How to Wash a Build A Bear

Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: May 9, 2022 Approved

Whether your favorite Build-A-Bear desperately needs a spot clean from years of love, or you’ve finally been able to pry your child’s well-loved Bear from his or her hands, here is a step-by-step method for keeping your Build-A-Bear clean. Learn how to freshen up your Bear’s fur and extend its longevity with these tips.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing by Hand

1
Fill a sink with cold water and mix in a mild laundry detergent. Be sure to add the detergent while the water is still running.
- The cold water will help preserve your bear’s color. You can also use warm, but never hot, water.
- Do not use any harsh detergents, as they can damage the bear’s fur. Baby detergents work well.
2
Place the bear into the soapy water and agitate. Simply swish the bear around in the soap and water mixture until it is completely covered.

Advertisement
3
Scrub the bear gently with the soapy water using your hands. Take care around the stitches so they don’t come loose.
- Hand-washing is the gentlest method for cleaning the bear. Washing too roughly may cause the stuffing to come out of the stitching.
4
Remove the bear from the dirty water and rinse. Use cold running water to rinse the suds off of your bear.
5
Lay the bear on a clean towel, dabbing it with another towel to get rid of excess moisture. Follow by brushing your bear with a soft brush.
- Brushing the bear’s fur right after washing will help prevent any clumping or matting.
6
Let the bear air dry. You may need to turn it over periodically to allow both sides to dry.
- It is usually best to let a stuffed animal dry on its own outside, as long as it’s a warm and sunny day.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- Not allowing your bear to dry properly can result in mold or rotting. Make sure the bear is completely dry before boxing it up or letting a child play with it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing in Washing Machine

1
Secure your bear in a delicate clothes mesh bag to protect the stuffed animal. You can also use a pillowcase, which is porous and won’t do any damage to your bear’s fur.
- Make sure that the case is tied securely so the bear doesn’t fall out in the wash cycle.
2
Wash the bear in a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and cold water.
- Treat the bear carefully, as using a rough cycle can cause damages.
- Fur quality and stitching may be compromised if hot water or harsh detergents are used.
- Add distilled white vinegar for the rinse cycle to deodorize and remove any detergent residue.
- Wash on gentle, delicate, or hand-wash setting. Anything else might be too hard on the bear.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
3
Remove the bear from the washer and let it air dry. Brush the bear’s fur after removing it from the washer, to prevent clumps or mats.
- You may also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
- It is not advisable to dry your bear in the dryer.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Refreshing with a Spot Clean

1
Mix a quarter capful of oxygen stain remover into a bowl of warm water. Make sure that the stain remover and water are thoroughly mixed.
- This method is best used on bears with a voice box.
- The oxygen stain remover will help get rid of any difficult spots, but a mild detergent will also work.
2
Saturate the dirty spot with the mixture. Completely cover the spot with the water and stain remover liquid.
3
Rub the mixture into the bear with a clean towel. Wait 5-10 minutes for the mixture to absorb, but don’t let it dry completely.
- Use small, circular motions to rub the mixture into the spot.
4
Blot the spot with a clean towel. If it is still visible, repeat the first four steps.
- You can also use a paper towel for blotting.
- Depending on the nature of each spot and how much the stain has soaked in, you may need to repeat the process.
5
Rinse the spot with cold water and blot again with a clean towel.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You may blot the bear until it is dry, or you can leave it to air dry.