How to Clean Battery Operated Stuffed Toys

How to Clean Battery Operated Stuffed Toys

When a wonderful toy captures your child's heart, they take it everywhere! They frequently utilize their favorite stuffed toys as tissues or napkins and cuddle and play with them.

If the item is machine washable, you may maintain it clean by telling your child that their favorite stuffed animal needs a "bath" every so often, just like they do. But what should you do if the toy your child adores the most is battery-operated and electronic? How should I clean it?

Any battery-operated item can be tough to wash because it is electronic, and water and electronics don't mix. Even experts exercise extra caution when cleaning stuffed electrical toys. Sally Winey, a bear artist and proprietor of Winey Bears on Oak Island, North Carolina, a store specialising in cleaning and repairing stuffed animals, declares, "This is a tough thing to do."

"When there are batteries, usual care is not exercised." On delicate electrical components, even little water droplets can result in permanent harm. While addressing cleaning, she suggests,

"The most important thing I can advise you is not to submerge it in water. Never use a washer or dryer with it.

Cleaning Dry Surfaces

You can clean the item without water if the discolouration isn't too severe. Frequently, a quick vacuum with a hose and brush is enough. Winey advises "placing a nylon stocking over the nozzle and gently taking the brush over top of the toy."

A stiff brush or a sticky lint roller are also options but use extreme caution. With older, well-used toys that are more likely to damage surface materials, use particular caution.

Cleaning Wet Surfaces

Try a surface wash if you have some stubborn or sticky stains to get rid of. The ideal material for these cherished pals is Woolite, claims Winey. First, make some suds by adding a capful to a basin or sink of water.

Then, she says, "Rub the bubbles gently onto the toy's surface after wiping them off the top with a cloth." Before beginning any light scrubbing, test the colorfastness in a discrete area first.

If you're not careful, black and white stuffed animals will frequently bleed into the white during cleaning, according to her. Additionally, keep water away from any electronic components. After thoroughly cleaning it with a damp cloth, let the toy air dry entirely.

Maintenance and Protection

Simple maintenance and preservation can avoid several challenging cleaning and repair tasks. Winey offers some advice. She recommends keeping the toys out of direct sunlight and avoiding storing them in plastic bags that absorb moisture.

When your children aren't playing with them, be sure to put them away, especially if you have pets. Additionally, you'll stop the toys from getting tripped over, kicked, or broken.

LET'S START CLEANING BATTERY-OPERATED STUFFED TOYS 

You will require the following:

  • a bowl of medium size
  • hot water
  • a fabric (preferably with some texture to help scrub)
  • Use a delicate wash towelette if there are any stubborn stains or grime.

Step 1: Make sure the cloth of the stuffed toy completely encloses any access to the battery box before starting by removing the batteries from the toy.

Step 2: Pour one spoonful or more stain remover into the basin before adding warm, fresh water.

Step 3: Soak a cloth in water, then gently scrub the outside of the toy, starting at the head (typically the dirtier portion).

Step 4: Gently scrub the toy's whole surface while repeating step 3 as often as required.

Step 5: Scrub any difficult spots or areas with the Stain Treating Towelette.

Step 6: Enable complete air drying of the toy. Avoid putting it in the dryer (this will damage the electronics inside).

Step 7: Observe your child's joyous expression as they embrace their immaculately maintained toy! Although you'll be happy knowing that the battery-operated stuffed toy is now clean, they would likely smile even if it was still dirty.

How frequently should the toys be cleaned?

Whether it's a stuffed animal or a battery-operated toy, anything your baby puts in their mouth is a potential hazard. As a result, wash the toys once a week. However, washing the toy every few days is advisable if you know it gets regular baby kisses.

Additionally, toys frequently end up on the floor, and you never know what unpleasant creatures or bacteria might be hiding there. Clean up whatever you find on the floor before giving it to your infant again. Always choose safety over regret.

Cleaning Battery-Operated toys for Infants

Electronic toys made of plastic typically use batteries or plug-in power sources. Remove any batteries or leads, and ensure the toy is still off before you begin cleaning.

You shouldn't be submerged in soapy water since it can short out. Additionally, you or your child risk getting shocked when you connect the batteries or the power lead. We don't want to electrocute the baby toys, but we want to learn how to clean them!

Battery-operated Stuffed Toys: Instructions 

Washing battery-operated stuffed animals properly is crucial to prevent harming the electronics or the stuffing inside because they are frequently sensitive. You can follow the instructions to wash a battery-operated stuffed animal:

Verify the label: The toy's manufacturer's label should have detailed washing instructions. If the toy cannot be machine washed, you must use a moist cloth to spot-clean it.

Take the batteries out: Remove the batteries from the toy before washing them to protect the electronics.

Machine Washable: To prevent snagging or ripping during the wash:

  1. Put the toy in a pillowcase or laundry bag if it is machine-washable.
  2. Use a moderate detergent and a gentle cycle.
  3. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach.

 

Wash by Hand: If the toy is not machineable, gently scrub it with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. Keep water from the toy, and be careful not to overwet the stuffing.

After cleaning:

  1. Pack the toy with newspaper or a towel to maintain its shape while it dries.
  2. Let it air dry.
  3. Please leave it to air dry in a well-ventilated place thoroughly.
  4. Avoid using a dryer since the excessive heat can cause the stuffing to shrink or harm electronic components.

After the toy has dried sufficiently, reinsert the batteries and make sure it operates properly.

Note: Ensure the toy is still usable and in good condition before washing. It could be time to replace it if it's starting to show symptoms of wear and tear.