My son has a few stuffed animals that he’s decided to carry all around the house. Bunny gets handled by the ears, feet dragging on the floor. Teddy Bear gets fed from my son’s real dishes. Little Nut Brown Hare gets served milk from a sippy cup. Needless to say, they’ve gotten quite dirty. Not to mention how they smell. My dilemma, as you moms know, is how do you take these snugglies away without him knowing about it.
OK, maybe when he’s sleeping. Yeah, I’ll put them in the washing machine when he’s sleeping.
Wait, he takes them to bed at night.
OK, maybe when he’s taking a nap. Yeah, I’ll put them in the washing machine when he naps.
Wait, he naps with them too.
Crap. How am I going t wash these things. They MUST get washed.
One afternoon I just go for it. I read the tags and they each say they can go in the washing machine and even in the dryer. So, I tell my son that we are going to wash the animals. It’s a huge risk. I don’t entirely believe those little tags that are sewn to the legs of my son’s precious animals. How can they survive a washing machine? How can they not, I decide.
I take my son aside and explain what’s going to happen. He’s seen the washing machine in the works before so I’m hopeful he’ll comprehend what’s going to happen. And, as luck has it, he doesn’t freak out when I tell him what we’re doing. He even helps with the process. He’s uneasy, but goes along with it.
Here’s what we did:
The cast (of characters)
Cold water. Gentle cycle. Dreft detergent. Double rinse.
No turning back now!
Pray.
Pray.
PRAY!
Dryer time. Air dry. No heat!
Pray.
Pray.
PRAY!
All clean!
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ABOUT ALICIA: Alicia is the founder of Balancing Motherhood.com. Last year, she managed to stay sane while completing an MBA, working full-time, blogging, and still baking amazing birthday cakes — all while raising a young family at home.
Debbie says
We use the washer and dryer on our stuffed animals regularly. We use warm water, regular detergent, regular cycle, warm air dry – no special loads or exceptions, just toss them in with your regular clothes! My kids LOVE how they come out smelling (much fresher!) and feeling (much softer!). They will even ask me to wash them now and put them into the washer themselves.
Kim says
oh my gosh, that is so cute! I love how involved you get your son in everything– I can’t wait to wash stuffed animals with Gavin!