Bear Care

Prevention is better than the Cure!!

There are many everyday hazzards for the Teddybear, such as direct sunlight and dust. One of the main problems are that moths and beetles are attracted to the natural woolen fibres, even annimal fleas will thrive in the long pile. The prevention methods shown below should be followed to prolong your bears life!

Systematic checks for bugs and mites etc.
Regular dusting of the bears should be carried out.
The following methods are advisable for cleaning bears

Fumigation - Place infested teddies in a sealed plastic bag with mothballs or flea powder overnight.
Dry Cleaning - This should never be considred
Wet Cleaning - Never immerse a traditional jointed bear in water but lightly sponging is acceptable.
Drying - thorough drying must take place after washing.
Bran bath - Bran may be used to draw grease from the fur by rubbing firmly.

It is acceptable to lightly vacuum a bears fur to remove dust or flea powder if treated.

HOW TO PATCH A BEAR
The most important stage in patching a bear is to match the fabric in both colour and pile. If you have a bald bear then reverse the plush showing the woven backing uppermost. Cut the patch a little larger than the hole.
To fit the patch fold the patch around a darning needle and push it into the hole. Flatten and manoeuvre the patch gently into place (if a bald bear, with the weave matching the original).
To stitch the patch in place, pin the patch securely in position and over sew the edges of the hole to the new patch, finish off and lose the end of the thread in the body.

BRAN BATH YOUR BEAR
Fill a clean plastic bag with bran (available from most health food shops or supermarkets). Place the bear into the bag and rub in the bran liberally and vigorously into the fur.
When you are satisfied that the teddy has been thoroughly drenched it can be brushed out with a stiff natural bristled brush, use a damp cotton bud to remove any excess dust from around the eyes and nose etc.

SURFACE WASH AND DRY
Fill a bowl with warm water and a mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo) and wisk to create a lather. Dab lather into fur with a wad of cotton; wipe over the surface of the fur.
When you have washed the bear to your satisfaction, rinse the surface with clean water; pat the bear dry wwith a clean towel. Leave to dry naturally but not in direct sunlight. If you are in a hurry then a hair dryer may be used, but ensure you use the coolest setting of temperature and at the slowest speed, this will avoid burning the fur.
When the fur is dry, use a comb or a clean natural bristled brush to fluff up the pile. Brush downwards for a smooth effect, or upwards for a more plush effect.