INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Always read the tag if possible before putting a stuffed toy in the washing machine. If there are no washing instructions, look for these signs of delicate toys that should be washed using gentle methods only: Non-removable electrical components (lights, voice box, etc.) or metal frames Movable limbs (they usually contain delicate wooden joints) Toys stuffed very densely, stuffed with foam or fiberfill, or that contain paper or plastic stiffeners (you can feel these when you squeeze the toy) Visibly aged or handmade toys Leather All rips and tears should be repaired before machine washing Toys over 18 inches (45 cm) in any dimension may be damaged in home laundry machines, but some laundromats have larger machines available Stuffing can take a long time to dry once it's wet all the way through. If you weigh the toy before it gets wet, you'll know that it's mostly dry once it's back to its original weight. If you skip this step, there's a chance you won't give the toy enough time to dry. The internal moisture could cause rot or sagging. You'll have the highest chance of removing dry stains if you rub on a mild laundry detergent and let it sit on the toy for ten minutes before you begin the laundry. A specialized stain removal cleaner may work, but test it on an inconspicuous area of the toy first to see if it causes discoloration. This will minimize damage from tumbling. This is especially important in a top-load washer. Use a mild laundry detergent. Avoid using fabric softener as it increases the flammability of fabrics. Additionally, some fabric softeners cause respiratory irritation. If none of your laundry detergents are labeled mild, look at the eco-friendly brands. In a pinch, you can use shampoo or dish detergent, but use or of the recommended amount, as it will create a large amount of suds. If the stuffed toys are white, add chlorine bleach to the washing machine to sanitize them. If they are colored, use color-safe bleach. Swing the toy sharply in the air a couple times to fling off surface moisture, then hang up to drip dry in a well-ventilated area. Once the toy has stopped dripping, move it to a well-ventilated area on a towel and leave it for several days to finish drying. Direct sunlight can cause color fading. You can sometimes feel damp lumps when you squeeze the toy. Once it feels normal again when squeezed, it is probably done drying.

SUMMARY: Check for signs of a delicate toy. Weigh the toy (optional). Pre-treat stains (optional). Put the toys in a zippered pillowcase. Wash the toys in a cold, gentle cycle. Air dry.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most stuck songs, or earworms, are actually parts of a song, such as a catchy chorus or even just a line or two. Your brain might be replaying this because it's stuck on where to go next. Listen to the complete song from beginning to end. This may be the most effective solution, although there are still plenty of times it doesn't work. Engaging with the song doesn't work for everyone. If you hate the idea of listening to the song again, read the section below on distraction techniques. Unclear or forgotten lyrics can also frustrate your brain. Look the lyrics up online. Sing them aloud or sing silently to yourself to help your brain process the song. If you can memorize all the lyrics, this might make the song too long to hold in your head. If you can play an instrument, try to recreate the song. Grappling with the music and working out how to play it solves the problem for many musicians. Try out different tweaks and variations to break the repetitive cycle. Even if you find this difficult, a sense of control can make you less anxious about the situation. For a few minutes, or until you start feeling frustrated, try to change the song in the following ways: Imagine turn down the volume knob of the song until it sounds like a whisper. Imagine your mind as a room with many rooms. Build barriers in front of the song, slowly caging it into a smaller and smaller area. Each time you add a barrier, the song becomes quieter and more muffled. 'Play' the song in your head at a different tempo, imagining it as (very) slow or fast. Once the song is quiet, it's time to end it. Use more visualization techniques to kick it out of your head once and for all: Visualize a sword or sharp object within your head, severing the link between your mind and the song. Imagine a record player in as much detail as possible. Look closely at the needle moving through the groove as the song plays. Lift the needle and listen to the sudden silence. When you get to the end of the song, sing the last note (aloud or in your head), then let the pitch drop steadily until it's much lower than any note in the song. This can sometimes prevent it starting again.

SUMMARY:
Listen to the song all the way through. Look up the lyrics. Play the song on an instrument. Visualize the song changing. Picture the song ending.