Whether your favorite Build-A-Bear desperately needs a spot clean from years of love, or you’ve finally been able to pry your child’s well-loved Bear from his or her hands, here is a step-by-step method for keeping your Build-A-Bear clean. Learn how to freshen up your Bear’s fur and extend its longevity with these tips.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing by Hand

  1. 1
    Fill a sink with cold water and mix in a mild laundry detergent. Be sure to add the detergent while the water is still running.
    • The cold water will help preserve your bear’s color. You can also use warm, but never hot, water.
    • Do not use any harsh detergents, as they can damage the bear’s fur. Baby detergents work well.
  2. 2
    Place the bear into the soapy water and agitate. Simply swish the bear around in the soap and water mixture until it is completely covered.
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  3. 3
    Scrub the bear gently with the soapy water using your hands. Take care around the stitches so they don’t come loose.
    • Hand-washing is the gentlest method for cleaning the bear. Washing too roughly may cause the stuffing to come out of the stitching.
  4. 4
    Remove the bear from the dirty water and rinse. Use cold running water to rinse the suds off of your bear.
  5. 5
    Lay the bear on a clean towel, dabbing it with another towel to get rid of excess moisture. Follow by brushing your bear with a soft brush.
    • Brushing the bear’s fur right after washing will help prevent any clumping or matting.
  6. 6
    Let the bear air dry. You may need to turn it over periodically to allow both sides to dry.
    • It is usually best to let a stuffed animal dry on its own outside, as long as it’s a warm and sunny day.[1]
    • Not allowing your bear to dry properly can result in mold or rotting. Make sure the bear is completely dry before boxing it up or letting a child play with it.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing in Washing Machine

  1. 1
    Secure your bear in a delicate clothes mesh bag to protect the stuffed animal. You can also use a pillowcase, which is porous and won’t do any damage to your bear’s fur.
    • Make sure that the case is tied securely so the bear doesn’t fall out in the wash cycle.
  2. 2
    Wash the bear in a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and cold water.
    • Treat the bear carefully, as using a rough cycle can cause damages.
    • Fur quality and stitching may be compromised if hot water or harsh detergents are used.
    • Add distilled white vinegar for the rinse cycle to deodorize and remove any detergent residue.
    • Wash on gentle, delicate, or hand-wash setting. Anything else might be too hard on the bear.[2]
  3. 3
    Remove the bear from the washer and let it air dry. Brush the bear’s fur after removing it from the washer, to prevent clumps or mats.
    • You may also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.
    • It is not advisable to dry your bear in the dryer.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Refreshing with a Spot Clean

  1. 1
    Mix a quarter capful of oxygen stain remover into a bowl of warm water. Make sure that the stain remover and water are thoroughly mixed.
    • This method is best used on bears with a voice box.
    • The oxygen stain remover will help get rid of any difficult spots, but a mild detergent will also work.
  2. 2
    Saturate the dirty spot with the mixture. Completely cover the spot with the water and stain remover liquid.
  3. 3
    Rub the mixture into the bear with a clean towel. Wait 5-10 minutes for the mixture to absorb, but don’t let it dry completely.
    • Use small, circular motions to rub the mixture into the spot.
  4. 4
    Blot the spot with a clean towel. If it is still visible, repeat the first four steps.
    • You can also use a paper towel for blotting.
    • Depending on the nature of each spot and how much the stain has soaked in, you may need to repeat the process.
  5. 5
    Rinse the spot with cold water and blot again with a clean towel.[3]
    • You may blot the bear until it is dry, or you can leave it to air dry.
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Things You'll Need

  • A sink
  • Warm or cold water
  • Mild laundry detergent
  • Oxygen stain remover
  • A bowl
  • Clean towels
  • A soft brush

Warnings

  • Make sure to check that your Build-A-Bear don't have a sound chip or scent before washing.
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About This Article

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
Co-authored by:
House Cleaning Professionals
This article was co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann. Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line. This article has been viewed 144,303 times.
6 votes - 97%
Co-authors: 25
Updated: May 9, 2022
Views: 144,303
Categories: Teddy Bears
Article SummaryX

To wash a Build A Bear, start by placing it inside a pillow case and washing it on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Once the cycle is finished, brush the bear’s fur to prevent clumps, and let it air dry. Alternatively, spot clean the bear by mixing 1/4 capful of oxygen stain remover into a bowl of warm water. Next, saturate the dirty area with the solution and rub it in with a clean cloth. Finish by rinsing the spot with cold water and blotting it dry with a clean towel. For tips on how to hand wash a Build A Bear, read on!

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