So, you've given your kid's plushies a good wash but now you've found yourself wondering, "Can you put stuffed animals in the dryer?" while you're holding your little one's soggy teddy bear. I've been there.
Don't worry. Let's dive into the basics of drying stuffed animals safely so they can end up as cuddly and delightful as ever.
To dry or not to dry—that is the question
First things first, can stuffed animals go in the dryer? Well, it's not that easy. Not all of them can go in the dryer because it depends on different factors.
Check the care label
All stuffed toys come with care instructions. It's usually a tiny label that we tend to cut—oops.
If the plushie still has the tag, read it to find out the manufacturer's recommendations on how to clean and dry the toy safely.
Look for any mention of machine drying or for the drying symbol, which is a square with a circle inside. If the symbol is marked with an X, it's not suitable for the dryer.
If the label is missing, it's better to be safe and proceed with an alternative drying method.
Consider the stuffed animal's features
Check the unique features of the plushie to determine if it would withstand tumble drying.
-
Materials: if the plushie is made of silk, wool or furry fabric, then it's not dryer safe. Delicate fabrics won't resist the heat and they may end up damaged.
-
Accessories and electronics: if the fur friend has glued-on eyes, sequins, buttons, or electronic components like built-in battery packs, keep it away from the dryer.
-
Delicate plushies: don't put those stuffed toys that are old, vintage or hold a sentimental value in the dryer, just in case.
Safely drying stuffed animals in the dryer
If the plush animal can handle the dryer, then you need to follow some simple steps to ensure it comes out like brand new.
Preparation is key
Regardless of the cleaning method you've used, make sure you've rinsed all the soapy water from the stuffed animal. This is because if there's soap residue, it can make the fur stiff, and nobody wants to hug a crunchy polar bear. My daughter won't even hug my husband when he hasn't shaved so I doubt she would hug a stiff plushie.
To give it additional protection, place it in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied at the end.
Setting up the dryer
Now, set up the dryer in a low heat or air fluff setting. Higher heat can cause shrinkage or damage. Opt for the gentle or delicate cycle to minimize the tumbling.
During the drying process
Do not toss the plushie to the dryer and leave it there. Make sure to check it constantly and take it out while it’s still slightly damp, as this helps keep the fabric soft and prevents over-drying.
While it's warm, give it a little massage to reshape and fluff up the fur.
Alternatives to using the dryer
How can you dry a stuffed animal if you cannot use the dryer? Don't worry, there are other safe methods that will make them dry and huggable again.
Air drying
One of the safest drying methods for plushies is letting it air dry. Place it in a well-ventilated area, either on a dry towel or hanging it up.
Make sure to check it every so often to reshape it in case it starts to lose its shape. Avoid direct sunlight as it can fade the colors away.
Towel drying
You can also roll the plush animal in a dry towel to soak up excess water. If the stuffed toy is very wet, then repeat it using a fresh towel until it is almost dry.
Gentle heat
Just because you cannot use the dryer doesn't mean you can't use heat. We've hacked the system.
You can use a hair dryer on a cool or low heat setting, but don't hold it too close to avoid overheating. This way you can focus on damp areas and let the stuffed animal dry evenly.
Extra tips and things to watch out for
Be mindful of materials
To avoid damaging your little one's stuffed toys either when washing or drying, check it thoroughly before doing anything.
If the plushie has any tears, loose stitches, or delicate fabrics, fix it before washing it. Also, do not use fabric softener as it can leave residues.
Even if the label says it's safe to dry it in the dryer, if you see anything that could get damaged, play safe and let the stuffed animal air dry to avoid risks.
Dealing with pests
In case there have been unwelcomed guests in your house, like head lice or fleas, the dryer could be your ally. But first, ensure it can resist the heat. If not, consider sealing it in a plastic bag and freezing it for a few days to kill those unwanted bugs.
Quick freshen-up
For those plushies that just need a bit of freshening and are dryer safe, pop it on a no-heat cycle inside a laundry mesh for a few minutes.
Here’s how to know if you can use the dryer:
So, is it safe to put stuffed animals in the dryer? My answer is: check the label first.
But what if it doesn't have it? Then, skip the dryer if the plushie has any of the following:
-
Delicate fabrics like fur, silk, or wool.
-
Accessories like glued-on eyes, sequins, buttons, plastic parts, and similars.
-
Electronic components like batteries, switches, buzzers, etc.
If in doubt, you have other safest options, like air drying, using a towel, or going with a hair dryer.
