I have this large box of stuffed animals

[n2mark]

that my daughter left behind when she went to live on her own. She does not want them. If I give them away, I would want them clean, how do you clean them? Who do I give them to? They are probably filled with dust mites and that is it. I really hate to throw them away. Any suggestions?

[NMDemDist2]

1. if they aren't stained, put them in a bag and use your vacuum cleaner

to suck all the air out

it should suck all the dust out too

you can maybe also put them in the dryer with a dryer sheet and tumble them on low for 15 minutes or so

sign up for the freecycle in your town and get rid of them that way, some child will be glad to have them :)

www.freecycle.com

[Mistress Quickly]

2. You can always try the washing machine

Gentle cycle but with hot water (to kill mites). Tumble dry low, or air dry.

[Not_Giving_Up]

6. Put them in a pillow case before you wash them

It helps protect them.

[flvegan]

3. You could find a good local animal rescue or shelter

They oftentimes get puppies that would love a stuffed toy to chew on/sleep with.

We love gettin' them here.

[RebelOne]

5. My thought exactly.

Doggies love stuffed animals.

[Lorien]

7. Wildlife rescues need them too

I've worked with orphaned baby raccoons, and they need stuffed toys to cuddle with when they sleep (especially when they're in confinement as new arrivals). They really will react to the toy like it's another raccoon. It's sweet and kind of sad.

[Padraig18]

4. IICRC-certified cleaning tech here, and here's how.

I used to work for Servicemaster@, and among other things we did was restoration cleaning. Stuffed animals can be washed with Woolite and cold water on the gentle cycle in your washing machine, and tumble dry with low/no heat.

Glad to be of assistance.

:)

[n2mark]

8. Thanks so much for your help.

My daughter has a least 40 stuffed animals it would be sad to throw them away when I am sure there are many children who would appreciate something to cuddle.

I really appreciate your help.

[Pithlet]

9. Aw.

I'm glad you didn't just toss them like a lot of people would. You have a good heart :)

[n2mark]

10. If they can give comfort

to an animal or human, why toss.