Keeping your plush critters clean can be especially important for kids (and adult collectors) that have allergies. The following are methods I have discovered during the research and development of creating our own plush character, Woz Wannabe.

We've had to wash our Woz dozens of times due to so many photo shoots and other odd situations he's gotten into. These methods have worked well every time and he's holding up beautifully.

Because of the fur, the critters can tend to be a magnet for dust and air born oils. If allergies are an issue in your home, check to see if the plush critter that you are interested in owning, is washable, prior to purchase.

Later on, when your critter is in need of a bath I suggest the following .... Begin with your vacuum. It's amazing how far that can go to remove dust and you may be able to delay the actual bath until another time. You may also consider placing the critter in the freezer for several hours which will help kill off dust mites.

At bath-time, never plunge the critter into a full water bath! It would take far too long to dry and unseen mold may become an issue for that little one with allergies. Remove all clothes and other embellishments such as ribbons and bows. Fill your sink with water and your choice of mild cleaning agent and create suds. You will wash your critter with the suds only.

Avoid products with formaldehyde, phosphates, ammonia, phenols and other harsh chemicals. The outgassing these agents produce can be a trigger for allergy attacks. (If you are unable to find a cleaning product that you are comfortable with, feel free to email me and I can recommend the ones that I found success with.)

Now you can wash your critter with the suds the same way you would a child. Just rub the suds around on it gently. When finished gently scrape off all that you can and let dry. I would now recommend vacuuming again to remove the dry particles that the suds loosened. When dry, use a very soft brush (such as an infants hair brush) to move the fur into position.