Is your child’s favorite stuffed animal covered in sticky, gooey slime? If you need a quick solution, try using rubbing alcohol or vinegar to break down the slime so it can be washed away with soap and water.
Getting slime out of fabric can be tricky, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the possible methods to clean your stuffed animals. We’ll cover everything from basic soap and water cleaning to more heavy-duty solvents and spot treatments to get every last bit of slime residue out.
Read on to learn how to safely yet effectively remove dry, wet, or stubborn slime from plush toys and restore them to their original fluffy glory.
Try Soap and Water First
Use a Mild Laundry Detergent
When trying to remove stubborn slime from a stuffed animal, it’s best to start with a gentle approach using mild soap and lukewarm water. Reach for a mild or sensitive skin laundry detergent rather than harsh cleaning products which could damage the fabric.
Brands like Seventh Generation or Persil ProClean Sensitive work well. Check the care tag first – a delicate stuffed animal may require an even gentler detergent.
Avoid Hot Water
While hot water can help cut through grease, it can also cause certain fabrics and dyes to bleed. To play it safe, use lukewarm or cool water instead. If the slime still won’t budge, try slightly warmer water while checking carefully for color fading or running.
Don’t Rub Too Hard
It’s tempting to scrub aggressively at stubborn slime, but this risks damaging the fabric or decorative elements on your stuffed friend. Gently massage the detergent into the slimed area, then let the detergent penetrate for a few minutes before rinsing – no hard scrubbing necessary!
If washing by hand, squeeze (don’t wring!) water through the fabric to remove soap without twisting or bunching the shape.
Rinse Thoroughly
After washing, rinse extremely well with cool, clean water. Detergent residues left behind can attract dirt over time. Gently press water through the fabric until suds no longer appear. For stuffed animals that can be machine washed, an extra rinse cycle helps.
Then shape the toy carefully and allow to fully air dry before hugging again!
This mild soap-and-water method lifts away many dried slime messes. But if traces still cling to the fur or fabric, don’t panic! Switch to solvents like rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone gel, or for tough cases, consult a professional cleaner.
Break Down Slime with Household Products
When tackling dried or sticky slime on stuffed animals and toys, there are several handy household products that can help dissolve and remove the mess. Using gentle cleaners is key to safely break down slime without damaging the fabric or stuffing of beloved plush pals.
White Vinegar
The acidic nature of white vinegar helps eat through slime. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part warm water. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the affected areas. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing. The slime bonds should deteriorate with the application.
Vinegar is safe enough for even baby stuffed animals!
Rubbing Alcohol
For very stubborn slime spots, reach for some rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). Using a clean rag, dab the alcohol directly on the slime. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush. The alcohol helps dissolve the slime bonds. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Take care not to saturate the entire stuffed animal with alcohol as it could damage materials.
Dish Soap
A small amount of dish soap combined with warm water can help lift slime away. Mix a few drops of soap like Dawn or Palmolive with water. Using a washcloth, gently scrub the slime. Let the soapy water sit briefly before rinsing. Repeat as needed for stubborn spots.
The surfactants in the soap help surround and dissolve slime.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive cleaner that can help scrub off dried slime. Sprinkle baking soda directly on any visible slime spots and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush and circular scrubbing motions to break up the slime.
The gritty texture of baking soda combined with light scrubbing dislodges stubborn gunk. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The bubbling reaction caused by hydrogen peroxide can help lift and dissolve slime out of fabrics. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl. Using an old toothbrush, scrub any slime you see fizzing and bubbling from the chemical reaction.
Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing out the peroxide. It may take a few applications to fully remove the slime.
With a combination of household cleaners and some elbow grease, you can safely de-slime stuffed animals and restore their snuggly glory. Just remember to spot test any cleaner on a small hidden area first and check that color remains unaffected.
With the right dissolving agents and light scrubbing, say goodbye to slimy stuffed animals!
Use a Slime Remover Product
When regular soap and water fails to remove stubborn slime residue, it’s time to bring out the heavy-duty slime removers. Several household cleaning products can break down and dissolve slimy polymers so you can rescue your child’s cherished stuffed animals.
Goo Gone
Goo Gone is a popular commercial slime remover designed to tackle sticky messes. Simply spray it directly on the slime patches, let it soak for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth. The powerful citrus-based formula helps dissolve and lift away sticky residues from plush fabric with ease.
Test first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it’s colorfast.
Carpet Spot Removers
Carpet spot removers like Resolve also work well for removing dried slime from stuffed toys. Look for pet-based formulas designed for tackling tough, gooey stains. Apply directly to the slime, let sit briefly, then rub gently with an old toothbrush and rinse.
The scrubbing action helps dislodge the slime from the fabric.
OxyClean
For a non-toxic option, OxyClean is a popular choice for removing slime from fabrics. Make a concentrated paste with warm water, spread over the stuck-on slime patches, and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes up to a few hours.
Then rinse thoroughly − the oxidizing agents in the formula help break down the polymers. It may take a few treatments to fully remove every last bit of slime residue.
Bar Keepers Friend
Bar Keepers Friend powder contains oxalic acid designed to cut through tough stains. Mix a paste with water, apply to the slime, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse. You can also try gently rubbing with an old toothbrush to help loosen the slime from the fibers of the stuffed animal.
