Will Washing Stuffed Animals Ruin Them?
Everything gets dirty eventually. Stuffed animals are no exception. Still, washing your child's favorite stuffy or your collector's plush toy can be daunting. But, it doesn't have to be! Here's our favorite ways to safely wash stuffed animals.
Can You Put Stuffed Animals in the Washing Machine?
Short answer... Yes. Long answer... It depends.
I've washed a lot of stuffed animals in my life. From washing them in sinks, to bathtubs, to washing machines... I don't notice much difference for most stuffed animals. However, take note of the materials your plush is made from. If they still have their tag on them, take a look at the washing instructions or find the company's website.
So, yes- Most stuffed animals will be okay going in the washing machine. I'd recommend using a cold setting and putting the plush in a load with other things, such as bedding.
The Real Danger of NOT Hand Washing Your Stuffed Animals
While washing machines won't harm most plushies, the same can't be said for the dryer. It is best to avoid putting your stuffed toy in the dryer, especially on a high heat setting.
If your plush has plastic safety eyes or embroidered on eyes, putting them in the dryer on a low or no heat cycle would be best. High heat drying cycles can make your stuffie appear dull, less fluffy, or even damage them.
Instead, lay out a dry towel and place your stuffed animal there to dry overnight. Depending on the airflow in the room and size of the plush, this could take up to 24 hours or so. I recommend turning them a few times as they dry.
Handwashing... The Best Choice!
The safest choice is to wash them the old fashioned way! Below is my favorite way to hand wash stuffed animals. There is also a video attached demonstrating the technique on a Star Peep plush.
Handwashing is gentler on the stuffed animal. It also doesn't take as long as you think... I promise! And once you get started, it can even be fun. Kids can also join in on the fun of giving their favorite stuffed pal a bubble bath!
Cyber Clown Co's Washing Method:
Supplies I recommend:
- A gentle liquid dish soap (Ivory is my favorite, but any will work!)
-A bucket (A bathtub or sink will do the trick)
-Stains? Use your favorite stain remover.
-Long, fuzzy fur? Use a clean pet brush.
-Cool or warm water
- Assess the damage. Inspect the plush for any holes that need mending. Don't wash them until these holes have been sewn shut.
- Is there any material on them that can't be submerged in water? (Lights, electronics, paper, ext.)
- Apply stain remover if needed
- Fill your bucket with cool or warm water. Add in a squirt or two of your soap.
- Toss your stuffed animal in their bath!
- Scrub the extra dirty parts.
- Dump the soapy water from your bucket.
- Rinse your stuffed animal and ring out all the soapy water from their body.
- Once all the soap is out, it is important to ring them out until all the water is out. This will prevent mildew.
- Wrap the plush in a dry towel to soak up extra water.
- Lay out the towel on a table and set your damp plush on it. (They should be damp not sopping wet.) The towel will absorb any extra moisture.
- Leave the plush to dry as long as needed. For more stuffed animals, it should take 24 hours or less.