How to Clean Your Teddy Bear or Stuffed Animal
Well-loved teddy bears and stuffed animals go everywhere. They get cuddled, carried, dropped, slept with, taken on adventures and sometimes end up looking a little less fluffy than they once did. If your Be My Bear teddy bear or animal friend needs a clean, the safest method we recommend is careful surface washing or spot cleaning by hand.
We do not recommend putting your Be My Bear teddy bear, animal kit, heartbeat bear, sound bear or stuffed animal in a washing machine. We also do not recommend tumble drying, dry cleaning, bleaching, soaking or using harsh cleaning products. These methods can damage the fur, stuffing, seams, shape, internal fastenings and any sound or heartbeat recorder inside the bear.
This guide explains how to clean your teddy bear by hand, how to reduce the risk of damage, what to do if your bear contains a sound module, and how to dry and fluff your bear afterwards.
Important: There is always some risk when cleaning any teddy bear or stuffed animal. The instructions below are designed to minimise that risk, but you should always weigh up the benefits of cleaning against the chance of damaging a much-loved bear, especially if it is old, delicate, heavily worn or has sentimental value.
Can you wash a Be My Bear teddy bear?
Be My Bear teddy bears and stuffed animals should be cleaned by surface washing or spot cleaning only. This means cleaning the outside fabric carefully by hand, using small amounts of water and a gentle cleaning solution where needed.
Surface washing is different from fully washing or soaking a bear. The aim is to clean the dirty areas without saturating the stuffing, damaging the fur or allowing water to reach any internal sound recorder, heartbeat module or electronic part.
If your teddy bear has a care label, always check that first. If the label gives specific instructions, follow those instructions.
Why we do not recommend machine washing
It can be tempting to put a dirty teddy bear into the washing machine and hope for the best, but this is risky. Washing machines can be too rough for many soft toys, especially bears that contain stuffing, sound recorders, heartbeat modules, stitched features, accessories, delicate fur or internal closures.
Machine washing may cause:
- Fur to become matted, rough or patchy
- Stuffing to clump together inside the bear
- The bear to lose its original shape
- Seams to weaken or split
- Colours to run or fade
- Sound recorders or heartbeat modules to stop working
- Internal fastenings or closures to become damaged
- The bear to remain damp inside, which can cause unpleasant smells
For those reasons, the only cleaning method we recommend for Be My Bear teddy bears and animal friends is gentle hand cleaning on the surface.
Before you start cleaning
Before cleaning your teddy bear, take a moment to check what type of bear you have and whether anything needs to be removed first.
- Check for electronics: If your bear contains a sound recorder, heartbeat recorder or voice module, remove it before cleaning.
- Check the back opening: Many Be My Bear animals have a back compartment with a Velcro-style opening and internal closure.
- Check the stuffing: If the stuffing itself is dirty, wet or stained, you may need replacement stuffing rather than just surface cleaning.
- Check for delicate parts: Be careful around eyes, noses, embroidery, accessories, ribbons, printed fabrics and stitched details.
- Test first: If you are unsure, test your cleaning method on a small hidden area first.
Do not clean your bear near the sound recorder or any electronic part. Electronics and water do not mix. Keep any removed sound or heartbeat module somewhere safe and away from the cleaning area until the bear is completely dry.
What you will need
You do not need specialist equipment to spot clean a teddy bear. A few simple household items are usually enough.
- A clean bowl or sink
- Warm water, not hot water
- A small amount of gentle baby-safe soap or mild laundry detergent
- A clean white cloth
- A second clean white cloth for rinsing
- A clean white towel
- A soft brush or wide soft comb for fluffing, if needed
- A fan, if you want to speed up drying with cool airflow
Use white or non-coloured cloths and towels where possible. Coloured cloths can sometimes transfer dye, especially when damp, and the last thing you want is a clean bear with a new stain.
What cleaning products should you avoid?
Use as little cleaning product as possible. Teddy bear fur can hold on to soap, which may leave the fabric feeling stiff or crunchy once dry.
Avoid:
- Bleach
- Strong stain removers
- Disinfectant sprays
- Harsh household cleaners
- Fabric softener
- Coloured soaps
- Very scented detergents
- Dry cleaning products
- Hot water
A tiny amount of gentle soap or mild detergent is normally enough. A high-efficiency laundry detergent can be helpful because it produces fewer suds, making it easier to rinse from the fur. This can reduce the chance of the bear feeling crunchy after drying.
How to spot clean and surface wash your teddy bear
Follow these steps carefully. Take your time and avoid using too much water.
1. Remove any sound recorder or heartbeat module
If your teddy bear or stuffed animal contains a sound module, voice recorder or heartbeat recorder, remove it before cleaning. Place it somewhere safe, dry and away from your cleaning area.
Do not put any electronic part near water. Do not wipe the sound module with a wet cloth. Do not return it to the bear until the bear is fully dry inside and out.
