How to wash stuffed animals without ruining them
Whether your kids or pets are doing the playing, cleaning stuffed animals can be done right in your washing machine or by hand. Follow the simple steps below to help keep beloved stuffed animals clean and fresh.
What to know before washing stuffed animals
Before washing stuffed animals, check the care tag and color test the fabric to help ensure you are washing each one correctly. Beyond that, set a good cleaning schedule and wash the stuffed animals more frequently if your child has been sick. Keep reading for more details on how to clean stuffed animals.
Check for a care tag
If your stuffed animal has care instructions on the tag, use those instructions to help you decide whether to use the washing machine, hand wash or only spot-treat stains.
Color test the fabric
Make sure stuffed animals will stand up to cleaning by rubbing a small amount of diluted detergent on a less visible part of the fabric. If any color comes away, use only water to clean it.
Decide when to wash
It’s always good to wash stuffed animals after your child has been sick or weekly if they sleep with them. Learn more about how to sanitize laundry, including stuffed animals. Otherwise, wash as needed, particularly when the stuffed animals start to look dirty or smell.
Cleaning tip: Stuffed animals with built-in battery packs, mechanical parts or metal should only be spot cleaned, as water may cause damage.
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How to clean stuffed animals in the washer
Before washing a stuffed animal, you’ll want to protect it by placing it in a laundry bag or something similar and choosing a gentle wash cycle. Use detergent as you would with regular laundry loads and air dry the stuffed animal when finished.
Keep reading for more details on how to clean stuffed animals in the washer.
1. Protect the stuffed animal
Place the stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag, zippered pillowcase or pillowcase with the ends tied for added protection against wear and tear.
2. Choose gentle wash settings
It’s often advisable to use the Delicate, Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle setting on your washing machine, along with cold water to help keep colors from fading. Learn more about choosing wash cycles and settings.
3. Add detergent
Feel free to use your regular detergent when washing stuffed animals, or a mild detergent if you have it on hand. Swash® Laundry Detergent delivers the results you want while using less detergent.1
4. Air dry stuffed animals
It’s best to air dry stuffed animals to help prevent glue or plastic parts from melting in the dryer. When your washing cycle is done, take the stuffed animals out of the mesh bag or pillowcase and hang or lay them flat to dry.
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How to wash a stuffed animal by hand
When washing a stuffed animal by hand, you’ll want to fill a bucket or sink with cold water and mix in a mild or gentle detergent to the water. Then, gently hand wash the stuffed animal, rinsing thoroughly and leaving it to air dry.
Older or more fragile stuffed animals may need a lighter touch and can be washed gently by hand using the following simple steps.
1. Soak stuffed animals in cold water
Fill a bucket or sink with enough cold water to submerge the stuffed animal.
2. Add detergent
Add a small amount of mild or gentle detergent to the water. Mild detergent can be gentle on fabrics and help you care for more delicate items. This type of detergent may also be better suited for those with sensitive skin.
3. Gently hand wash
Gently squeeze the stuffed animal to saturate it with detergent. Don’t scrub too hard since older stuffed animals may have loose strings or worn fabric.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Refill the bucket or sink with clean, cold water or hold the stuffed animal under cold running water and squeeze it gently to rinse out the detergent, avoiding wringing. You should avoid using hot water, as it might cause the colors on the stuffed animal to run.
5. Air dry
You’ll typically want to air dry an older or more fragile stuffed animal, but to help remove moisture, you can gently roll it in a clean, dry towel first. In general, you can air dry stuffed animals to help prevent glue or plastic parts from melting.
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How to spot clean stuffed animals
To spot clean a stuffed animal, you’ll want to use a cloth and a mix of detergent and water to blot at the stain until it's gone. Then, let your stuffed animal air dry.
Spot cleaning can be helpful when targeting stains and for stuffed animals that can’t go in a washing machine, like bigger or fragile stuffed animals or those with battery packs, electronic parts or filling inside that should not get wet.
1. Mix gentle detergent and cool water
To begin, make a mixture of equal parts gentle detergent and cool water.
2. Dab at the stain
Once you have your mixture, use a white cloth to blot at the stain. It's important to use a white cloth to help refrain from transferring any colors to the stuffed animal.
3. Wipe down the area
Once the stain is gone, wipe down the area with a cloth dipped in clean water to help rinse out any excess detergent.
4. Let air dry
After you ensure that no detergent is left, set your stuffed animal in a safe place to air dry before using it again.
Can you dry stuffed animals in the dryer?
You should always check the care tag before putting stuffed animals in the dryer. Tumble drying is generally not recommended for most stuffed animals, as high heat can damage stuffed animals and may even melt glue or plastic parts.
If your care tag says it's ok to put your stuffed animal in the dryer, you may want to place it in a mesh bag and use a short, gentle cycle with a low temperature. You can also follow these steps to help dry items faster.
Get the best care for your family's favorite items with Whirlpool® washers and dryers
Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers can help you preserve your family’s favorite clothing items and even some stuffed animals. Take the stress out of your routine with Whirlpool brand’s collection of appliances that help you keep laundry day under control.
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Learn how Whirlpool helps end the dropout cycle by giving kids access to clean clothes through the Care Counts™ Laundry Program
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1. Swash and the recommending brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
