Build-a-bears are beloved toys for kids and adults alike. Whether you hug them as you sleep or pet them, they get dirty, especially if children play with them. Not that it’s surprising. Continuous handling makes any toy dirty. How can you keep your furry friend clean then?
We have outlined the steps you’d need to take to achieve that. Our guide should come in handy if you don’t know how to wash build a bear.
Read on, and let’s show you how to do it.
Contents
How to Wash Build a Bear – 3 Best Methods
To wash a Build-A-Bear, one must first remove the stuffing and clothes. The fur may be shampooed with a mild detergent, and then rinsed thoroughly. The body may be washed with a mild detergent, and then rinsed thoroughly. Finally, the body and fur may be dried completely before being put back together.
There are different ways you can wash your build a bear. Most people’s first impulse is to throw the bear into the washing machine and set the controls. But is that the way to go about it?
Yes, it is.
My mum would always use the washing machine to clean our bears as a kid. But there’s something different she would do, which I’m going to share.
Washing Build a Bear in a Washing Machine
Step 1
Protect the bear by placing it inside something safe. What immediately comes to mind here is a pillowcase or some t-shirt. Wrap the build a bear in the case or wrap it around in clothes.
That will help protect the toy from the fiercer water flow in the machine. Ensure the protection is secure by knotting the open end of the case or clothing.
Step 2
Add a gentle detergent to the washing machine and set it on the delicate settings. Harsh detergents will damage not only the color but also the fluff. Also, don’t use warm or cold water since they will damage the bear.
Step 3
Now run the machine for the time you feel is satisfactory to clean the bear. After removing it, you can either air dry it or use a portable hairdryer.
Don’t use a dryer since it could also damage the bear. Instead, hang the bear outside on the hanging lines with pegs. If that’s not an option, use a fan to air dry it.
Now you know the proper way to wash your build a bear in a washing machine, but is there a different way? What if the bear only has a few tiny spots? Must you put it inside a washing machine? Of course not. You can do a spot cleaning if you see the dirt isn’t that much.
How do you do that?
Spot Cleaning a Build a Bear
Have you ever had a stain on your spotless shirt that doesn’t warrant cleaning? There are many times I’ve spilled tea or coffee onto my perfectly white shirt before a meeting.
Cleaning such a spot is what we call spot cleaning. The same applies to your bear. If the dirt is only in one place, there is no need to wash the whole bear. Spot cleaning the dirty area will restore its cleanliness.
Here is what you need to do a spot cleaning on your bear:
- A clean piece of cloth (absorbent if possible)
- Mild detergent (preferably liquid)
- A spray bottle
Use the spray bottle to wet the dirty area. After that, apply some detergent and rub it with a clean cloth. Wipe until you see the dirt disappear. Rinse the piece of cloth and continue rubbing it on the dirty area till it’s clean.
And in as simple a way like that, you will have spot cleaned your build a bear. If the bear has several dirty areas, repeat the same trick for each. But if the dirt spots are too many, it’s better to wash the bear with a washing machine.
Hang out the bear to dry. Since you only cleaned dirty spots, the bear will dry relatively faster than a washing machine.
Washing a Build a Bear By Hand
How to Wash a Build-A-Bear By Hand Here are 6 simple steps for washing your Build-A-Bear by hand:
1. Fill a sink with tepid water and add soap.
2. Remove all of the bear’s clothes and place them in the sink.
3. Soak the bear in the water for a few minutes, then drain it.
4. Rub the bear down with a towel to remove excess water.
5. Hang the bear out to dry using the hooks provided or by placing it on a drying rack (preferred). 6. Enjoy your fresh, clean Bear!
How to Dry Your Washed Build A Bear
When it comes to drying your washed Build A Bear, there are a few different ways that you can go about doing it. Some people prefer to air dry their bears, while others opt for a more traditional method of drying them in the sun. Whichever route you choose, here are a few tips to help you get the job done successfully:
Choose the right space to dry your bears. If you want to air dry them, make sure that there is enough ventilation in the room so that the bears can move around and avoid becoming too hot or too humid. If you’re using sunlight as your drying method, be sure to place your bears in a spot where they will receive direct sunlight but won’t be overheated or wet from rain or sweat. Start by cleaning and drying your bears as usual.
