
Yes, these adorable, furry creatures bring us and children a lot of joy and comfort.
However, let's face it, they are magnets for dust, stains, and bacteria.
Whether it's a joyous birthday party overflowing with chocolate or simply household dust, our giant stuffed animals go through a lot! It is therefore essential to maintain them well, and it's not just a matter of aesthetics.
Firstly, good maintenance helps to prolong the lifespan of your large stuffed animals and protect them from the damage of time and wear, so you can enjoy them longer.
Secondly, it's a matter of health! A clean stuffed animal is a hygienic stuffed animal. By regularly cleaning your soft companion, you eliminate bacteria and germs that could accumulate and cause illnesses or allergies.
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Lucien the Bear, A Giant Stuffed Animal That Can Reach 250 cm!
How often to clean a giant stuffed animal?
As mentioned above, stuffed animals, whether small or large, are real dust magnets that need to be cleaned regularly.
However, your plush may 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 plush in the baby's room or in the family living room, cleaning can be done every two to three months, with some dusting in between.
Read Also: 5 Tips For Washing Your Stuffed Animal!
The Giant Giraffe Plush from La Pelucherie
Maintenance tips for large XXL plush toys
Maintaining and washing an XXL plush toy is not easy if you don't know how to do it. Here are La Pelucherie's maintenance tips for a giant plush toy that is always soft and silky:
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Care instructions
Before you start cleaning a stuffed animal, always look for a label that might indicate how to do it safely.
For example, some stuffed animals cannot be machine washed or require dry cleaning exclusively. 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 to eliminate dust and allergens.
For this, you can use a lint roller to remove pet hair or dust, or gently vacuum the stuffed animal with a soft brush attachment.
Also remember to shake your stuffed animal regularly, preferably outdoors so as not to spread dust throughout the house.
At La Pelucherie, we also recommend using a slicker brush. It will make the fur of your stuffed animals silky while dusting them without damaging them.
The Slicker Brush, An Essential Tool For The Maintenance Of Your Stuffed Animals.
Stain treatment
If your giant stuffed animal has a stain, try to treat it as quickly as possible.
Use a mild stain remover (see below) and test it first on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not discolor the fabric.
Apply the stain remover to the stain, let it sit according to the manufacturer's instructions, then gently blot with a clean, damp cloth.
Machine washing
All La Pelucherie stuffed animals are machine washable. In the case of giant stuffed animals, however, you may have a size problem...
If your stuffed animal fits in the washing machine, first place it in a pillowcase or a laundry bag to protect it during washing.
Use a delicate cycle and cold water (30°).
Hand washing
If your stuffed animal is not machine washable or does not fit in yours, you can wash it by hand.
To do this, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Immerse the stuffed animal and gently clean with your hands or a small soft brush.
Rinse well with clean water until all the detergent is removed.
Drying
The same size problem arises for the dryer. Our giant stuffed animals can, technically, be tumble dried on a delicate or gentle cycle.
However, if your large black panther doesn't fit in the dryer, you can dry it manually. First, gently squeeze it to remove excess water, then let it air dry. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, as this can fade the fabric.
Remember to brush your stuffed animal thoroughly once dry, and in the direction of the fur!
XXL Black Panther Plush, La Pelucherie.
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Deodorizing with baking soda
If your stuffed animal smells bad, you can freshen it up using baking soda.
Simply sprinkle a little baking soda on the stuffed animal, let it sit for a few hours, then brush or vacuum to remove it.
Repairing tears
It can happen that your large stuffed animal gets torn or has a hole (especially if you have children!).
If this is the case, repair it quickly to prevent further damage.
Read Also: How To Repair A Torn Comfort Blanket Or Stuffed Animal?
Placement of stuffed animals
Ideally, giant stuffed animals prefer clean and dry places. Avoid humid places like the bathroom or kitchen, as this could encourage mold growth.
If possible, also avoid placing it in areas exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as this could discolor the fabric.
What cleaning products for a giant stuffed animal?
To preserve the appearance of your big teddy bear as much as possible, always prefer natural, non-aggressive, and, if possible, organic products.
For example, you can use baking soda, pH-neutral soap like Marseille soap or black soap, and a few drops of essential oils to eliminate bacteria and naturally perfume your stuffed animal.
For dry cleaning, you can also use Sommières clay. Simply sprinkle the stuffed animal and let the product act overnight. The next day, brush the stuffed animal to remove the Sommières clay and restore its original appearance.
Homemade laundry detergent for stuffed animals: the recipe!
For a gentle laundry detergent that respects your stuffed animals, you will need:
- 20 cups of water
- Black soap or Marseille soap
- One cup of borax
- Half a cup of baking soda
- 45 drops of essential oil.
Bring the water to a boil and grate some soap. In a bowl, pour the soap into the boiling water and stir until the soap is completely dissolved. Then add the borax and baking soda. Finally, pour in the drops of essential oil and let it cool.
Finally, remember: each stuffed animal is unique. Be gentle and take the time to care for it properly. With a little attention and care, your giant stuffed animal will remain soft, clean, and ready for many cuddles.
And if you have any comments or questions, feel free to comment below!