How to Wash Stuffed Animals: Hand & Machine Wash

Let’s face it: your child’s favorite stuffed animal has seen better days. From dragged-in dirt and spilled juice to crayons and drool, that beloved plush toy is a magnet for mess.

You want to clean it, but you’re terrified of ruining it. If “Teddy” comes out of the wash lumpy or falling apart, you’ll never hear the end of it. Don’t worry. We have the expert tips you need to wash stuffed animals safely so they come out fresh, fluffy, and ready for more cuddles.

How to Hand Wash Stuffed Animals

Hand washing is often the safest route. It gives you total control over the water temperature and agitation. While it takes a little more elbow grease, it prevents the matting and lumping that washing machines can cause.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep your station: Clean out a kitchen sink, bathroom basin, or bathtub. Make sure you have enough room to fully submerge the toy.
2. Create the bath: Fill the sink with lukewarm water and add about a teaspoon of mild detergent. Swish it around until you see bubbles. If the toy is exceptionally grimy, you can add a laundry booster like baking soda or OxiClean.
3. Soak and scrub: Push the stuffed animal underwater. Use a gentle pumping motion to work the soapy water into the stuffing. Let it soak for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the dirt level.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the dirty water and rinse the sink. Refill it with clean, cool water. Squeeze the plush toy underwater to release the soap. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and no suds appear. This is crucial to prevent “crunchy” fur later.
5. Remove excess water: Do not wring the toy like a rag, as this lumps the stuffing. Instead, press it gently against the side of the sink.
6. Dry it out: Roll the toy in a clean white towel and press down to absorb moisture. Air dry the toy flat. Once it is mostly dry, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting to fluff up the fur.

How to Surface Wash Stuffed Animals

If the care label says “surface wash only,” do not submerge the toy. This usually applies to toys with music boxes, batteries, or fragile materials like leather or sequins.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare your cloth: Grab a soft, white cloth to avoid color transfer. Dampen it with cool water.
2. Mix a cleaning solution: For tougher stains, mix a small drop of mild detergent into a bowl of water. You can also use a dedicated toy cleaner.
3. Spot clean: Gently wipe the dirty areas of the fur. Do not saturate the fabric; you just want to lift the surface dirt.
4. Rinse the soap: Take a fresh damp cloth (water only) and wipe away any soap residue.
5. Fluff and dry: Use a soft-bristled brush to perk up matted areas while the fur is damp. Allow the toy to air dry completely.

How to Machine Wash Stuffed Animals

If the label gives you the green light, the washing machine is a convenient option. However, you must take precautions to protect the toy’s eyes, nose, and seams.

What You Need

• A zippered mesh laundry bag (or a pillowcase with a hair tie).
• Mild, dye-free laundry detergent.
• A washing machine with a “Delicate” or “Hand Wash” cycle.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Spot test first: Apply a tiny dot of detergent to a hidden area of the toy. If the color runs or the fabric feels strange, switch to hand washing.
2. Protect the toy: Place the stuffed animal inside a mesh laundry bag. This prevents plastic eyes from scratching against the drum and keeps limbs from getting torn.
3. Select the cycle: Choose the “Gentle” or “Delicate” cycle. Use cold water to prevent colors from bleeding and glue from melting.
4. Load the washer: It is best to wash the toy with a few towels or sheets to balance the load. Avoid washing it with clothes that have zippers or velcro.
5. Dry carefully: Remove the toy immediately after the cycle ends. Squeeze out excess water gently. Air drying is best, but you can use a hair dryer on the “cool” or “low” setting to fluff the fur.

How to Deodorize Without Washing

Sometimes the toy isn’t dirty, but it smells a little stale. You can freshen up a stuffed animal without using a drop of water.

Follow this simple baking soda method:

1. Bag it up: Place the stuffed animal in a large plastic sealable bag (like a Ziploc) or a garbage bag.
2. Add baking soda: Pour in roughly half a cup of baking soda. You can add more for larger toys.
3. Shake it: Seal the bag tightly and shake it vigorously for a minute or two. Ensure the toy is coated.
4. Wait: Let the toy sit in the bag for 20 to 30 minutes. The baking soda will absorb oils and odors.
5. Clean it off: Remove the toy and shake off the excess powder (do this outside!). Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up the remaining baking soda.

When Not to Machine Wash Stuffed Animals

You definitely don’t want to ruin your child’s best friend. Some toys simply cannot handle the agitation of a machine.

Avoid the washing machine if the toy:

• Contains a music box, voice recorder, or battery pack.
• Is an antique or extremely fragile due to age.
• Has a tag explicitly stating “Surface Clean Only.”
• Features glued-on items like sequins, buttons, or plastic crowns.
• Is stuffed with foam balls (like Beanie Babies) or natural materials like wool or mohair.

FAQs

Here are answers to the most common questions about keeping plush toys clean and safe.

Can You Put Stuffed Animals in the Dryer?

Technically yes, but it is risky. High heat can melt synthetic fur (“dryer burn”), warp plastic eyes, and dissolve glue. If you must use a dryer, place the toy in a mesh bag and use the “Air Fluff” or “No Heat” setting. Check it every 10 minutes to ensure it isn’t overheating.

Please Note

Always check the care label first. If it says “Line Dry” or “Do Not Tumble Dry,” trust the label!

How Often Should You Wash Stuffed Animals?

Wash them whenever they look dirty or smell stale. For a toy that your child sleeps with nightly, a wash every 2 to 4 weeks is ideal to remove dust mites and allergens. If the toy sits on a shelf, a dusting or surface vacuum once a month is usually sufficient.

Will the Dryer Kill Bed Bugs on Toys?

Yes. A dryer set to medium or high heat for at least 30 minutes will kill bed bugs and their eggs ⁽¹⁾. However, this heat level can damage delicate plush toys. If you are treating a toy for bed bugs, consider using a specialized heating chamber or freezing the toy in a sealed bag for several days instead.

Does Washing Stuffed Animals Kill Germs?

Hot water kills germs, but it damages many toys. To sanitize a toy without boiling it, use a laundry sanitizer additive in the rinse cycle (like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer) which works in cold water. Alternatively, place the clean, dry toy in a sealed bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.

What Is the Best Detergent for Stuffed Animals?

Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powders can leave residue in the stuffing. We recommend gentle options like Puracy or Babyganics. Avoid heavy fragrances, as these can irritate your child’s skin when they snuggle the toy later.

How Do You Fix Matted Fur After Washing?

Matted fur usually happens due to heat damage or lack of brushing. To restore fluffiness, use a slicker brush (often used for pets) or a stiff clean toothbrush. Gently brush the fur in short strokes while the toy is still damp, and brush it again once it is fully dry.

Can I Use Vinegar to Wash Stuffed Animals?

Yes, white vinegar is an excellent natural deodorizer and fabric softener. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine, or to your rinse water in the sink. The vinegar smell will dissipate as the toy dries, leaving it smelling fresh.

Wash Wisely, Reduce Tears

Cleaning a beloved stuffed animal doesn’t have to be a high-stakes gamble. By following the care label and using gentle methods, you can banish the dirt without losing the magic.

Whether you opt for a careful hand wash or a spin in the delicate cycle, the key is low heat and low agitation. Treat them with care, and those fluffy friends will be ready for years of hugs to come.