A very messy teddy (pictures included)

[greywalls93]

I'm hoping for some advice re cleaning a really matted, dirty teddy. It's fur is sticking together with dust and other dirt and -woodshavings

It can't go in the washing machine and I can only think of taking scissors to it- any ideas?

Can you hand wash?

I think scissors would do more damage than a washing machine! I'd soak it in warm, soapy water and gently ease the muck out by hand washing. Can you tell what is it filled with?

I'd stick it in the machine if it's a kids toy. Might not look better but at least you'll know it's clean. If it's an antique piece obviously don't do that.

Sellotape or a Defuzzit bobble remover? Then baby shampoo on toothbrush?

I would probably hand wash it in something like baby shampoo, then a tiny amount of conditioner?

Then pop it on a hot radiator, turning occasionally, until it’s bone dry.

I don’t know how it would do in a tumble dryer.

Then try brushing/combing gently.

I was thinking a defuzz thing, or maybe even a suede brush?

Baby shampoo and nit comb or cat brush? Then a bit of spray on conditioner and another comb then pop to dry on a radiator?

Thanks for ideas so far, looks like I should hand wash then defuzz?

It's made of polyester fiberfill and polyuthone foam

When they wash out dreadlocks (there are some oddly satisfying videos on YouTube) they often use lemon juice And bicarb which tends to get lots of dirt out and should be fairly teddy friendly. Then hand wash with hot soapy water.