2. Decide whether to remove some stuffing
This step is optional, but it can help reduce the risk of the stuffing becoming damp while you clean the outside of the bear.
If your bear has a back opening, open the outer compartment. If there is an internal one-way zip closure, you may be able to open it carefully using a paperclip or similar blunt tool. Once inside, you can remove some of the stuffing and set it aside in a clean, dry place while you clean the bear.
Do not use anything sharp to remove stuffing. A spoon handle or another blunt utensil can help ease stuffing out gently.
Please note: Some Be My Bear animals have pre-stuffed heads where the stuffing is secured inside a netted bag. If this is the case, leave the head stuffing in place. Some bears or animals with swing legs may also have sewn sections that should not be opened.
If the stuffing itself is dirty, wet, stained or smells unpleasant, surface cleaning the outer fabric may not be enough. In that case, contact Be My Bear about replacement stuffing options.
3. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution
Fill a bowl or sink with a small amount of warm water. The water should be warm, not hot.
Add a very small amount of gentle baby-safe soap or mild laundry detergent. You only need a little. Too much soap will make rinsing harder and may leave residue in the bear's fur.
If you are using soap, make sure it is not strongly coloured. Coloured soap may stain pale fur or change the appearance of your bear.
4. Clean only the dirty areas
Dip a clean white cloth into the water, then squeeze out the excess so the cloth is damp rather than dripping wet.
Gently rub the dirty area of the bear using small movements. Try to focus only on the marks or stained areas rather than wetting the whole bear.
For tougher dirt, you can gently work the area with your fingers through the cloth. Do not scrub aggressively, as this may damage the fur or push dirt deeper into the fabric.
Resist the urge to immerse your fluffy friend in the water. Contrary to popular belief, bears do not like baths.
5. Rinse away the soap
Once the dirty area looks cleaner, empty your bowl and refill it with clean water. Use a fresh white cloth dipped in clean water to wipe the area you have cleaned.
The aim is to remove as much soap or detergent as possible. If soap is left behind, the fur may feel stiff, crunchy or rough when dry.
Use small amounts of clean water at a time. A cloth that is too wet can spread soap into other areas or make the stuffing damp.
Repeat the rinsing process as many times as needed. When you can no longer see suds or bubbles forming, you have probably removed most of the soap.
6. Remove excess moisture
After rinsing, gently press the cleaned area with a clean white towel. This helps absorb moisture and speeds up drying.
You can gently squeeze the damp area, but do not wring, twist or pull the bear. Wringing can damage the shape, seams and stuffing.
If you removed stuffing earlier, keep the bear unstuffed while it dries. This allows better airflow inside the body.
7. Dry the bear slowly and safely
Place your teddy bear or stuffed animal somewhere safe to dry. Choose a well-ventilated area away from high heat and direct sunlight.
You can use a fan to blow cool air towards the bear to help it dry faster. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, tumble dryer, heated airer or direct heat source. Heat can damage synthetic fur, affect the shape of the bear, or make the fabric feel rough.
Make sure the bear is completely dry before replacing stuffing, sound modules or heartbeat recorders. This is especially important if the bear is going back to a child, as damp stuffing can lead to smells and may be unpleasant to cuddle.
8. Replace the stuffing and sound module
Once the bear is fully dry, return the stuffing if you removed it earlier. Gently shape the bear with your hands as you go, adding stuffing evenly so the bear feels balanced and cuddly again.
If your bear has a sound recorder or heartbeat module, only put it back once the bear is fully dry. Check that the module is dry, clean and working before placing it back inside.
9. Fluff the fur
After cleaning and drying, the fur may look slightly flat or matted. You can gently fluff it with your hands or use a wide, soft brush.
Brush carefully and lightly. Do not over-brush, pull hard or use a stiff brush, as this may damage the fibres.
What if the bear feels crunchy after cleaning?
If your teddy bear feels crunchy once dry, there may still be soap or detergent left in the fur. This is common when too much cleaning product has been used or the area has not been rinsed thoroughly enough.
To fix this, wipe the affected area again with a clean damp cloth using plain water only. Pat dry with a towel, then allow the bear to dry fully. You may need to repeat this more than once.
What if the bear still smells?
If the bear still smells after surface cleaning, the issue may be inside the stuffing rather than on the outer fur. This can happen if the bear has been exposed to spills, damp, food, smoke, sickness or other strong odours.
If the stuffing is removable and smells unpleasant, replacing the stuffing may be the best option. If the bear contains a sound recorder or heartbeat module, check that the smell is not coming from the electronic compartment.
Do not spray strong perfume, disinfectant or air freshener onto the bear. These can irritate skin, damage the fabric or make the bear unpleasant for a child to cuddle.
How to clean a teddy bear with a sound recorder
Sound recorders and heartbeat modules need extra care. Before cleaning, always remove the module if possible. Keep it dry and away from the cleaning area.
