How To Clean A Pacifier Attached To A Stuffed Animal

If your little one has a favorite stuffed animal that they like to tote around, chances are that stuffed pal probably spends a lot of time with a pacifier clipped to it. While adorable, pacifiers attached to plush toys do get dirty and need to be cleaned.

If you’re wondering how to clean a pacifier attached to a stuffed animal properly, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Gently hand wash the stuffed animal and pacifier in warm water using a very mild soap or baby shampoo. Allow it to fully air dry before giving it back to baby.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps, tips and advice you need to keep your child’s special stuffed animal and attached pacifier clean and safe.

Assessing the Stuffed Animal and Pacifier

Check the toy’s washing instructions

The first step in cleaning a pacifier attached to a stuffed animal is checking the toy’s tag or manual for washing instructions. Many modern stuffed animals have tags that indicate if they are “machine washable” or must be spot cleaned by hand.

Older toys may not have this guidance, so inspect the materials and attachments to determine the best cleaning method.

If the tag says “machine wash cold, delicate cycle,” you can wash the entire toy in the washing machine. Choose a gentle detergent formulated for babies and stuffed animals, never use bleach, and air dry the toy completely. Check that any plastic pacifier parts are dishwasher safe before cleaning.

Inspect the pacifier for damage

Before washing, carefully inspect the pacifier for cracks, tears, holes, or other damage. Pull on the nipple and handle to ensure they are securely fastened. Look closely where the pacifier attaches to the stuffed animal.

If you see any flaws that could grow worse during cleaning, you may need to remove and replace the pacifier rather than risk injury.

While inspecting, also check if the pacifier can be detached from the stuffed animal without damaging the toy. Many have pacifiers that snap or unscrew for easy removal before cleaning. If so, clean the stuffed animal and pacifier separately following instructions.

Consider if the attachments can be removed

If the pacifier cannot be detached, determine if other attachments like ribbons, bows, or plastic eyes could be removed. Eliminate any unnecessary embellishments that might get damaged during cleaning. But avoid cutting stitches or damaging the underlying toy if possible.

If you cannot remove dangerous objects like buttons or beads without harming the toy, covered spot cleaning may be safest. Never submerge stuffed animals containing electrical devices or batteries.

Once you have inspected the toy and removed anything that could be damaged, you can choose the most appropriate washing method. Taking time to carefully check the toy first helps ensure safe, effective cleaning🙂

Hand Washing the Stuffed Animal and Pacifier

Use lukewarm water

When hand washing a stuffed animal with an attached pacifier, it’s important to use lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the materials, while cold water won’t properly dissolve the cleaning agents. Lukewarm water is gentle but effective at lifting dirt and germs.

The ideal temperature is about 105°F to 115°F, which should feel barely warm to the touch rather than hot.

Choose a very mild detergent

Specialized stuffed animal detergents are available, but a very mild dish or hand soap works too. Avoid regular laundry detergents as these can be too harsh. Look for fragrance-free and dye-free formulas as well. Babylist recommends plain Castile soap or baby shampoo.

Gently scrub

Apply a small amount of detergent directly onto the stuffed animal, focusing on visibly soiled areas. Gently rub the detergent over the surface using your hands or a soft brush. Take care around the pacifier, avoiding any strong scrubbing.

Work up a light lather then let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the soap can further lift dirt.

Rinse thoroughly

After washing, rinse very thoroughly under cool running water. Rinsing removes all traces of soap residue that could be irritating if left behind. Rinse until the water runs completely clear. You may need to gently press or squeeze the stuffed animal to help get the soap out of fabrics and crevices.

Squeeze out excess water

Lightly squeeze the stuffed animal after rinsing to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing, which can damage the shape. Simply apply gentle pressure with your hands. For areas you can’t reach, press between layers of clean towels to absorb moisture.

Removing excess water will allow the toy to dry faster.

Allow to fully air dry

It’s important not to put a damp stuffed animal into the dryer, as this risks damage. Instead, allow it to fully air dry before use. Lay it flat on top of towels in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Turn periodically so all sides dry.

Drying can take 12 hours or longer depending on humidity, thickness of fabrics, and how much moisture was squeezed out after rinsing. Ensure it’s completely dry before giving back to baby, so no mold or mildew grows inside.

Cleaning the Pacifier with Heat

Boil pacifier for 5 minutes

One effective way to clean your baby’s pacifier is by boiling it. Simply place the pacifier in a pot with water, making sure the water completely covers the pacifier’s nipple and guard. Bring the water to a rolling boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes.

This heat kills germs and sanitizes the entire pacifier (1). When done boiling, use tongs to remove the pacifier and allow it to air dry on a clean paper towel or dish rack. Easy as that!

Use microwave steam bags

Microwave steam bags provide another convenient cleaning option. These specially designed bags allow you to sterilize pacifiers using only water and your microwave. Simply add water up to the fill line in a microwave steam bag, then place pacifiers nipple-side down into the slots (2).

