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How to Clean Plushies Without Ruining Them: Washing Methods

Do you have a favourite plushie that’s looking a little grubby? Whether you own it as a childhood friend, as a collectible item, or as a simple companion to cuddle, plushies can also suddenly use some tender loving care. In this guide, you will be able to find out the most suitable ways to wash your plushies and still maintain their fluffy!

Let’s dive in and see how to wash plushies in a washing machine, how to safely hand wash them, and a few extra tips for those special plushies needing extra care.

1. Know Your Plushie: Check the Care Label

Before you start, see if your plushie has a tag with washing instructions. This little tag is a very handy companion when it comes to washing instructions. It’ll usually let you know whether the plushie can be washed in a washing machine, whether hand wash only or even dry clean only. This is the right step to follow to ensure your plushie does not get damaged during washing.

If there’s no care label, don’t worry—you can still choose between hand washing and a washing machine, but with a few precautions!

2. Washing plushies in a washing machine

If your plushie can handle a machine wash, this can be a fast and easy way to clean it. Here’s how to do it safely:

Steps for Machine Washing Plushies
  • Choose the Gentle Cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid rough agitation, which can cause wear and tear on plushies.
  • Cold Water Only: Hot water can make colours fade or shrink fabrics. Stick with cold water to keep your plushie in top shape.
  • Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your plushie in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This adds an extra layer of protection and keeps delicate parts like eyes, noses, and stitching safe.
  • Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent, preferably fragrance-free and suitable for delicates. Strong chemicals can be harsh on the fabric and stuffing.
  • No Fabric Softener: It might seem tempting, but fabric softener can actually harm the plushie’s texture and filling.

Once the wash cycle is complete, it’s usually best to let the plushie air dry instead of using a dryer. If you’re in a hurry, a dryer on the lowest heat setting can work, but air drying keeps the plushie fluffier and avoids shrinking or damage.

3. Hand Washing Plushies for Extra Care

If your plushie is extra delicate, vintage, or a collector’s item, hand-washing plushies are the safest method. It takes a bit more time, but it’s gentle and effective.

Steps for Hand Washing Plushies
  • Fill a Basin with Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water, not too hot or cold, to protect the plushie’s fabric and colours.
  • Add a Small Amount of Mild Detergent: A drop or two of mild detergent is enough. Swish it around in the water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
  • Gently Soak and Scrub: Place the plushie in the water and gently press it down to soak. Use your hands to gently scrub the plushie, focusing on any particularly dirty spots. Avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can damage the stuffing.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the plushie under cool, running water to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can leave a sticky residue or attract dust.
  • Press Out Excess Water: Gently press (don’t wring!) the plushie to remove excess water.

After rinsing, lay the plushie on a clean towel, reshape it, and let it air dry. You can speed up drying by placing a fan nearby, but avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade.

4. Spot Cleaning for Small Stains

Sometimes, you don’t need a full wash—just a quick touch-up will do! Spot cleaning is ideal for small stains or areas that need a little freshening up.

Steps for Spot Cleaning
  • Dampen a Cloth with Mild Soap Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water. Dampen a clean cloth in this solution.
  • Gently Rub the Stained Area: Dab and gently rub the cloth on the stained area. Be careful not to soak the fabric.
  • Blot with Clean Water: Use another cloth dampened with clean water to blot away any soap residue.
  • Air Dry: Let the area air dry completely. Avoid using a hair dryer or direct heat; it can cause uneven drying.

Spot cleaning is a great way to maintain plushies that aren’t dirty enough for a full wash, keeping them fresh without much hassle.

5. Drying Your Plushie: Air Drying vs. Machine Drying

The drying process is just as important as washing. Here’s how to keep your plushie in the best shape while it dries.

  • Air Drying (Recommended): Lay your plushie on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. You can place a fan nearby to speed up the process. This method is gentle and reduces the risk of damage.
  • Machine Drying (Low Heat): If you’re in a pinch, use a dryer on the lowest heat setting. But keep in mind that this isn’t ideal for every plushie. Always check the care label first!

Extra Tips for Special Plushies

  • For Battery-Operated or Musical Plushies: Remove the batteries or sound box before washing if you can’t; stick to surface cleaning only to avoid water damage.
  • Plushies with Fur or Fleece: Brush them gently with a soft-bristled brush after drying to keep them fluffy.
  • Stuffing Care: For plushies with delicate stuffing (like bean-filled or microbead plushies), stick to hand washing to prevent clumping.

Regularly dusting and airing out your plushies can go a long way in keeping them clean. Consider giving them a light spritz with fabric refresher (safe for fabrics) between washes to keep them smelling nice.