Regardless of age or culture, most people all over the world appreciate the endearing features of a teddy bear. Most owners even prefer to be beside their teddy bears during bedtime. Various art, movies and other attributions depicting people's fondness over teddy bears have popped up. Over the years, teddy bears have been well-loved as a toy for most kids, and a companion to some.



To teddy bear lovers, looking after the cleanliness of this buddy is quite essential and should therefore be highly considered. Teddy bears are a magnet for dirt and dust. Whatever materials teddy bears are made of, cleaning them is the key to keep them smelling fresh, clean and grime-free.

Little kids are inclined to cause their loved teddies become all dirty, all the more that it should be priority to maintain teddy bears' good hygiene. It would be too ironic for young kids to get sick because his or her favorite toy was not kept with good care.

Perhaps the simplest and most effective way to keep teddy buddies clean is to wipe them using a damp cloth. A clean and soft washcloth in white color should be used; this is to avoid the colored cloth from running onto, and ruining, the teddy bear. The white cloth should be dampened and gently rubbed on the teddy's fur to make sure the surface dirt is removed. This simple technique is safely applicable to almost all types of teddy bears.

Stubborn odor, grime and dirt may be removed using a stronger and better approach to cleaning. But before proceeding, make sure that you check the bear's care label's washing instructions. Directly tossing some teddy bears into the washing machine might be safe to some, but not to the more delicate ones made of fragile fiber or other similar materials. Some may need to be washed with cold or warm water, or as the instructions in the care label may mention it. Teddy bears without instructions for washing and cleaning may have with it a certain level of risk with washing machines. When this is the case, try washing the toy using the washing machine's gentlest laundering cycle.

For really delicate teddy bears, trying them in a mesh bag, which is much like a lingerie bag, might be a perfect idea before laundering it using the washing machine. An important point is to make sure that when laundering, no colored clothes that risk running onto the teddy bear is mixed up. Always consider the laundry detergent you will use. Make sure these are gentle to your favorite toy.

When it is time to dry the newly washed teddy bear, remember not to make use of machine dryers. According to experts, a much better way is simply to air dry or to keep it hanged up. The teddy bear should not be exposed under the sun in all circumstances. This can make your teddy bear faded. An alternative is drying out the teddy bear using a hair dryer.

There might be some owners who prefer not to wet their teddy bears, but still keep them clean, of course. This is where gentle vacuuming comes in. Teddy bears can be cleaned with a hand-held vacuum. You may opt to use the upholstery attachment of the vacuum cleaner. Also, the teddy's fur can be brushed gently using a wide, soft brush, to help restore the shiny, sleek look that it originally had.

Antique teddy bears may need special cleaning techniques that some specialized stores offer.

Just like a prized possession, a teddy bear should be kept in top shape all the time. After all, they often are around when everyone else has gone!