Can this vintage ape toy be washed?

[katerose2022]

A long shot I know... we "rescued" this vintage-looking stuffed ape toy from our local charity shop just before Christmas. He looks clean enough but we wonder if we can give him a wash in the washing machine. His fillings feel a bit crunchy though which made me think it might be paper? There's no care instructions label etc on him except for a sticker saying "made by treasure toys blackpool". Anyone has come across such vintage stuffed toys pls? Thanks!

If you freeze it for a few days I think it kills any dust mites and stuff, so you can then surface wash it, I would use shampoo and an old toothbrush and try to keep it as dry as possible. Alternatively you could unpick a tiny bit of the seam and have a good look at the stuffing to see if it is washable. Good luck!

@Skippedthelightfandango thanks a lot for the advice! I wish we had a big enough freezer to fit him in!

I don't know how helpful this will be, but a family member once washed one of my vintage teddies in the washing machine. It came out in pieces, completely destroyed. It had metal joints that had all come out, and straw filling that was everywhere. So I think the previous poster's advice on how to wash it is the way to go.

I wouldn't risk it. I am am one to chuck almost anything in my machine.

I would just give him a wipe down and leave him outdoors when you can to air and dry.

He is lovely btw.

Thanks for the comments! @TurquoiseThings @isthismylifenow I'll leave him sitting on top of a shelf for now and wait till the weather gets warmer and drier to give him a good wipe