Nothing sparks nostalgia quite like your old Build-a-Bear. But time can wear on a Build a Bear; eventually, they need a good cleaning. And with this step-by-step guide, you will quickly figure out how to wash Build a bear.
Let’s learn everything from the materials you need to tools and tips for making sure it comes out looking its best.
So grab some warm water and a few other items, and let’s get washing!
What You Need Before You Start
Before you jump right in, you’ll need a few things to ensure your cleaning process goes as smoothly as possible.
First, you’ll need a sink large enough to fit your bear—a standard kitchen or bathroom sink should do just fine.
You’ll also need some mild detergent—try to find something effective but gentle and free from harsh chemicals—and a soft cloth or sponge for scrubbing.
Once you’ve got your supplies together, it’s time to start your cleaning process!
Cleaning Your Build A Bear on the Surface
Washing a Build a Bear is an important part of keeping it in good condition. But how do you clean it on the surface?
Start by wiping off dirt, dust, or hair accumulated on the bear with a damp cloth.
Be sure to get in any crevices and corners, as dirt and dust can build up in those areas.
You’ll want to be gentle when wiping your Build A Bear, as aggressive cleaning can damage the surface of the bear.
If any stubborn stains or spots don’t come off with a damp cloth, you can use mild soap to spot-clean the area.
This should help remove the stain without damaging the fabric of the bear.
Finally, once you’ve finished spot-cleaning your Build A Bear, give it one final wipe-down with a dry cloth to ensure all the moisture is gone.
This will help keep your furry friend looking great for years to come!
Washing the Bear With Soap and Water
It’s time to wash your Build-A-Bear. You want to make sure that the bear is squeaky clean, right?
Gather the items you need
Here’s what you’ll need:
Mild detergent (preferable soap with no harsh chemicals)
A dishcloth, sponge, or soft cloth
A small bowl or bucket of warm water
A towel
A toothbrush (optional)
Start cleaning!
Put some soap in the warm water and use the dishcloth, sponge, or cloth to scrub away any dirt and grime on your bear gently.
You can use a toothbrush to scrub gently if there are any tough stains.
Ensure not to get any water inside the bear—this can damage it and ruin it forever! Once you’re done scrubbing, use the towel to dry off your bear.
If you used a sponge to clean the bear, it’s a good idea to find out when to get rid of the sponge. To ensure you eliminate any transfer of germs.
And that’s it! You’ve just learned how to wash a Build-A-Bear in a few simple steps. Now you can enjoy your clean and fresh teddy for many years!
Drying the Bear After Washing
Drying your Build a Bear is the last step in washing it properly.
A Build A Bear does not need to be dried like other stuffed animals, as the material it is made from is more durable than other fabrics.
Here are the steps for drying a Build A Bear:
Ensure you have removed all excess water from your Bear’s fur, as this will help them dry faster.
Place your Bear on a flat surface, preferably with fabric that won’t absorb moisture, such as a towel or blanket.
Blot the Bear with a dry cloth or paper towel until all the water is absorbed. Make sure to work in small sections not to damage the fabric or cause any spots or marks on the Bear’s fur.
Allow your Bear to air dry by placing them in an area with good air circulation, such as near an open window or fan.
Once your Bear is completely dry, place them back in their original packaging and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to play with them again!
How to Treat Stains on Your Build a Bear
You did it—your kid finally got their dream Build a Bear, but now it’s covered in stains from little fingers getting their hands on something they shouldn’t have.
No need to despair—here are the steps you need to take to clean off those pesky stains.
Treat Stains Gently
The key is treating the bear gently without putting too much strain on its exterior. Don’t be tempted to scrub too hard or use harsh chemicals—this could ruin the fur and other materials your bear is made with or even cause discoloration.
Read Labels Carefully
First, check the label inside your Build a Bear for care instructions. If you don’t see any tags, refer to the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information.
Use Soap and Water
If all else fails, you can use a mild soap mixed with lukewarm water to spot-clean your bear’s fur, paying close attention to its eyes and nose.
The soap should be gentle enough not to upset its delicate fur or cause discoloration.
Avoid using detergents that contain bleach, as this could harm your Build a Bear’s fur.
Rinse Well
After using soap and water, rinse off the bear completely with a damp cloth until all traces of the soap are gone. Be sure to rinse any excess water off your Build a Bear, so it doesn’t get moldy or cause discoloration.
Special Steps for Air-Drying Your Build a Bear
If you want to get your Build A Bear squeaky clean, you need to take special steps for air-drying.
The first thing is placing it in a well-ventilated room. Here’s how that works:
Air Circulation
An air-dried Build a Bear needs plenty of circulation to dry properly and quickly.
A fan may be necessary if the room isn’t well-ventilated, and make sure it’s not placed too close so that dust particles don’t settle on your bear.
Temperature
The temperature should be set at room temperature for optimal drying, but try not to keep your Build a Bear in direct sunlight as it could damage the fabric.
Duration
Most teddy bears should take around 24 hours to air-dry.
Any longer than that may cause the fabric to grow stiff and dry out further—which can be irreversible!
To ensure everything goes okay, check in on your bear every few hours and fluff its fur if needed to ensure it dries evenly.
Final Thoughts; How to Wash Build a Bear
Washing your Build-A-Bear can be a fun and rewarding experience.
It will ensure your child has a safe and clean toy when done correctly and with care. Plus, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you did it yourself!
Start by gathering supplies, understanding your bear’s material, and using gentle routines to clean it.
Above all, be gentle and patient, and your Build-A-Bear will be back in tip-top shape soon!