How to Wash Stuffed Animals Without Ruining Them
LaundroMaps Team
Kids love their stuffed animals -- and those plush companions collect dust mites, bacteria, and allergens faster than you might think. The good news: most stuffed animals and plush toys are machine washable if you take a few precautions.
Here is how to wash stuffed animals safely without ruining their shape, fur texture, or internal components.
Can You Put Stuffed Animals in the Washing Machine?
Most stuffed animals made from cotton, polyester, or synthetic plush are machine safe. According to Maytag, check these things first:
- Read the care tag -- if it says surface wash only, do not submerge
- Check for electronics -- battery packs, sound boxes, or light-up components must be removed or the toy must be hand washed
- Look for glued-on parts -- plastic eyes, buttons, or accessories may come loose in the machine
- Test for colorfastness -- rub a damp white cloth on a hidden area to check for dye bleeding
How to Machine Wash Stuffed Animals
- Place in a mesh laundry bag -- This protects the toy from snagging and keeps loose parts contained
- Use cold water on gentle cycle -- Hot water can shrink fabric and melt glue
- Add mild detergent -- A small amount of regular or baby-safe detergent works fine
- Skip the fabric softener -- It makes stuffing clump and reduces the toy fluffiness
- Air dry -- Lay flat or hang by a clip. Tumble drying on low heat works for sturdy polyester toys, but air drying is always safer
To restore fluffiness after drying, gently brush the fur with a soft-bristle brush.
How to Hand Wash Stuffed Animals
For delicate, vintage, or electronic stuffed animals:
- Fill a basin with cool water and a drop of mild detergent
- Submerge the toy and gently squeeze (do not twist or wring)
- Rinse with clean water until soap-free
- Press between towels to remove excess water
- Air dry completely before returning to a child
How Often to Wash Stuffed Animals
- Sleep companions: Every 2 to 4 weeks (they absorb sweat, saliva, and skin cells nightly)
- Play toys: Monthly, or after illness
- Display or collectible: Every 3 to 6 months (dust accumulation)
Between washes, toss stuffed animals in the dryer on air-only (no heat) for 10 minutes to remove dust and refresh them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash a stuffed animal at the laundromat?
Yes -- laundromat machines work well for stuffed animals. Use a front-load machine on gentle/cold with a mesh bag. This is especially useful for large plush toys that do not fit in home machines.
How do I sanitize a stuffed animal?
Machine wash on warm (not hot) with detergent, or surface-clean with a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar. For allergen removal, freeze the toy in a sealed bag for 24 hours to kill dust mites, then wash normally.