It’s a mild abrasive, so test first in an inconspicuous area. Multiple applications may be needed for stubborn dried slime.
| Product | Application Method |
|---|---|
| Goo Gone | Spray and wipe away |
| Carpet Spot Removers | Apply, let sit, scrub and rinse |
| OxyClean | Make paste, let soak, rinse |
| Bar Keepers Friend | Make paste, let sit, scrub and rinse |
With some elbow grease and the right commercial cleaning products, you can banish sticky slime from stuffed animals and restore them to their former glory. Your kids will be thrilled to have their favorite plush pals looking fluffy and slime-free once again!
Try a Steamer to Loosen Stubborn Slime
Slime can be notoriously difficult to remove from stuffed animals and fabrics. If you’ve tried soap and water with no luck, it’s time to bring out the big guns – a steam cleaner!
A steam cleaner uses the power of hot steam to loosen and lift away grime. The heat helps to melt and dissolve the slime, while the pressure of the steam pushes it out of the fabric.
Choose a Handheld Garment Steamer
For cleaning stuffed animals, a handheld garment steamer is the perfect tool. These compact steamers are specifically designed for use on fabrics and garments.
Handheld steamers heat up quickly, usually in under a minute, so you can attack slime as soon as it happens. They’re also very affordable, with prices starting at around $20.
According to testing by Wirecutter and Good Housekeeping, some top-rated handheld garment steamer brands include Conair, PurSteam, and Rowenta.
Steam the Toy Thoroughly
To use your garment steamer for slime removal:
- Fill the steamer with distilled water per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Plug it in and allow it to heat up, usually 1-2 minutes.
- Hold the steam plate about 1/2 inch over the slimed area of the stuffed animal. Slowly move it back and forth, concentrating on one area for 5-10 seconds before moving to the next.
- Work methodically over the entire toy, steaming every slimed section for at least 5 seconds.
- For very stubborn slime, you may need to pause occasionally to wipe away softened slime with a lint-free cloth.
- When finished, allow the toy to dry completely.
The combination of heat and moisture from the steam loosens the bonds in the slime, allowing you to simply wipe it away. It’s safe for use on most fabrics and stuffing materials.
Steaming Tips
To get the best slime-removal results:
- Check toy tags and do not steam materials like vinyl, plastic, or battery packs, as the heat may damage them.
- Test steam a small hidden area first to ensure colorfastness.
- Keep the steamer moving constantly so you don’t overheat one area.
- For large toys, work in sections so the area has a chance to cool slightly between steaming.
While steaming, you may see colored slime residue lifting out of the fabric. Don’t worry, this is normal and can be wiped away after. With some perseverance, your beloved stuffie will be slime-free once again!
When to Take it to the Dry Cleaner
Getting slime out of stuffed animals can be tricky. While some mild slime may come out with a little soap and elbow grease at home, tougher messes may require professional help. Here’s a guide on when it’s best to take your slime-covered stuffed animal to the dry cleaner.
Severe Slime Situations
If the slime leaves a stubborn stain or alters the texture of the fabric, the dry cleaner has the specialized equipment and solutions to tackle the problem. This includes situations where the slime:
- Results in a thick, caked-on residue
- Leaves a dark, discolored stain
- Makes the fabric crunchy or stiff after drying
Attempting do-it-yourself fixes like dousing the toy in cleaning chemicals could make the stain worse. The powerful solvents dry cleaners use can dissolve the slime and extract the grime from the fibers without further damaging the delicate materials.
When Trying it Yourself Doesn’t Work
You can try to remove fresh slime at home with a little dish soap and warm water. Gently work the solution into the slime, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, and air dry the toy. But if hints of stickiness, stiffness, or stains linger, it’s time to call in the experts.
Don’t let the slime sit! The longer it has to bond with the fibers, the harder it will be for even the dry cleaners to remove. After a few attempts on your own have failed, take the toy for professional cleaning as soon as possible for the best results.
How Dry Cleaning Removes Slime
Dry cleaners use potent solvent solutions, not water, to break down oily stains, residues, and embedded grime. The process includes:
- Assessing the stain
- Pre-treating stuck-on grime
- Washing with solvents like perchloroethylene or hydrocarbons
- Rinsing away dissolved residue
- Gentle drying or finishing
Professional dry cleaning methods are designed to deep clean all types of fabrics without damage. Reputable cleaners will also check for colorfastness and only proceed if they determine the toy won’t be harmed.
The Benefits of Professional Cleaning
Attempting advanced stain removal at home could ruin the toy altogether. But in the hands of dry cleaning experts, there’s an excellent chance of restoring the cuddly companion to its former glory. Benefits include:
- Access to commercial cleaning agents
- Specialized equipment like ultrasonic cleaners
- Experienced technicians trained in delicate care
- Better removal of embedded gunk and stains
- Reduced risk of damage
By understanding when to bring in the professionals, you can save your beloved stuffed friends from the slimy curse!
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you all the tips and tricks to get every last bit of sticky slime out of your stuffed animals. While soap and water is always the first place to start, sometimes you need a little extra oomph from household cleaners or steamers.
With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions, you can get your child’s plush toys looking brand new again. Just remember to always spot test and check manufacturer instructions when using chemical cleaners. With the proper techniques, even dried, caked-on slime doesn’t stand a chance!
