"Medallion Man" wrote in message
oups.com...
No, really.

A fluffy toy bear, that is. Two feet high, two feet wide :-) with
fully synthetic fluffy fur that used to be white and now has
accumulated dust and general grubbyness after sitting on top of a
cupboard for years.

I can't think of a way to clean something like this except to treat it
a bit like a three-dimensional carpet cleaning job, hence the sponge
bath idea.

Yes, I checked for care labels. None present, and even if there were
it's too big for a washing machine. So, what IS the best way to
approach this daunting task ?

Any hints appreciated.

My ex-partner used to collect these. At least the more expensive hand-made
Bears.
One accepted method amongst arctophiles (honestly!) is to stretch an old
stocking/tights across the business end of a half-decent vacuum cleaner and
remove as much dust as possible before gently 'teasing' the plush with an
old toothbrush and some warm soapy water, before sitting Bruin in an airing
cupboard for a few days.

http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_18...rctophile.html
http://www.preservation.gc.ca/howto/...dy-bears_e.asp