Tips on cleaning soft baby toys?

[Where there's hope]

Hi there

My nesting instinct has kicked in full swing before the arrival of No.2 We have a lot of gorgeous soft toys from DD we would like to pass on, but I want them clean first.

Most of the labels say, "spot clean only", which won't do as I really want the whole lot clean. I would love to toss them all in the washing machine on a delicate cycle - could even use wool/silk washing detergent. But as most of the toys have squeakers in them with those little holes, I think they would fill with water and seep over time.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
WTH

[Olive]

i chuck all ours in the wash!! no rporblems so far

[Where there's hope]

AJP - That's the way I am headed. Do your's have those squeakers in them? Like the Amirose ones?

Thanks, WTH

[Daydream Believer]

maybe try scrubbing them with a nail brush & soapy water

[Taurean]

The squeeker ones may not squeek again after being machined washed. My dog loves his toys and all the soft ones go in the wash every so often but the squeekers don't usually survive the washing machine. Something to keep in mind

[~Kim~]

google soft toy clean Shannon Lush.
She has a great recipe that uses a freezer and bran I think....semed to work great on her show.

[Where there's hope]

Thanks everyone! Shall Google Shannon Lush now

[tellytubby]

i wipe ours over with milton solution, then hang on the line to get rid of any dampness

[Feathertop]

I used the Shannon Lush technique which worked really well on toys that weren't too soiled. Those that were got a spot scrub with a toothbrush and bubbles/foam from some cheap shampoo in cold water (also a Shannon Lush type thing) following by the same in warm water. One toy had to be soaked in Napisan then scrubbed to get clean (reflux baby!). They are all great now.