Product Care Guide
We want to help you keep your paws looking their best, so we put together this handy-dandy care guide just for you! Proper paw care is necessary in order to ensure your paws last for many years. Also, we tried to make this guide as comprehensive as possible but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any care-related questions
Brushing
Brushing your paws before and after each use is a simple way to keep your paws looking neat and tidy. It also prevents the faux fur fibers from clumping together, which may lead to matting and premature wear.
Types of Brushes to Use
For shorter fur, we recommend using a soft bristle brush. Short fur on our paws is usually around the paw pads, fingers and toes. The materials in these areas are more delicate, especially the paw pads. Do not use brushes with hard bristles or teeth (e.g. slicker brushes or combs) as they may tear the fabric!
For longer fur, we recommend using a small slicker brush with coated tips. Long fur usually makes up the larger body and sleeves of our paws. The fur in these areas are more prone to clumping, matting and shedding. Therefore, a slicker brush is needed to keep the fur neat and tidy. The coated tips on the slicker brush reduces the chances of the brush accidentally pulling thread from a seam or tearing the backing of the fur fabric.
How to Brush Your Paws
For shorter fur, use a soft bristle brush. Brush gently in the direction of the faux fur until the fibers lay straight. On our paws, faux fur always points forward toward the tips of the fingers or toes. To get between the fingers on hand paws, it may be helpful to wear one paw and splay your fingers outwardly while using the other hand to brush between the fingers. Take care to be gentle when brushing near or directly on your paw pads.
For longer fur, use a small slicker brush with coated tips. Brush gently in the direction of the faux fur until the fibers lay straight. On our paws, faux fur always points forward toward the tips of the fingers or toes. Take care to avoid sections with shorter fur or paw pads. Do not brush too hard or aggressively in order to avoid pulling a seam or tearing the backing of the faux fur.
Do not continue pulling your brush if you feel resistance or a snag at any point. This may lead to a torn seam or damaged fabric. Instead, lift the brush up, return to a starting position and slowly brush forward. Repeat this step as needed. If you suspect you have an issue, contact customer support.
Disinfecting
Routinely disinfecting your paws destroys germs and odor-causing bacteria that accumulate with use. Disinfection is not a substitute for washing after heavy use but it does help ensure your paws stay clean, fresh and odor-free between uses.
Types of Disinfectant to Use
We recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol in a fine mist spray bottle. Isopropyl alcohol is a clean and effective way to destroy odor and germs without leaving behind chemicals and solvents on your paws that might attract dirt and debris. Additionally, alcohol destroys bacteria fast and evaporates quickly. A fine mist spray bottle ensures the paws are evenly coated with alcohol without soaking them.
Isopropyl alcohol is only meant to disinfect the inside of your paws. Do not use it on the outside.
How to Disinfect Your Paws
For the inside of hand paws, hold the spray nozzle a few inches from the sleeve opening and apply 1-2 sprays to thoroughly coat the inside. Allow to air dry before use.
For the inside of sock paws, turn the paw upside down, insert the spray bottle in the paw, and face the nozzle toward the toes. Apply 2-3 sprays to thoroughly coat the inside. Allow to air dry before use.
Things to Avoid when Disinfecting
We do not recommend the use of branded disinfectants and odor removers such as Clorox, Febreze or Lysol. These contain harsh chemicals, leave residues and may even damage your paws.
To err on the side of caution, we do not recommend using isopropyl alcohol or scented products containing alcohol on the outside of your paws. While uncommon, some materials contain dyes that may run or bleed when exposed to alcohol. Always use isopropyl alcohol or scented products on the inside of your paws.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is a quick and easy way to remove stains, dirt and debris from your paws in-between washing or just before washing.
How to Spot Clean Your Paws
For removing light dirt and debris, use a damp washcloth to gently wipe the faux fur and/or paw pads. Brush and then allow your paws to air dry before use.
For removing heavy dirt, debris and staining, we recommend using Folex Carpet Cleaner or a baking soda/water mix. These cleaners are safe to use on your faux fur only. We recommend washing your paws if the paw pads are dirty or stained. To spot clean, apply Folex or the baking soda/water mix to the dirty area. Gently massage the cleaner into the faux fur fibers and allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes. After the resting period, remove the cleaner from the faux fur with a damp washcloth. Brush and then allow your paws to air dry before use.
