The MLP Arena
Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: ZeldaTheSwordsman on June 13, 2012, 04:28:54 PM
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Is the washing machine a good way to clean So Soft Ponies, or is that a bad idea?
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I'd advise against it. I was mine by hand with soap or shampoo (sometimes conditioner for the hair) and a washcloth. It is easier to monitor the temp by handwashing --- hot water can make them shed.
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I think a washing machine would be way too rough. It's bound to rub off a lot of fuzz.
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Ohhhh the agitation of the washer would rip flocking right off!
COLD COLD COLD water and baking soda with a soft toothbrush will clean them more gently.
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I agree with what others have already stated. The washing machine is going to be far too rash (even ones without an agitator are less than gentle) and flocking on so softs is particularly delicate.
I'd recommend cold water, shampoo ( I use Johnson's baby wash) and conditioner all over. :)
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Just to play devil's advocate... perhaps tying the pony inside a pillow case before throwing it in the wash on a light light cycle may help?
I don't personally recommend it, but perhaps it may lessen some of the impact?
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No. ABSOLUTELY NO.
Hot water alone can damage So-softs. Heating the glue leads to flocking removal or rub or caking. Eek. Beyond that...
As a G1 purist, I'm going to say that you should always wash your ponies by hand. Dishsoap is a mild detergent. Use a little of that, rub it in with your hands since toothbrushes can actually wear flocking a bit, rinse with lukewarm water. Use conditioner on the flocking afterwards, let it sit for maybe two minutes--not long enough for it to muck up the glue, but long enough to work--then rinse.
I also always remove the heads on my ponies, since you never know what kind of surprise you're going to find in there... grimaces at the thought of rusty ponies... Plus, it allows you to dry them out completely and helps prevent the growth of molds.
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Um...yes, I would say you are more likely to deflock and damage your washing machine than clean your pony. Toothbrush, shampoo and tepid water is the best idea.
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I use a baby toothbrush and dish soap, than a little conditioner all over in cold water. Once she's dry I use the baby toothbrush again to fluff up the flocking. Works very well!
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But, on a more serious note, I suggest using cold water and a toothbrush. Hot water isn't a good idea as that can loosen up the glue and mess up the flocking. And anyway, if the pony were submerged in water like that, mold and rust would develop inside the pony. I've never heard of anyone cleaning a pony like that successfully anyway.
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^ That picture pretty much sums it up.
Mechanical washing is not a good idea for any pony merchandise, except possibly plushies (who need to be properly protected in pillowcases or mesh bags to prevent their eyes from being destroyed) and fabric merchandise. Even submerging ponies in water isn't a good idea unless you're taking their heads off. Water gets trapped inside, causes mould, mildew and tail rust.
So-softs should be hand washed with a VERY gentle/soft brush, and even then you can expect some flocking loss. Never use hot water, it loosens the glue.