How many stuffed animals do your children have? Whether they have one or twenty, they have to be taken care of. Keeping them clean can be a challenge, especially if your kids are always playing with them. That is why it is essential to make a conscious effort to make sure that the stuffed animals your children use are safe and clean.

Some stuffed animals can be machine washed. Check the label to see if the material is washing machine friendly. If it is, throw it in the machine periodically, depending on how dirty it gets. Once every month if they are used everyday, and once every six months if used only occasionally because they can collect dust. Use caution with the dryer. Try a low setting first and check on it for shrinkage.

If the materials do not allow for a machine wash, there are other ways to keep them clean and dust-free. Use the vacuum hose on them once in a while to get rid of dust and other allergens. Be sure to dust around the area that they are stored as well. Be careful not to suck away any important attachments like a nose, eye, or button when you are vacuuming those little stuffed friends. You can also go over the surface with a damp cloth.

A damp cloth should also be used if there is a sudden stain like a spill or a drop in the mud. Try to soak up the stain with the damp cloth immediately, before it sets in. Do not use any harsh chemicals unless you know that the material will not discolor or become damaged.

If there is a rip or tear, mend it as soon as possible. Usually, all it takes is a needle and thread to fix up a loosening limb. If you don't know how to sew, you can have a professional do it, especially if it is a very important and special stuffed friend.

Sometimes there are tags, pins or collars on the stuffed animals. If they are creating a sharp edge because they are sticking out or have torn or broken, carefully remove them. This way your kids won't get poked.

Taking good care of your kid's stuffed animals is well worth it. They will be happy that their little buddies are as good as new. You will be happy, too, because you have made sure that their stuffed animals are clean and hazard-free.