How to wash stuffed animals without ruining them

Stuffed animals, besides being a source of joy and comfort for our children, can also accumulate dirt and germs that can be detrimental to health.

Although they may not need a bath as frequently as our children, plushies still need a good cleaning once in a while. But how often? What is the best way to clean them without risking damage?

This guide covers every method that uses water — machine washing, hand washing without a washing machine, and drying. If your plush can't get wet at all, see how to clean stuffed animals without water instead.

Can you wash stuffed animals? How often?

You can clean most stuffed animals easily, either by hand or in your washing machine.

If the plushie is your kid’s favorite toy and sleeps with it or carries it around a lot, then it’s advisable to clean it weekly. If it’s visibly dirty or it has a bad smell, then it’s time for a wash.

Also, if anybody in the house suffers from allergies or asthma, it’s necessary to clean the plushies weekly. If your kid has been sick, it’s good to clean it right away to disinfect it.

In any other case, you don’t need to wash them that frequently. With a good clean once a month it should be enough.

How to wash plush toys in the washer?

Using the washer is convenient, as you do not need to put in much effort. But this method puts a lot of wear on the toy’s fabrics, so check first if the plushie can resist it. If it has fragile clothing like sheer or accessories like sequins, buttons, etc. then it’s probably best to hand wash it.

Remove electronics and accessories

First, give the stuffed animal a thorough once-over. Remove the battery pack, sound box, or any electronic components as they can get damaged with water.

In addition, remove accessories and loose parts like clothing, ribbons, bracelets, and any other as they can get entangled and cause damage to the toy. Lastly, check if the plushie is torn anywhere or has loose seams, and repair it with a needle or using a patch.

Check the washing instructions

Check the label of the stuffed animal before starting. If the toy isn’t machine-washable then you have to opt for another method. Also, the label specifies the washing instructions such as temperature and cycle.

Pre-clean stains

Some food and dirt stains won’t come out even using the washer. Pre-treat them using a mild laundry detergent and a soft brush.

Use a protective bag

Once the stuffed animal is ready to wash, put it inside a laundry mesh bag to protect it. If you don’t have any, a pillowcase works just as well.

Select the right settings

Choose the gentle or delicate cycle, and use cold water. Add a mild detergent and a laundry sanitizer to ensure the plush toy is bacteria-free.

How to wash stuffed animals without a washing machine

Hand washing is the safest method for any plush toy, and it's the only option for ones that aren't machine washable — delicate fabrics, glued-on eyes, vintage plush, or anything with a label that says surface wash only. It takes about ten minutes of actual work.

What you need: a sink, tub or bucket, cool water, a mild detergent or baby shampoo, a soft toothbrush or microfiber cloth, and two clean towels.

1. Remove everything that shouldn't get wet. Batteries, sound boxes, clothing, ribbons, and any glued-on accessories. Check for loose seams and repair them first — water will make a small tear worse.

2. Fill with cool water and a small amount of detergent. Cool, not warm — heat can shrink stuffing and set stains. A teaspoon of mild detergent or baby shampoo is plenty.

3. Submerge and squeeze gently. Press the plush under the water and squeeze rather than wring — wringing distorts the stuffing and it may never sit right again. Let it soak for around fifteen minutes.

4. Work on the dirty areas. Use the toothbrush or cloth on stained spots, moving in small circles. Faces, paws and anywhere a child holds it will be the worst.

5. Rinse until the water runs clear. Drain, refill with clean cool water, and squeeze through several times. Leftover detergent stiffens the fur as it dries.

6. Press out the water in a towel. Lay the plush on a dry towel, roll it up, and press. Repeat with the second towel. Never twist it.

7. Reshape while damp. This is the step people skip. Push the stuffing back into shape with your fingers before it dries — once it dries misshapen, it stays that way.

A hand-washed plush usually takes 24 to 48 hours to dry fully. See the drying section below.

What about electronics and batteries?

Stuffed toys that have batteries or electrical areas are trickier to clean, but not so difficult. First, remove the batteries and any other electronic component. Put tape over electrical areas to avoid splashing water over them.

Since you cannot submerge the toy in water, you’ll have to use a damp, soapy cloth to remove stains and dirt. Use another cloth to rinse the soap. Be careful not to use too much water or you could damage it.

How to wash plushies with beans or beads?

Not all plushies have the same stuffing. Those that are filled with beads, foam balls or beans are not machine washable, and they require special care. Handwashing is the best method for these toys.

Preserve the plush toys: How to dry them after washing

Regardless of the method you’ve used to clean the stuffed animals, it’s necessary to dry them properly to ensure they maintain their quality and appearance. Once the plushie is clean, reshape it to its original form and let it air dry.

You could use a drying rack, or hang the plush using clothespins. Place it in a well-ventilated area but don’t put it under direct sunlight. If you want to speed up the process, you can use a hair dryer and this can even help to make them fluffier.

Can you put stuffed animals in the dryer?

Skip the dryer when you’ve finished cleaning the plushies, unless the manufacturer recommends it. It’s not safe because it can melt plastic pieces, damage the fabric, and even cause the colors to fade.

In case the label says it’s safe to use the dryer, then use the lowest heat setting and put the toy inside a pillowcase.

What if it can't get wet at all?

Some plush toys can't be washed with water in any form — built-in electronics that can't be removed, glued-on features, delicate vintage fabric, or anything that simply won't survive being soaked.

For those, there are dry methods that clean and deodorize without water: vacuuming, steam, baking soda, and spot treatment. We've covered all of them here: how to clean stuffed animals without a washing machine or water →