Spot cleaning is not a substitute for washing. We recommend hand washing your paws (process below) for addressing excessive use or heavy dirt, debris and/or staining.
How to Clean Paws using a Wet Vacuum
Wet vacuum systems such as the Bissell Little Green Machine are fantastic cleaning tools and can be used to prolong periods between hand washing. We recommend using a biodegradable detergent such as Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Concentrate Mild with your wet vacuum system for cleaning your paws.
Please note, this method below is intended specifically for the Bissell Little Green Machine.
Fill the wet vacuum water tank with cold tap water and add a few drops of the Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Concentrate Mild prior to attaching the tank to the wet vacuum system.
Turn on the wet vacuum and use the water jet attachment to saturate the exterior fabric on your paws.
Once the fabric is saturated with the water/detergent mixture, lightly agitate the fabric with your fingers. Avoid using the hard bristle brush on the wet vacuum for this as it can damage your paws.
Once the fabric has been agitated, use the vacuum attachment to pull the water/detergent mix out of the paws.
Once the paws have been vacuumed, turn off the wet vacuum system and empty the attached reservoir tank for dirty water.
After the reservoir tank has been emptied, reattach it to the wet vacuum system. Empty the remaining water/detergent mix from the water tank and fill it with cold fresh water. This will be used to rinse your paws.
Turn on the wet vacuum and use the water jet attachment to saturate the exterior fabric on your paws.
Next, use the vacuum attachment to pull the water out of the paws.
Turn off the wet vacuum system and empty the attached reservoir tank.
Repeat steps one through nine as necessary or until the dirty reservoir tank begins to look clear.
Once your paws have been sufficiently cleaned, set your paws aside on a clean towel or drying mat in preparation for drying. Be sure to properly clean and store your wet vacuum system after use according to the directions in the owner’s manual.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is an important part of keeping your paws fresh and looking their best! We recommend hand washing your paws after heavy, prolonged use or if they become significantly soiled.
The Reason Our Paws are Hand Wash Only
To make our plush paws big and soft, we construct them with synthetic materials called polyester fiberfill (a.k.a. poly-fil) and Airtex high-density foam. These materials hold a lot of water when they become wet. Since these materials are not removable, added water weight may place unnatural stress on your paws if they are not washed properly. Hand washing is an easy, effective and safe cleaning method. Additionally, it prevents possible fabric tears, ripped seams, clumping and fiberfill shifting that may occur with machine washing.
Types of Detergent to Use for Hand Washing
Our favorite detergent for washing paws is Tide Free & Gentle. This concentrated liquid detergent is powerful enough to remove dirt, oil and staining without leaving behind any residues. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic, perfume and dye free, and does not contain phosphates. This makes it easy on your skin while hand washing. Also, we have found Tide Free & Gentle is much easier to rinse out after washing compared to other detergents.
We do not recommend using fabric softener or other additives when hand washing your paws as they may leave behind residues, which collect dirt, oil and debris over time.
How to Hand Wash Your Paws
In a tub, shower or sink, fill a large plastic container with cold tap water. Ensure that the container is clean and large enough to submerge your paws underwater.
Add about 1-2 teaspoons of liquid laundry detergent to the water and gently stir the water to mix it in. One teaspoon is usually sufficient but additional detergent may be used for heavy soiled items. Remember, liquid detergent is concentrated and only a tiny amount is needed for washing.
Inspect your paws for any stains that may require spot cleaning before washing (instructions on spot cleaning are available above).
Slowly submerge your paws into the water while gently squeezing them to ensure the insides absorb water.
Once submerged, gently agitate the fur on the outside of your paws with your finger tips. This helps the detergent break up any dirt and oils on your paws. Do the same with the fabric on the inside of your paws.
Allow your paws to soak for about 10-15 minutes.
After soaking, slowly raise your paws out of the water with your hands supporting them from underneath. This is important due to the additional water weight. After the paws are out of the water, gently press on them to help the excess water drain.
