Everyone has done it at one time or another: A plush toy animals is thrown into the washing machine or a sink full of water to get the gunk off that a child has placed on it somehow. Immediately, the idea that water is not good for batteries dawns, but alas it is too late. The stuffed animal’s magical powers to make music, sing, dance, etc. have been diminished at best or destroyed completely at worst. So, how can this scenario be avoided? No one wants a dirty stuffed animal laying around the house for a child to place in his/her mouth. The following is advice to keep in mind.
Never submerge a battery operated stuffed toy animals in water of any kind. It will, if not immediately, ruin the toy for life. Elmo will not do the chicken dance as fast, and the Build-a-Bear will no longer repeat the phrase earlier recorded by that someone special.
Find a fabric cleaner that is safe on your upholstery. These cleaners do not go all the way through the fabric and, therefore, will do no harm to the beloved stuffed animal. Just make sure to dry the stuffed animal properly so no mildew or mold builds up on the fabric.
Go old fashioned. A wet washcloth that has been wrung out very, very well can be used to scrub the dirty stuffed animal. Even a small dab of soap should help get the bad stains and germs off, as well. Just be sure to use a second wet washcloth, also wrung out very well, to scrub the soap off. Finally, take a dry washcloth and pat or gently rub the stuffed animal dry. Another method is to use a hair dryer on low for a small amount of time on each area of the stuffed animal. Be aware of how close you allow a hair dryer. One or more feet away is desired to prevent any melting or burning of any kind.
Some stuffed toys wholesale that are battery operated give the user the ability to remove the battery compartment so that it can be washed. Be absolutely sure before conducting this, and be sure it is done the correct way or more than the stuffed animal could be hurt.
If the stuffed animal is beyond a simple scrub, then it is best to throw it out and get a replacement – the same day if it is super special to the child.