Subtitle: Eliminate Germs & Dust Mites Without Damaging Stuffed Animals
Plush toys are one of children’s favorite companions. Soft and cute, they bring endless joy and a sense of security to children. However, since plush toys are prone to attracting dust, bacteria, and other pollutants, regular disinfection is of great significance. This can not only keep the toys clean but also protect children’s health. Here are some common methods of disinfecting plush toys:
I.Disinfection by Washing
For some small plush toys whose materials allow washing, washing is the most direct and effective disinfection method. You can put the plush toys in the washing machine, select the gentle mode, and use mild detergent and an appropriate amount of disinfectant. Common disinfectants such as Dettol and Walch can be added to the water according to the product instructions.
Hand washing is also a good choice. Add an appropriate amount of detergent and disinfectant to warm water and gently rub the plush toys, especially the parts that are prone to getting dirty, such as the head and limbs. After washing, rinse thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out the excess water as much as possible.
II.Disinfection by Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet rays in the sun have a natural bactericidal effect. Sunning plush toys is a simple and environmentally friendly disinfection method. Choose a sunny day and place the plush toys in a well-ventilated area to let them be fully exposed to the sun.
Remember to turn them over regularly to ensure that all parts of the toys are exposed to the sun. Generally, 3-4 hours of sun exposure can achieve a good disinfection effect. However, for dark-colored plush toys, the sun exposure time should not be too long to avoid fading.
III.Disinfection by Steam
Steam disinfection can effectively kill bacteria and mites on plush toys. You can use a steam iron or a special steam sterilizer. Point the steam nozzle at the plush toy at a distance of about 10-15 centimeters and move the nozzle slowly to ensure that every part of the toy is covered by steam.
The disinfection time depends on the size and material of the toy, usually 5-10 minutes. After steam disinfection, let the plush toy dry naturally to avoid moisture breeding bacteria.
IV.Disinfection by Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet disinfection lamps are also good tools for disinfecting plush toys. Place the plush toys under the ultraviolet disinfection lamp and set the time and distance according to the instructions of the disinfection lamp. Generally, at a distance of 30-50 centimeters from the toy, 15-20 minutes of irradiation can achieve the purpose of disinfection.
When using ultraviolet disinfection lamps, be careful to avoid direct exposure of eyes and skin to ultraviolet light to prevent damage. After disinfection, it is best to ventilate for a while to let the ozone dissipate.
V.Dry Cleaning Disinfection
For some large plush toys or those not suitable for washing, dry cleaning is a good choice. You can buy special dry cleaners for plush toys, spray the dry cleaner evenly on the plush toys, and then gently wipe them with a clean towel.
After wiping, comb or brush the plush to make the toy fluffy and soft again. You can also put the plush toy in a plastic bag with an appropriate amount of baking soda powder, shake the bag to let the baking soda powder fully absorb dust and odors, and then take out the toy and pat off the baking soda powder.
When disinfecting plush toys, the following points should also be noted:
First, check the label of the plush toy to understand its material and cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the toy due to improper disinfection methods.
Thoroughly dry the plush toys after disinfection to prevent bacteria from breeding again due to moisture.
If there are stains on the plush toys, it is best to carry out local cleaning first and then overall disinfection.
For plush toys with electronic components or sound devices, avoid water or disinfectant from entering the interior to damage the components.