Temporarily set your paws aside on a clean towel or drying mat. Drain the water from the large plastic container.
In a tub, shower or sink, turn the faucet on to cold tap water and fill the large plastic container again. The clean water will be used to rinse your paws.
Slowly submerge your paws in the water. Gently squeeze them while they are submerged to help the clean water rinse out any leftover detergent. This should only take 1-3 minutes.
After rinsing, slowly raise your paws out of the water as before with your hands supporting them from underneath. After the paws are out of the water, gently press on them to help the excess water drain.
Set your paws aside on a clean towel or drying mat in preparation for drying. Drain the water from the large plastic container.
How to Air Dry Your Paws after Washing
After you have washed your paws, it is important to dry them properly to avoid any issues. Do NOT store your paws until they are fully and completely dry! Paws that remain damp for long periods of time after washing are at risk of forming mold or mildew.
Please note, paws must be air dried. Do NOT place your paws in a drying machine! This will destroy your paws! Your paws are made of plastic materials that will melt when exposed to extreme heat. Even if a dryer has a “no heat” or “air dry” setting, it is best to err on the side of caution and simply not use the machine.
Place your paws on a clean towel or drying mat.
With a dry towel, begin to pat the outside of the paws to help remove any excess water from washing. This will speed up the drying process.
After removing any excess water with a towel, begin brushing your paws. This will ensure the fur does not clump together and become matted as it dries. Start by brushing the longest fur first then work toward any shorter fur last. Please use the same brushing techniques as described at the beginning of the Product Care Guide.
Once your paws have been brushed, place them back on a clean towel or drying mat.
Point a box fan, utility fan or similar fan toward your paws to allow moving air to blow over top of them. This will dramatically accelerate the drying process. Paws may take 24 hours or longer to completely dry. We recommend occasionally rotating your paws in different orientations every few hours to ensure all areas of your paws are being dried. For sock paws, lay the paws on their side with the sleeve opening pointing toward the fan. This ensures that the inside of your sock paws are being dried as well. Sock paws are larger than hand paws and usually take more time to dry.
Occasionally brush your paws once every few hours while they are air drying. This will ensure the fur does not clump together and become matted as it dries.
After 24 hours, check your paws to see if they are dry. If they are still damp, continue to air dry them using the fan as needed.
Once your paws are completely dry, give your paws a final brush. They are now ready for storage or use.
Washing Machine Spin Cycle
Some washing machine units have a spin cycle only setting for the purpose of removing excess water from fabrics. If you have a washing machine with this setting, you may use it on your paws to remove excess water prior to drying. This will dramatically speed up the time it takes to air dry your paws.
Storage
Proper storage ensures your paws are protected from the elements when they are not in use. This will help keep your paws clean and prolong their useful lifespan.
How to Store Your Paws
Paws may be stored in a container or bag on their own or with other costume/fursuit parts. We do not recommend leaving your paws out in the open for long periods of time as they may collect dust and odors.
Store your paws away from direct light sources (especially sunlight). Storage containers and bags should block light. Faux fur is made up of plastic fibers that may discolor when exposed to UV (ultraviolet) light for long periods of time.
Store your paws in a cool and dry place to prevent exposure to heat and moisture.
Always ensure that your paws are completely dry before storing. Paws that remain damp when placed in storage could develop mold or mildew. Allow your paws to completely air dry after use, disinfecting, cleaning or washing.
Consider storing your paws with silica gel packets. These are designed to absorb any residual moisture while your paws are in storage.
Disclaimer regarding Indoor Plush Sock Paws
The materials utilized in the construction of sock paws, such as minky and faux fur, are not intended for prolonged walking. These materials are susceptible to damage caused by friction and/or debris on ground surfaces. In light of this, we wish to inform our customers that instances of wear-and-tear and/or damages arising from such use will not be covered under warranty. This policy will be strictly enforced. While the sock paws exhibit durability, their primary design is geared towards aesthetic comfort wear, photo sessions, or light-wear scenarios, as opposed to extensive use in furry convention spaces or vigorous activities.
In other words, please take good care of your paws and they will last you a long time!