Microwave the bag on high for the time specified per the bag’s instructions, usually 1-2 minutes. The steam released kills 99.9% of germs (3)! Let the bag cool before removing pacifiers to prevent burns. This easy microwaving method saves time when you need to quickly sanitize pacifiers.

Use dishwasher basket

Running pacifiers through the dishwasher can be tricky, as they can easily get lost among dishes. Using a dishwasher basket specially designed for baby products like pacifiers, bottles, and teethers solves this problem.

Place the pacifiers into the sections within the basket and simply add the basket to your usual dishwasher run (4). The hot water and detergent gets pacifiers clean and super sterilized. It’s best to use a short cycle and not one with high heat drying, as this can damage pacifier parts over time (5).

Allow pacifiers to air dry instead. Dishwasher baskets make keeping those little parts in place easy!

Sanitizing the Toy Between Uses

UV light sanitizers

Using a UV light sanitizer is an easy and effective way to kill bacteria and viruses on your baby’s pacifier and stuffed animal between uses (1). UV sanitizers use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to safely penetrate the surface and destroy up to 99.9% of harmful microorganisms without using heat or chemicals (2).

Many UV sanitizers are designed specifically for baby items like pacifiers, toys, bottles, and teethers.

To use a UV sanitizer, simply place your pacifier and stuffed animal inside, close the lid, and turn it on for the recommended cycle, which is usually 5-10 minutes. UV light disrupts the DNA and RNA of microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce or infect (3).

Just be sure not to store or charge your phone or other electronics in a UV sanitizer, as the light can damage screens and circuits.

UV sanitizers range from small countertop models to larger units. Look for high UVC intensity of at least 2,600–11,000 μW/cm2, which refers to the strength of the UV light radiation (4). Also make sure the sanitizer is certified by EPA, NSF, or another third-party testing organization.

Baby-safe spray disinfectants

Spraying baby’s pacifier and stuffed toy with a non-toxic disinfectant spray between uses can also eliminate illness-causing pathogens. Choose a baby-safe formula made without harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, artificial fragrances or alcohol.

Many natural disinfectant sprays rely on the antiseptic and antimicrobial power of ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, citric acid extracts, thyme oil or clove oil. Hydrogen peroxide in particular attacks the cell walls and membranes of bacteria and enveloped viruses.

These active ingredients kill germs without introducing worrisome toxins into your baby’s environment when pacifier or toy goes into their mouth (5).

To use a baby-safe disinfectant, mist the pacifier and stuffed toy evenly until damp and allow the surface to remain wet for the product’s recommended contact time, usually at least 2 minutes. Be sure to spray all sides including crevices and the back side flattened area of the pacifier’s nipple.

Disinfectants kill germs upon contact without requiring rinsing afterward.

Freezing

Freezing your baby’s pacifier or stuffed animal is a simple and effective sanitizing method because extreme cold temperatures are detrimental to bacteria and viruses. Most microbes cannot grow below 40° Fahrenheit (6).

Putting items in the freezer where temps drop as low as 0° F literally stops nasty bacteria and viruses in their tracks.

For optimal germ killing power, place your baby’s pacifier or stuffed toy in a freezer bag to prevent other food items from touching, then freeze overnight or for at least 24 hours (7). The low temperatures rupture cell membranes and damage proteins in pathogens.

Freezing items for 48-72 hours provides an extra safety margin.

Just be sure to place the bagged items toward the back of the freezer away from frequently accessed foodstuffs. Allow items to come fully to room temperature before returning to the baby to prevent injury from extreme temperature changes.

Storing the Pacifier Attachment

Keep it separate from other toys when not in use

Keeping the pacifier attachment separate from other toys helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps dirt and germs from spreading. We recommend storing it in its own breathable and clean bag or container away from your baby’s other playthings.

A storage container made of wicker, mesh, or other breathable material is ideal. Avoid storage bags or toy boxes made of materials that could trap moisture and breed bacteria.

Store in breathable bag

Look for pacifier storage bags made of fine mesh or muslin material that will allow airflow. This prevents moisture from being trapped, reducing mold and bacteria growth.

Breathable storage is crucial between uses. It ensures any residual saliva or milk on the pacifier attachment has time to dry out fully before baby puts it in their mouth again.

Bonus tip: Label the storage container or bag so other household members know it’s reserved for the pacifier accessory only!

Wash before returning to baby

It’s important to wash the pacifier attachment thoroughly with warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry completely each day before letting your little one play with it again.

A daily wash helps keep it hygienic and free of illness-causing germs. Try to have two pacifier accessories on hand so you always have a backup that’s clean and ready when it’s time for your child’s next play or teething session.

With some daily TLC and proper hygienic storage between playtimes, the pacifier attachment will stay clean and safe for your little one!

Conclusion

While keeping a pacifier clipped to a stuffed buddy may be an adorable habit, it definitely calls for some extra cleaning effort on mom or dad’s part. By following these tips on properly washing, disinfecting and storing plush toy pacifier attachments, you can keep your little one’s favorite snuggle safe.

With the right gentle cleaning methods and consistent maintenance, the special stuffed animal-pacifier combo can remain a hygienic source of comfort.