Caring for your Stuffies

[Punographer]

AHOY! 

 

Was wondering what y'all do to care for your stuffies from sewing holes, replacing stuffing, washing and more.

 

My boyfriend recently sewed up my bear since he had a rip in the back. I don't do anything too special besides throwing my stuffies into the wash and dryer. Any other approaches?

 

 

[LittlePupRune]

I attended a stuffie care class at an ageplay con recently, and they way they thoroughly clean is unstuffing then handwashing. I think handwashing is the safest option regardless if you leave it stuffed or not. It entails filling a tub with water and adding some detergent then soaking the stuffie, rise, soak again, and maybe a third? I'd need to dig out my notes from it for the exact process.

[MissPattch]

I just stitch any loose seams and spot clean them when they get mucky. I don't like putting them in water or the drier because i worry they will come out all lumpy :/

[BabyBunnyBunting]

I think it depends on the individual stuffie and your confidence and resources. Most of mine haven't been washed since I don't play with them enough to get seriously dirty, and almost all of them are missing their washing instructions.

I know if a toy is stuffed with kapok (i think that's how it's spelt) then you can't get it wet. I don't have any toys like that, but my mum has a teddy she made when she was ten which is stuffed with kapok and she can't wash him. If you have that kind of stuffing, and you don't mind playing doctors, it's probably a good idea to replace it if you can, but it's completely understandable if you don't want to try that, especially if you're not confident in your sewing skills when it comes to closing up the 'wound'.

Personally, i have the mending/sewing knowhow to keep my stuffies together, but I don't dare wash a toy that I don't have the washing instructions for.

That said, if your toys are new enough, it may be possible to look up your stuffies brand and see if the maker has recommended washing instructions.

I recently received a toy anteater for Christmas, so I'm making sure I keep his label intact XD

[Vampiress]

I'm not good at sewing and washing in the washer often seems to ruin their fur. If you're not comfortable at all there's a lot of services from other people that will fix your stuffies for you and get them looking great again. You can find them on Facebook and other places.

 

Here is a couple of them: (both SFW)
https://www.stuffiespa.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StuffedAnimalClinic

[littlebabybunnie]

Umms I have a wire brush that is just for my stuffies!! It makes their fur look really nice!!◝(ᵔᵕᵔ)◜