How to Clean Stuffed Animals: The Complete Guide to Washing Plush Toys Safely
Stuffed animals collect dust, drool, food, germs, and mystery stains at an alarming rate. But throwing them in a hot wash cycle can melt plastic eyes, mat the fur, and ruin the stuffing. Here's how to clean every type of plush toy safely.
Before You Start: The Checklist
- Read the care tag — if it says "surface wash only," do not submerge
- Check for electronics — battery packs, music boxes, and heated elements cannot be submerged
- Colour test — dab a hidden area with diluted detergent on a white cloth. If colour bleeds, spot clean only
- Check for damage — repair loose seams or missing eyes before washing, or stuffing will escape
Method 1: Machine Washing (Safest for Most Plush)
This works for the majority of standard stuffed animals without electronics or delicate fabrics.
- Place the toy in a mesh laundry bag or zippered pillowcase
- Use the gentle/delicate cycle with cold water
- Add a small amount of mild detergent — no fabric softener
- Wash with a couple of towels to cushion the toy during the cycle
- Remove immediately when the cycle finishes
Never use hot water on stuffed animals. Heat melts glue, shrinks synthetic fabrics, and can permanently mat fur fibres.
Method 2: Hand Washing (Best for Delicate or Vintage Plush)
- Fill a basin with cold water and a teaspoon of mild detergent
- Submerge the toy and gently agitate — focus on stained areas with your fingers or a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear — soap residue attracts dirt
- Do not wring. Gently squeeze out excess water
- Roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture
Method 3: Spot Cleaning (For Electronics or Surface-Wash-Only)
- Mix one teaspoon of mild detergent into one cup of cold water
- Dip a white cloth or cotton swab into the solution
- Dab the stain gently — don't rub
- Wipe with a fresh cloth dampened with plain water
- Air dry completely
How to Dry Stuffed Animals
- Air dry — lay flat or hang in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight (causes fading)
- Avoid tumble dryers — high heat singes fur, melts plastic features, and can cause clumping
- Brush the fur once dry with a soft-bristled brush to restore texture
Quick Fixes Without Washing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Musty smell | Sprinkle baking soda, leave 2 hours, brush off |
| Dust mites | Seal in a plastic bag, freeze overnight (kills mites) |
| Surface dust | Lint roller or vacuum with upholstery attachment on low |
| Sticky residue | Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud |
Never clean these in a machine: Steiff bears with metal buttons, Jellycat with embedded beans, anything with a wind-up music box, battery-powered FurReal pets, or any vintage/antique plush.
How Often Should You Clean Stuffed Animals?
- Children's bedtime companions: Every 2-4 weeks
- Display collection pieces: Every 3-6 months (dust regularly)
- After illness: Immediately — wash or freeze
- New purchases: Always wash before first use for young children
The single most important rule: cold water, gentle detergent, no heat drying. Follow that and your plush toys will survive hundreds of washes.
