To wash, or not to wash...

[xchanceofrainx]

I have a teddy bear that is a little over 40 years old.  He was given to my mom by her beau when she was 16, and when I was a baby, I claimed him for my own.  I don't think he's ever been washed, and years of constant moving, travel, sleeping, hospital stays, illnesses, etc., and he's looking pretty gross.  Is it safe to throw him the washer?  His

Comments

[blackpuddle]

Try maybe hand washing him in the sink or tub instead of the washing machine maybe? And if you do decide to go the washing machine route, put him in a pillowcase that you knot closed really well.

[lisasimpsonfan]

No way would I toss him in the wash. I would look for a dry cleaner that specializes in cleaning quilts and older fabrics. It would be worth the money to send your friend to someplace where they know what they are doing. If by any chance you can't find someplace local I would hand wash him paying special attention to what kind of fabric he is made of.

[survivinglove]

I've used this method with stuffed animals that are about 30 years old so not quite as old but there are good rules..like don't wash them if they have styrofoam beads which I hadn't known until I cam across this site.

http://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/washing-stuffed-animals/

[twothreefour]

If you're willing to ship your stuffie off this is a good service: http://www.stuffedanimals.com/stuffed_animal_hospital_a/164.htm

edit: this one is good too with a free estimate with email: http://www.realmsofgold.com/hospital.html

[redfield79]

I wash all my stuffed animals in the machine...including those that were my dad's and he's a 1956 baby. They all survived. Sadly that bunny got eaten by my stupid dog...just his eye. And i realized he was stuffed with little strips of panty hoses which i found odd. Lol