Most parents know all too well how grimy a beloved “stuffie” can get over time! And considering that they’re often toted everywhere, snuggled overnight, dropped in the street, and dragged across the floor, it’s not much of a mystery as to how it happens.
But what you may not know about your kids’ or grandkids’ favorite fuzzy friends is how to clean them up. And I’m happy to deliver some good news on that front: cleaning stuffed animals effectively isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think!
In this post, you’ll learn how to wash stuffed animals both in a washing machine and by hand. You’ll also learn which method is best to use when, and how to dry them safely afterward. With the help of these simple tips, you can restore those stuffed animals to a much fresher, cleaner, and more hygienic state!
When Should I Wash Stuffed Animals?
First, let’s talk about how to tell when it’s time to wash those plush toys. The most obvious signal that it’s time to wash a stuffed animal is if it’s visibly grimy or it smells bad. (But you probably could have guessed that!)
Another occasion when it’s important to wash stuffed animals is after a child has been sick. If they snuggled up with it while they were sick, it’s likely covered in germs and could use a thorough cleaning.
Otherwise, don’t worry about washing stuffed animals on any sort of regular schedule. Washing a stuffed animal more often than is necessary can weaken the stitching, loosen sewn-on accessories, and ultimately wear it out faster. If a stuffed animal is simply looking a little dusty, you can always freshen it up using your vacuum’s brush attachment!
(Oh, and I’m sure this goes without saying, but you should not attempt to wash a stuffed animal with electronic components. We’ll cover how to spot clean toys with electronic parts a little later on!)
How To Wash Stuffed Animals
When deciding how to wash stuffed animals, you have two methods to choose from: machine washing and hand washing. New, relatively sturdy stuffed animals should fare just fine in your washing machine, but you should hand wash delicate and well-worn stuffed animals because the process is gentler and less likely to cause additional wear or damage.
In Your Washing Machine
Step 1. Place the stuffed animal you’re going to wash in a mesh bag and zip it closed. A mesh laundry bag will help protect features like eyes, buttons, bows, and anything else that could get snagged or torn.
Step 2. Select a gentle cycle using warm water, or cold water if the stuffed animal has any glued parts.
Step 3. Add a small amount of your standard laundry detergent, enough to clean the item but not so much that it won’t get rinsed out completely, then start the wash cycle.
Washing By Hand
Step 1: Fill your sink, a bucket, or a washing tub with cold water and add a tablespoon of mild detergent per gallon of water. (For heavily soiled stuffed animals, you may want to use a scoop of oxygen bleach instead, but be sure to do a spot test to make sure it won’t affect the appearance of the stuffed animal before submerging it.)
Step 2: Submerge the toy in the water, and press it gently to saturate it fully. Let it soak in the water for about 20 minutes. (Keep it to 10 minutes for really delicate toys, or soak for up to an hour for one that’s sturdier and very dirty.)
Step 3: After soaking, remove the stuffed animal from the wash water and hold it under running water to rinse. Gently squeeze it as you rinse to ensure that all the detergent comes out.
Step 4: After rinsing, gently squeeze the stuffed animal to remove as much water as you can without wringing it.
How To Dry Stuffed Animals Properly
Regardless of how you washed the stuffed animal, the safest way to dry it is to let it air dry. Start by rolling the stuffed animal up in a clean, white bath towel and pressing gently down on it so that the towel absorbs the excess water.
Then set the stuffed animal out on a table or a drying rack and allow it to finish drying. To speed things up a bit, you may want to place a fan or a dehumidifier nearby.
If the animal’s fur looks a little matted once it has dried completely, use a hair dryer on low heat to help fluff it back up. Ta da, a fresh and clean stuffed animal!
How To Spot Clean Stuffed Animals
As I mentioned previously, certain stuffed animals should never be fully submerged in order to clean them, including ones with internal electrical components. But the same rule applies to things like Beanie Babies and other collectible toys and stuffed animals.
These should only be spot cleaned, which you can do with the help of a cloth dipped in soapy water. Wipe the exterior surface of the stuffed toys with the soapy cloth to clean them, then “rinse” them by wiping with a different cloth dampened with clean water. Let them air dry overnight.
Does your child or grandchild have a favorite stuffed animal?
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