My granddaughter's favorite teddy bear was left wet in a plastic bag. It is now green and black with mold. How can I save it for her?
By sue from collierville from Collierville, TN
Something like this happened with my daughter's favorite toy when she was a toddler. I had that terrible sinking feeling when I found it. I don't think hers was as bad as yours, but this is what I did (as I remember it -- it's been about 7 years).
I know that I used tea tree oil on it. I don't remember if I added it to the wash, or if I soaked it. I had a spray bottle with tea tree oil and water, so I probably just saturated the toy with that and let it sit for a while. I remember that I soaked in Oxy-clean. And hot water for the wash. I probably washed it a couple times.
I might have added Borax to the wash, and I always used vinegar in the rinse. I know that I would not have used chlorine bleach. I don't like chlorine bleach anyway, and I certainly would not have used it on my daughter's toy.
It worked for me. I think it was the tea tree oil and the Oxi-Clean that took care of it. I know that I soaked it for a long time before putting it through the washer. Good luck with your granddaughter's teddy bear.
May I know what is the safest and most effect way of removing mildew on a stuffed animal without discoloration and thinning of the silk-like material?