There are a few things you need to check before you start cleaning your Bear. Firstly, check what materials your Bear is made from. The older the Bear, the more likely it is going to be made from a natural fibre for example, wool, mohair, or alpaca.
The younger the Bear, the more likely it is to be made from a man-made fibre such as polyester, knitted stretchy fabric and are often brighter colours.
Please do not try to clean a real fur Teddy the way we are describing below, please send to a professional who will be able to assist.
Step 1: To start, give your Bear a thorough brush with a soft bristled baby brush. Start at the top of the head and work your way to the feet using short, sweeping motions. This will help to loosen any dirt or debris caught within the fibres of the Teddy.
Step 2: Next you want to gently hoover the teddy to remove any dirt that may be trapped in the fur. Make sure you place a piece of muslin over the end of the hoover before you begin and secure with an elastic band. This ensures a gentler clean to save damaging the Bear.
Step 3: Next fill a small bowl with warm water and add in a few drops of baby shampoo.
Step 4: Whilst together the warm water and baby shampoo until you get a nice bowlful of bubbles.
Step 5: Gently scoop some of the bubbles into the palms of your hands, making sure to have as minimal water as possible, then with your fingertips, pat the bubbles into the fur of the bear and then rub in using small circular motions. Try your best to not get the Bear too wet during this step.
Make sure you take your time whist doing this part. We recommend working in small sections, again going from the head down. Pay special attention to areas such as the ears and the joins of the Bear.
Step 6: Next, get a fresh bowl of warm water and a soft, white flannel. Soak the flannel in the warm water then ring out well. In circular motions, wipe any remaining soap suds from the Bear working in small areas.
If the Bear has glass eyes, make sure to give them a gentle wipe with the flannel at this point.
You may need to re soak and ring out the flannel a few times until all the soap suds have been removed from the Bear, if it is a large Bear, you may need to change the water during this step too.
Step 7: Once you have rinsed the Bear, get another fresh bowl of water, and add a few drops of your favourite, gentle fabric softener. Using another clean flannel, gently wipe over the Bear to leave the fur feeling and smelling fresh.
Step 8: Place the cleaned Bear on a fresh towel and leave to air dry naturally. Do not place in the sun, or on a radiator. The Bear can take up to 24 hours to dry thoroughly.
Step 9: Once the Bear is thoroughly dry, brush gently with a soft baby brush to smooth down the pile (fur) and add a new bow!
We love to see the transformation in the before and after photos.
Please seek professional advice if you are ever unsure about cleaning your own Teddy Bear.
Commentaires