How to Take Care of Your Stuffed Animal

Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: July 15, 2022 Approved

Stuffed toys are often very cute and playful. Stuffed animals are timeless classics for everyone, even adults. It's easy to care for a stuffed animal if you want to by following these guidelines.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Naming Your Animal

1
Determine if you will be naming the animal a real name or a made-up name. This is an important first step in naming the animal.
- If you want to pick a real name for the animal, look at a site such as a baby name site.
2
Decide on a personal nickname to call it (a personal nickname consists of the animal's given name, and last name). This will make your stuffed animal feel important.

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3
Take a look at your stuffed animal. Perhaps if it's a rabbit, try a name something like Floppy. If it's an even-cream color, make a name that includes two of its characteristics, like Floppy Cream, Striped Tiger, or Monkey Brown.
4
Try going to a name generator site. Name generators include name generator.biz and behindthename.com. They offer some features to select random names for you, and some names might be perfect for your stuffed animal.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making Life More Pleasant for Your Stuffed Animal

1
Buy your stuffed animal some friends. Although you may think, "They're stuffed; they don't need any friends," they do because it will be cute if they had some friends to "hang out" with. Besides, the more friends the animal has, the merrier!
2
Buy your stuffed animal a little bag or carrying case that you can bring it in. It will also be great if you bought each one of your stuffed animals something to carry them in also. Get small luggage - just enough to add its small clothes and accessories. Try toy stores or garage sales, where you can get some cheap things.
3
Make your stuffed animal a small "house." You can put a small pillow and washcloth inside a shoebox. You can also try getting some mini-furniture for your pet so it can lounge around. However, nobody likes living alone, so get a mini-pet for your toy!

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Entertaining Your Stuffed Animal

1
Play some games with it (such as Checkers and Chess). Playing with a stuffed animal is entertaining.
2
Play with your toy. Give your toy lots of playtime so they don't get bored.
3
Give your stuffed animal lots of love. Read them stories, watch movies with them, share meals, etc. Also, don't forget, even stuffed animals are a little afraid of the dark, so they might want to cuddle with you at night.
4
Have stuffed animal parties with your friends! Your friends most likely have some stuffed animals, too, so your toy can make some new friends at a party.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Grooming Your Stuffed Animal

1
Vacuum or clean the animal regularly. Your poor toy may be covered with gross lint from over-playing with it. When you vacuum your stuffed animal, it removes the dust and dirt. It's like an air shower!
- If the animal is way too dirty for vacuuming, give your toy a bath by putting it in the washing machine, or you can hand wash it yourself. Just be sure to read the washing instructions for your toy.^{[1]
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  Expert Source
  
  Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
  House Cleaning Professionals
  Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.}
2
Get or make your stuffed animal some clothes or accessories for it. Nobody wants a naked toy! The best store to buy clothes will be toy stores or places that let you make a bear/stuffed toy.
3
Stitch them up carefully when needed or else they'll be all worn out. If they have a cut or tear, stitch them up. If you don't know how, ask around your family and friends. It's kind of like going to the doctor for stuffed animals.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you wash a stuffed animal?

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
House Cleaning Professionals
Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line.

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

House Cleaning Professionals

Expert Answer

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Place your stuffed animals inside a delicate clothes mesh bag and toss them in the washer. Use 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar for the rinse cycle to deodorize and remove any detergent residue. Then, let them air dry or tumble dry on low. If the stuffed animal has batteries, spot clean the surface with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Then, remove the soap residue with a damp microfiber cloth using only warm water. After that, let it air dry or tumble dry on low.

Warnings

Remember not to leave your poor animal outside because it might rain and your animal will get wet and smelly.

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Never wash your toy with a hose; it will damage the fabric.

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Don't let dogs near it! Cats can also claw at it and rip him/her open. Be careful!

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Use needles and scissors with care – you don't want to hurt yourself, or your stuffed animal!

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