When cleaning a sound bear:
- Remove the sound or heartbeat module before cleaning
- Do not soak the bear
- Do not let water enter the sound pocket
- Do not clean the electronic module with water
- Allow the bear to dry completely before replacing the module
- Check the module works before putting it back inside
If a sound module has become wet, remove it immediately and do not continue using it until it has been checked and is completely dry. If in doubt, contact us before placing it back inside a child's toy.
How to clean a baby heartbeat bear
Baby heartbeat bears are often especially precious because they contain a recording with sentimental value. Take extra care and do not rush the cleaning process.
Before cleaning a baby heartbeat bear, remove the heartbeat recorder if possible and store it safely. Clean the bear by hand using only a damp cloth and a tiny amount of gentle soap if needed.
Avoid getting the bear too wet. Never put a heartbeat bear in the washing machine, tumble dryer or dry cleaner.
Once the bear is completely dry, replace the heartbeat recorder carefully. Check that it still plays clearly before closing the bear.
How often should you clean a teddy bear?
You do not need to clean a teddy bear too often. Frequent cleaning can wear the fur and may affect the bear's shape over time.
For most bears, occasional spot cleaning is enough. Clean obvious marks when they appear, and try to keep the bear away from food, drinks, muddy floors, pets and damp areas where possible.
If a bear is used daily by a child, you may want to freshen it more often with gentle brushing and careful spot cleaning when needed.
How to keep your teddy bear cleaner for longer
A few simple habits can help keep a teddy bear looking its best:
- Keep bears away from food and sticky drinks where possible
- Store special bears away from damp areas
- Brush longer fur gently to prevent matting
- Remove clothes and accessories before cleaning
- Clean small marks quickly before they settle into the fabric
- Keep sound modules dry and protected
- Avoid spraying perfume, room spray or disinfectant onto the bear
Can teddy bear clothes be cleaned too?
Many teddy bear outfits can also become dirty, especially if they are used for parties, school projects or regular play. Always check the clothing label first if there is one.
As a general rule, hand washing or careful spot cleaning is usually safest for teddy bear clothes. Remove the clothes from the bear before cleaning them. Wash colours separately, avoid hot water, and allow the clothes to air dry fully before dressing the bear again.
You can browse replacement outfits and accessories here:
When should you not clean a teddy bear yourself?
Sometimes it is better not to attempt cleaning at home, especially if the bear is old, rare, very delicate or extremely sentimental.
Think carefully before cleaning if:
- The bear is vintage or fragile
- The seams are already weak or coming apart
- The fur is shedding badly
- The bear contains non-removable electronics
- The bear has heavy staining
- The bear has mould or damp inside
- The bear is irreplaceable
If a bear is extremely precious, professional teddy bear restoration may be more appropriate than home cleaning. Be careful though - standard dry cleaning is not the same as specialist teddy bear restoration and is not something we recommend for Be My Bear products.
Common teddy bear cleaning questions
Can I put my teddy bear in the washing machine?
We do not recommend putting Be My Bear teddy bears or stuffed animals in the washing machine. Surface washing and spot cleaning by hand is the safest method we recommend.
Can I tumble dry my teddy bear?
No. Do not tumble dry your teddy bear. Tumble drying can damage the fur, shape, stuffing and any internal parts. Air drying with cool airflow is safer.
Can I use a hair dryer?
We do not recommend using a hair dryer. Heat can damage synthetic fur and may make the bear feel rough. Use a fan with cool air instead.
Can I use disinfectant spray?
We do not recommend using disinfectant spray on your teddy bear. It may damage the fabric, leave residue, affect the smell of the bear or irritate skin.
Can I use baby wipes?
Baby wipes may be useful for a very light surface mark, but they can contain lotions, fragrances or ingredients that may leave residue on the fur. A clean damp white cloth is usually the safer option.
Can I clean a bear that contains a voice recorder?
Yes, but only with extra care. Remove the voice recorder before cleaning and keep it completely dry. Do not put it back inside the bear until the bear is fully dry.
Can I replace the stuffing in my bear?
If your bear has removable stuffing and the stuffing is dirty, smelly or damaged, replacement stuffing may be the best option. Please contact Be My Bear if you need help choosing suitable replacement stuffing.
What should I do if the fur looks flat after cleaning?
Once the bear is dry, gently fluff the fur with your hands or use a wide, soft brush. Brush lightly and avoid pulling hard on the fur.
What should I do if soap was left in the fur?
Wipe the area again using a clean cloth and plain water only. Pat dry and allow the bear to air dry completely. Repeat if needed.
Need help cleaning your Be My Bear teddy?
If you are unsure how to clean your Be My Bear teddy bear, animal kit, heartbeat bear or sound bear, please contact us before you start. It is better to ask first than risk damaging a much-loved fluffy friend.
You can get in touch through our contact page or message us through our Facebook page.
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