Spring Cleaning Challenges

Wow has this winter ever had the weird weather!!!!  So much so, that many are commenting on feeling the urge to Spring Clean earlier than normal!  With any seasonal cleaning, there are always some items that seem to create their own challenge.  Children's items are often some of the most challenging, especially if they can't be put into a washing machine.  Thus this issue is on cleaning and the tips we've received in regards to cleaning those hard to clean items.

Car Seats:  If you can remove the cover and wash in the washing machine, that is the easiest.  Washing the plastic down with a white vinegar and water (1:5 parts) also helps to clean and sanitize the seat.  Vacuuming the seat with a high powered vacuum (at most car washes and gas stations) every couple weeks is a great way to maintain a cleaner seat.  Steam cleaning the car seat every few months, can also help to keep if looking and smelling good.  A surface stain solution of white vinegar and water can also be used on stains, as well as a mild detergent.

Stuffed & Plush Toys:  Read the manufacturer's label.  If they can be washed in the washing machine and dried in the dryer, place in a pillow case to wash and dry so they don't mat.  If they can only be cleaned on the surface, try some of these solutions:

• For general cleaning, a lint roller can be used to pick up most surface dirt. 
• Stains:  Fels Naptha Soap, Ivory Soap or Dawn Dishwashing Detergent can be used to scrub into the stuffed animal's fir.  A soft bristled facial brush (or soft toothbrush) works great to gently rub the soap into the plush fur until the stain is greatly diminished or gone.  For best results your brush should be moist but not wet.  Some stains may take a couple of applications to remove.  On extra stubborn stains, a 70% alcohol solution (1/4-c. water with 1/2-c. rubbing alcohol) can be used to remove the stain.  Always test to make sure that the color is fast before trying the alcohol.  Once you have removed the stain(s), pat the area with a slightly damp clean cloth to gently wipe away any remaining soap. 
• Dusty/Dingy:  To remove dust from the stuffed toy, or bring new life into it's fur, spray the animal with a solution of white vinegar and water (1:4 parts), or 70% alcohol, let dry and use the a non motorized brush attachment (upholstery) of your vacuum cleaner to vacuum (Note: it is good to have an attachment you only use for stuffed animals).  
• Some dry "shampoo" cleaners that can be used are baking soda, oatmeal or cornmeal.  Place one of the dry cleaners in a bag with the plush toy and shake it until the stuffed toy is covered.  Let stand for approximately 1 hour and then vacuum. 
• If your toy can be put into the fluff setting of your dryer for 10 minutes, this can also help.  Caution: make sure any accessories on the toy are not flammable or would be damaged by the tumbling. 

Mechanical / Electronic Plush Toys can be treated the same as for other plush toys.  Caution needs to be taken over the mechanical and battery areas that they don't get too moist or that the fine particles of the dry cleaner don't get into the working parts.  So rather than place in a bag and shaking, it is best to sprinkle the dry cleaner over the plush, let it sit for 1 hour and then vacuum.