Cleaning Old Teddy Bear

[samby]

I have a very old teddy bear (about 27 or 28 years old) of sentimental value, which could do with a bit of TLC. It's handmade - a family member made it out of some old flannel pyjamas, so I don't want to put it in the washing machine just in case anything happens to it. It has some yellowish stains on it which I'd like to get out, just wondering what people would suggest using on it. I'm not sure how old the stains are or what they are, so they might not come out at all, but I think it's worth a try. Thanks for any suggestions!

[Old_Geezer]

I think I'd just hand wash it gently,as one would one's favourite wool jumper. You could let it soak in water and a biological washing powder for a few hours, see if the biological bit eats away at the stain.

[murraymints]

use a spot cleaner like vanish soap bar or spray, then gentle hand wash with a powder for delicates like Lux flakes...if hanging out to dry put in pillow case hang by that..

[Jackdaw33]

God, Lux flakes? Haven't seen them since the 50s! Anyone remember Dreft and Stergene?

[murraymints]

used them too Jack...have lux flakes under the sink now !

[Old_Geezer]

Got both Lux and Dreft still on the shelf. Card boxes look worse for wear though.

[dollie65]

I would steam clean it, too risky to immerse in water.

[woofgang]

very good advice here
http://www.bearycutebears.com/index.php?p=view_category&category_id=21

[samby]

Thanks for the ideas, I was thinking maybe something like Vanish. I will have a look in Tesco tonight and see what I can find.