How do I give a sponge bath to a bear ?
 

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.

Medallion Man wrote:

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.

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 ?

If you get any sensible answers, I have a similar sized fluffy Labrador
(care label says acrylic) that could do with a wash. VBG

I've tried sponging it down with washing liquid solution, but it doesn't
lift the dust out. It's "long haired" btw ;) :)

Lee
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Email address is valid, but is unlikely to be read.

"Lee" wrote in message
...
Medallion Man wrote:

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.

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 ?

If you get any sensible answers, I have a similar sized fluffy Labrador
(care label says acrylic) that could do with a wash. VBG

I've tried sponging it down with washing liquid solution, but it doesn't
lift the dust out. It's "long haired" btw ;) :)

Lee


Your local Dry Cleaner, with the big machines in the back shop, should be able
to do this for you, I'd think.

BigWallop wrote:

Your local Dry Cleaner, with the big machines in the back shop, should be able
to do this for you, I'd think.

Doh! Didn't think of that, and our neighbour works for one too... ;)

Lee
--
Email address is valid, but is unlikely to be read.

"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

"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.


There are "Bear Care" or other places around the country who clean or
restore fluffy toys. Give them a ring.

Medallion Man wrote:

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 ?


Shove it through a car washer?

I'd get a car wash attachments with a soap filled brush, and use that to
sham-Pooh the *******, then hose it down with cold water, and blow dry
it on the runway of the nearest airbase behind the place they rev up the
jets.

Or leave it in an airing cupboard (or its it a hot press) for a week.

Is it too big for the bath? That's anoher way, but the interior will get
very soaked...

Could get it dry cleaned also.
Any hints appreciated.

"BigWallop" wrote
| A fluffy toy bear, that is. Two feet high, two feet wide :-)

That's a lot smaller than the bear I howked out of the wheeliebin and passed
on to the Red Cross last week.

| If you get any sensible answers, I have a similar sized fluffy Labrador
| (care label says acrylic) that could do with a wash. VBG
|
| Your local Dry Cleaner, with the big machines in the back shop, should be
able
| to do this for you, I'd think.

But *thoroughly* air afterwards, as the filling will trap solvent vapours
for quite a while.

Owain

"Medallion Man" wrote
| 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.

The filling is the problem with most of these; like pillows if washed it
tends to tie into knots. One approach might be to open one of the seams,
remove the stuffing, sew up the seam temporarily and wash the outer skin.
Then reassemble using the original or new stuffing.

Owain