A damp old cotton wash cloth that is now a rag. Use just a smidge of soap like a dish soap, and I mean a smidge, and wipe the toy down. Rinse out the wash cloth to no more soap and then wipe down the toy again. For a REALLY dirty plush that is your daughter’s favorite and it’s a total mess, you tie said toy into an old pillow case, and tie it so that it is tight in there and can NOT slosh around. The into the washing machine on the delicate cycle and rinse twice. Let it air dry.

Thank you for the suggestion and for taking the time to answer, Johngermaine :)

Edited 3/30/12: Thanks, also, to AnnGolden and Debdoll. Good suggestions all around.

I Have Found that Woolite Foam is great ,,let dry and brush or vac off

I use carpet cleaning foam. A little goes a long way. Use it with a clean white cotton washcloth and rinse with the same cloth and plain water. Don’t get the item too wet or sometimes the stuffing will bleed through. For cracks or crevices, use a toothbrush with the foam. I let the item air dry, then fluff with a dry cloth and/or brush using a wire brush.