Kids love to hug them, sleep with them, and take them wherever they go. Unfortunately, because stuffed animals get so much of our children’s attention, they can easily develop a mildew odor.
There are things that can be done to add freshness back within your child’s stuffed animal. By applying some of the below tips, you can be assured that the stuffed animal’s odor will be removed and will not return anytime soon.
Stuffed Animal Smell Removal Solutions
1 Color-Safe Bleach
Color-safe bleach provides protection for the stuffed animal’s colors while working to ensure the eradication of any existing mold spore. Place the stuffed animal within a pillow case, tie the end, and place within the washing machine. Measure a normal cup of color safe bleach and add within the washer before running an entire cycle. After the completion of the wash, place within the dryer and run on gentle.
2 White Vinegar
This household substance is the best solution for cutting through mildew within a stuffed animal. The chemicals work to eat through mold spores and lift off residual odor. Put the stuffed animal within an enclosed pillowcase and place within the washing machine. Use normal detergent and add 1-2 cups of white vinegar to normal rinse. After wash has completed, place within a gentle drying cycle.
3 Baking Soda
This powder works wonders at absorbing odors and freshening musty stuffed animals. Measure a full cup of baking soda and pour within a sealed trash bag along with stuffed animal. Give the bag a heavy shake and place aside for 24-48 hours. After 1-2 days have passed, return to remove the stuffed animal and shake off the baking soda.
4 Fabric Softener Sheets
This is a quick solution to freshening any small-medium sized stuffed animal. Place 2-4 fabric softening sheets within the dryer along with a musty smelling stuffed animal. Close the door and run the dryer on a delicate setting for 15-30 minutes before removing the stuffed animal for a smell test. If the smell persists, place the stuffed animal back within the dryer and run for another 15-30 minutes.
5 Febreze
If the odor within the stuff animal is mild, using Febreze can be an effective solution. Heavily spray down the stuffed animal and provide 3-4 hours for the moisture to air dry. Once dry, return the freshened stuffed animal back within your child’s hands.
Photo credit: Pete Toscano
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