How to clean and repair a vintage teddy bear or soft toy
Old mohair bears and soft toys are often grubby and a bit threadbare. Surface cleaning and small repairs can make a big difference without risking the stuffing.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Freeze it first
Put the bear in a sealed bag in the freezer for 72 hours to kill any moth or beetle larvae.
Step 2: Vacuum it
Stretch a nylon stocking over the vacuum nozzle and vacuum gently all over to lift dust.
Step 3: Surface clean
Whisk wool wash into a foam and dab only the foam onto the fur with a soft brush. Wipe off with a barely damp cloth. Don't wet the stuffing.
Step 4: Dry and fluff
Let it air dry, then brush the fur gently against the grain to lift it.
Step 5: Mend seams
Close open seams with a ladder stitch in strong thread. Top up thin areas with matching stuffing through the seam first.
Step 6: Look for the maker
Check for buttons, tags or labels in the ear, side seam or foot. Steiff, Chad Valley and Joy Toys bears are all collected in New Zealand.
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