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?

In this article we aim to briefly explain how you can wash stuffed animals without ruining them.

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 clean plushies that are not machine washable?

Those plushies that are not machine washable need a gentle hand wash to be germ-free. Just follow some simple steps:

1.   Make sure to remove all the electronics and accessories.

2.   Fill a container, tub or bucket with cold water and add a mild detergent to make a soapy solution.

3.   Soak the toy in the soapy water and use either a toothbrush or a damp cloth to scrub its surface.

4.   Once you have properly cleaned it, rinse it under a light stream of water or using a wet cloth.

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.

How to disinfect stuffed animals without washing

For those toys that can't handle water, not even a gentle hand wash, or those that don't look dirty but are greasy or have a bad smell, you can use baking soda to refresh them.

1. Put the stuffed toy inside a clean plastic bag.

2. Sprinkle baking soda inside the bag and close it tightly.

3. Start shaking the bag for a few minutes.

4. Let the plushie sit in the bag for 30 minutes.

5. Remove it from the bag and use the hair dryer to clean the excess baking soda.