I've got a couple Ty brand stuffed animals (bears) that are overdue for washing that have sentimental value, so I don't want to just toss them in the laundry and come what may...
Material descriptions: They aren't Ty's classic beanie babies, but more classically styled stuffed bear, just floppier. The outside of one is "100% TySilk", and the other is "100% TyLux". The TyLux tag says simply "machine washable," but based on personal childhood experiences, I don't think it'd come out close to its real self, haha. The TySilk gives no cleaning instruction at all. As for what they feeeel like...The TySilk bear feels close to polyester (which was fluffy when I first got it, haha) with a little luster to it, and has microfiber-like paw pads. The TyLux bear feels like the same microfiber-y material on the latter's paw pads. Both have plastic eyes. Being Ty, their limbs have their trademark plastic pellets contained in a cloth bag inside, but their heads and bodies are polyester-stuffed.
Actually, these are owned by myself and my husband - first gift & Valentine items, but I figure, hey, if anyone would know how to clean something well, it would be a mom! :) The bears go on the bed and don't really get taken off, so they've been slept with/on, used as pillows, fallen on the floor then and again, and thrown around, but they've never befallen serious mess or grime. So, I'm not crazy concerned with getting an antiseptic level of sanitation to their cores, but as best as I can without sending them somewhere, haha.
I found a method that seems to be a solid idea (http://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/washing-stuffed-animals/), but was hoping to find out if anyone has some tips and tricks for the best results or experience with these Ty guys. Also, the TyLux one is totally white (polar bear)...of the two, it obviously looks worse for the wear. Is bleach of some kind even an option? Is a spot test even worth doing...? I never use it outside of laundry, so don't know what to expect. Any words from the wise?
EDIT:
Thanks so much for your answers! The bears are about 6 years old.
I tie things like this in a pillowcase (or you can use a mesh garment bag) and machine wash, no bleach.
How old are the bears. I've successfully washed stuffed animals for the past 20 years I put them in a pillow case and wash them in a regular cycle with cold water.
The tag that names the fabric sounds like they are Ty names. Perhaps you can learn more about the fabric by contacting the manufacturer.
I googled ty silk and found directions for cleaning pellet stuffed toys on Ehow. I suggest that the surface is made of a synthetic fiber which holds up well when washed. However, decorations may be more fragile.
Never use chlorine bleach on synthetic fibers.
I have had very good success repeatedly washing Ty animals (I think ours are TyLux - they do say machine wash). I just throw them in the wash on cold with everything else - no special treatment and they have held up very well. They don't come out perfectly new - but I think most of that is just the wear of being very loved and carried around by the neck constantly. I even put them in the dryer when we need them back in a hurry and it hasn't hurt them. Not sure about the TySilk. I would ask the company. I would say no on the bleach. It will probably come cleaner than you think just by washing it.
You can try putting them inside a pillow case or lingerie bag, use the delicate cycle on cold setting and Woolite.
Then let them air dry - don't use the dryer.
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_clean-disinfect-stuf...
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_put-beanie-babies-wa...