How to Dry Your Washed Build A Bear:
1. Hang your washed build a bear from a clothes hanger or shower rod.
2. Let the bear hang for 24-48 hours so that the water can drip off of it.
3. Remove your bear from the hanger or shower rod and let it air dry completely.
4. If your bear is made out of fleece, you may want to put it in a low heat dryer on warm for a short amount of time to remove any excess water droplets.
5. Enjoy your freshly dried build a bear!
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Washing Build a Bear: 4 Things to Remember
Before washing build a bear, there are certain things you’ll need to consider.
1. Is it a Mechanical toy?
If it’s a mechanical toy, you can’t wash it like the other regular bears. If water touches the batteries’ area, the bear could stop working. You won’t hear any sound or music if it has any- water and electricity aren’t exactly the best of friends.
It would be best to take the bear to a Build a bear technician when you encounter this. They will remove the battery’s casing, and then you can wash the bear. After cleaning and drying it, you can go for the reinstallation of the battery case.
2. Bleach and Harsh Detergents are a No
Bleach and other harsh cleaning agents will destroy the bear. It will look like the coat of a rained-on dog. In the worst cases, the furry cover might not be as smooth as before. A rough bear won’t be as cute and easy to hug as a soft, fluffy bear.
3. Be As Gentle as Possible When Washing
You have to be gentle when washing the bear since it’s a delicate toy. You saw we earlier mentioned you should bag the bear before washing. When spot cleaning, don’t use a rough hand brush or force the dirt off like you would on a shirt.
Also, not all build a bears would turn out right if you washed them in a washing machine. That’s why you need to be as gentle as possible.
4. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
If the manufacturer says not to wash the build a bear in a washing machine, they know why they’re saying that. While some build a bears have no problem getting a cleaning in the washing machine, some will get damaged if you do.
So always read the manufacturer’s guidelines before washing the build a bear in whatever style you deem fit.
What To Do When the Bear Has Matted Hair
The bear will often come out of the washing machine looking like a cat out in the rain. Only that the bear can’t fix itself as the cat would. You have to remedy the issue to have it look cute and cuddly again.
A brush with a wire brush is all you need to set the fur on the bear straight and have it back to the soft plushy feel. Rub on the bear gently to restore the smooth look.
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FAQ About Washing a Build a Bear
How Long Does It Take to Wash a Build a Bear?
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to wash a build a bear, depending on the size of the toy.
What Is the Difference Between a Build a Bear and a Teddy Bear?
A build-a-bear is a teddy bear that you assemble yourself. You choose the clothes, fur color, and accessories for your bear. A teddy bear is a pre-assembled stuffed animal.
Can You Put a Build-A-Bear in the Washing Machine?
Build-a-Bears are soft toys that can be washed in a washing machine. The toy is placed in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and washed on a gentle cycle with cold water and detergent. After the cycle is complete, the toy should be air-dried.
Can You Dry Clean a Giant Teddy Bear?
Yes, you can dry clean a giant teddy bear. However, it is important to note that not all dry cleaners will be able to clean a giant teddy bear. It is also important to take into account the size of the teddy bear when taking it to be cleaned. If it is too large, the dry cleaner may not be able to accommodate it and may not be able to clean it properly.
How Did You Wash a Bear’s Hair?
The process of washing a bear’s hair is one that can be quite complex. It is important to remember to use gentle motions when washing the hair, as to not cause any damage. One must also be careful to avoid getting the water into the bear’s eyes or ears.
How Many Times You Should Wash a Build a Bear?
The number of times you should wash a build a bear is dependent on how dirty it becomes. If it becomes very dirty, then it is recommended that you wash it more often.
Final Thoughts
I hope you now understand how to wash build a bear. The dos and don’ts will ensure you don’t damage your cute friend when all you had were good intentions. Follow the guidelines we have outlined here to wash your build a bear comfortably.
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