Teddy bear care

Every teddy in our shop comes with its own cleaning instruction. You'll find it in the Cleaning row on the product page and on the tag attached to the teddy. There are three kinds, and this guide explains each of them. If the tag on your teddy says something different, follow the tag: it comes from the maker, who knows the materials best.

Everyday care

Most teddies rarely need a full wash. A light brushing now and then keeps dust from settling into the fur, and small marks come off most easily while they are fresh. A teddy that lives on a shelf mostly needs dusting, while one that goes everywhere with a child will need washing more often.

Machine washable in 30 °C

Teddies with this instruction can go in the washing machine.

• Put the teddy in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied shut.
• Choose a gentle programme at no more than 30 °C, with a mild detergent such as a wool or delicates wash.
• Use a low spin speed if your machine lets you choose.

Hand wash in cool water with care

• Fill a basin with cool water and add a little mild detergent or wool wash.
• Gently squeeze the soapy water through the teddy. Don't rub or twist the fur.
• Rinse in clean water two or three times, until no soap is left. Soap left in the fur makes it sticky and quick to gather dirt.

Surface wash with care

You'll often see this instruction on mohair and alpaca teddies, on collector's pieces, and on teddies with a growler, squeaker or music box inside. These teddies are cleaned on the outside only and are never soaked.

1. Brush the teddy gently to lift loose dust.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent, and wring it out well.
3. Wipe one small area at a time, following the direction of the fur.
4. Go over the same areas with a cloth dampened in clean water to take away the soap.
5. Once the fur is dry, brush it back into shape.

Small spills and stains

Blot a fresh spill with a dry cloth straight away. Then clean the spot with a damp, lightly soapy cloth, working from the edge of the stain towards the middle, and finish with a cloth dampened in clean water. Check your teddy's own instruction first.

Drying

• Don't wring the teddy. Press the water out gently, then roll the teddy in a dry towel.
• Let it air dry in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and radiators.
• Make sure the teddy is dry all the way through before it goes back to bed or onto the shelf. The stuffing dries more slowly than the fur.
• Never tumble dry.
• When the teddy is dry, brush the fur with a soft hairbrush or toothbrush to fluff it up again.

Storing and displaying

• Keep teddies out of direct sunlight, which can fade the fur, and especially the eyes, over time.
• Choose a dry place with an even temperature. Attics, sheds and damp cellars are hard on fabrics.
• For longer storage, use a cardboard box or a cotton bag. They let the fabric breathe better than a sealed plastic bag.
• Moths like natural fibres such as mohair and wool, so brush and check stored teddies now and then.

Not sure what to do?

If the tag is missing or you're unsure how to clean your teddy, ask us before you wash. We're happy to help.