Parents Admit to Beary Bad Hygiene
- 1 in 5 parents never wash their children’s teddy bear
- 83% of parents are aware cuddly toys carry germs
- 1 in 4 have damaged a cuddly toy in the wash
Teddy bears are more than just toys, they’re bedtime buddies, travel companions, and comforters in times of need. But while they’re loved dearly, new research revealed they’re not always cleaned as often as they should be.
A survey of 2,000 Brits from AO.com found that 1 in 5 parents have never washed their children’s cuddly toy.
Despite an overwhelming 83% of parents said they are fully aware that children’s cuddly toys carry germs. In fact, 28% said they’re also aware of the types of germs our cuddly friends gather.
When quizzed on the reasons why parents don’t wash their children’s cuddly toys, with 17% saying they didn’t think it needed washing regularly and a quarter saying they had a cuddly toy damaged in the wash before.
Katy Roberts, AO’s washing machine expert, shares her top tips on keeping your child’s favourite soft toys and blankets fresh, fluffy, and germ-free, without ruining them in the wash.
“If your furry companion is looking a bit worse for wear, there’s nothing finer for it than popping your teddy bear into your washing machine. To clean them properly, check your care label and if this has worn away over the years, then put on a gentle, cold wash with a mild detergent to be on the safe side.
“If your teddy has seen better days and is more on the delicate side, then use a soft cloth or sponge with shampoo and dab away at any dirty areas. Leave this to air dry naturally and you can even give this a quick fluff with a soft brush for a magic touch to finish.
“If you’re worried about your teddy or blanket losing its softness then adding a fabric softener to your washing load can do the trick. This will help to loosen its fibres and stop your blanket becoming crunchy or teddy becoming stiff!
“You can also add vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle as this naturally softens fabrics and removes any soap residue. When air drying these items, give them a good shake or even brush them to help restore softness.”
The survey also found that 1 in 17 parents don’t believe germs on teddies will do any harm, 1 in 25 worry the toy could get lost in the wash, and 1 in 20 say they can’t pry the cuddly toy away from their child long enough to clean it.
For more expert advice and cleaning tips, visit: https://ao.com/bear