Steps For Clean Stuffed Toys

Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can be taken to keep toys hygienically clean and smelling sweet, and these tips range from managing the lightly soiled to the positively filthy! You don't have to do this alone! Why not involve your child in the process of giving their favourite toys 'a bath'? This is a great way to engage your child in understanding concepts of hygiene and even grooming! Is just a wipe over necessary?

If the stuffed toy is just a little dusty, this can be overcome by wiping them over with a damp cloth. It is also possible to use the hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller and finish the process by brushing the toy with a brush that is not used on human hair. You could also try using cornmeal, as a dry shampoo. After this has been left to sit for an hour, the toy can be dusted off.

When you are ready and have determined that the stuffed toy is able to be machine washed, it can be placed in a pillowcase (ideally one with a zip) and included with the rest of the laundry. Given the precious cargo of the washing machine, it is advisable to use a delicate cycle. Fabric softener could also be included to maximise the softness and cuddliness of the toy.

The washing machine is also useful for giving sprucing up some stuffed toys. Always check the care label to check for any laundering recommendations and inspect the toy for any rips or tears to the seams. Any stains on the toy can be pre-treated with a mild laundry detergent, provided that the detergent is tested on an inconspicuous part of the toy to avoid discolouration or bleaching.

Following laundering in the machine, allow the toy to air dry; do not use the clothes dryer. The wet toy can be hung out on the clothesline but be careful to keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. When dry, a good brushing will help the toy to stay plush and cuddly.

Best advice: To keep them hygienic, wash any stuffed toys that children may sleep with on a fortnightly basis and dust and brush them regularly. Try to clean up spills as they occur but make sure they are not rubbed - this will only embed them further into the fur. A damp sponge followed by a dry towel should be used to blot a stain. So, as you can see, there are some simple steps that can be taken to keep stuffed toys looking and smelling fresh and hygienically prepared for years of cuddles with children.
Take care! A word of warning about very old or very delicate stuffed toys...do not use the washing machine! This also applies to large toys, too big to fit in the machine and those filled with beans. Instead, place the toy and some baking soda in a paper bag and give it a good shake until the toy is coated in the baking soda. After 30 minutes, brush the baking soda off with a towel.

Replica Bus, Are They Toys ?

Made of die-cast metal and durable plastic this collectible measures 6x6.5x1.5 inches and weighs 3.2 ounces. It is perfect in every detail to the original bus right down to the chrome window trim, turn signals, side mirrors, color scheme, lettering and signage. The interior shows the original seating for 41 passengers.

Put into service by Greyhound through the 1940's this bus was powered by a powerful Detroit 6-71 diesel engine and included a 4 speed transmission with the shifter on the column. It did not come with power steering. It was updated in 1951 with a retooling of the rear section of the bus.

Although these replicas are actually classified as toys many collectors cherish them for their true to life attention to detail and the superior workmanship truly makes them suitable as collectibles by serious memorabilia collectors. You don't have to be a collector, however, to appreciate the beauty of this piece of history and many who lived through that era get much joy from the memories that they inspire.


 The size of this replica also makes it equally perfect for inclusion in a HO rail road display as well as in a prominent place on a book shelf,mantel or any other display area. In 1913 by a young man by the name of Carl Erick Wickman, a miner who didn't care for his job, opened up a Hupmobile dealership. He couldn't sell the things so he started driving workers to the mines in them for 15 cents apiece.


Having been a small boy myself during that time period I personally recall seeing many of these buses and eventually getting my first ride on one. So I find these items dear to my own heart and have several in my own collection. I just wish I knew what happened to my Lionel train set which I received one Christmas in the late 1940's. I can still remember the touch of the smooth cool metal, and smell the oil that lubricated the moving parts of that train. The head lite lit up, the horn blew,


it even had smoke coming out of the stack. I hope that I didn't swap it for a bag of snake eye marbles or a wooden rifle that shot rubber bands which we made from inner tubes, both of these were really in great demand around our neighborhood in the early fifties.

Outdoor Toys

Outdoor toys can include sand pits which come in many shapes and sizes today. The available sizes can fit all garden spaces to bring the beach atmosphere to the home. Children enjoy hours of fun in the sun and sand without the danger of tides and waves. It gives a great pleasure to the children.

Climbing frames prove to be great toys for active children. These are excellent motor skill pieces to strengthen the muscles of growing children. There is a wide selection of climbing frames that are easily installed as outdoor toys. These pose a safe and fun challenge to children who are curious and adventurous.

Outdoor toys can come in the form of outdoor playhouses. These are excellent components for a world of make believe to develop the children's creativity and social interaction skills as they play individually or in groups.

Swings are most children's favorite toys. There is a wide selection of swings for babies to youngsters. Some swings come with slides to add on more fun and excitement as toys.

A consumer can purchase toys with complete confidence as they purchase from reputable outdoor toys manufacturers and retailers who also include free delivery; that gives further savings when purchasing outdoor toy.

Some outdoor toys stores also carry some sort of guarantees; a refund of the difference is offered if the purchaser can find the similar outdoor toys at a lower price elsewhere while some retailers would offer a year's guarantee on their toys products.

Reputable toys retailers would allow a return of their products if they were found to be defective; some retailers practice a 7-day return policy while others practice a one-time exchange on goods sold within a certain time frame.