Kids put their stuffed animals around a lot, and these toys pick up a surprising amount of dirt, germs, and mystery smells along the way. Knowing how to wash stuffed animals the right way keeps them snuggly safe and smelling fresh without ruining them in the process.
With a glance
- Inspect the stuffed animals to determine the proper way to clean them.
- Many stuffed toys can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag.
- Toys with electronics, sensitive fabric or glued parts should be cleaned or refreshed by hand.
- Always air dry. The dryer causes shrinkage and built-up padding.
Before washing: Inspect the toy first
Not every stuffed animal can go in the washing machine. If any of the following apply, go to Hand Washing or Spot Cleaning.
- Fabric without thread or torn. Weak seams will burst in the wash. Sew up any tears first and then move on.
- Electronics. Skip washing in the washing machine if the toy plays music, lights up or has electronic components.
- Non-standard filling. Foam beads, rice or beans will be damaged by water.
- Glued decorations. Glitter, sequins and similar embellishments probably won’t survive a wash cycle.
- Vintage or heirloom toys. See special section below.
How to wash stuffed animals in the washing machine
Place each stuffed animal in its own mesh garment bag or knotted pillow case. Keeping them separate prevents the toys from rubbing against each other and damaging their fabric. Add the bags to the washing machine.
Use a cold, gentle cycle with half the amount of mild detergent than usual. Warm or hot water can soften the glue used to reinforce seams and attach trims, causing them to fail. Skip the fabric softener though, as it makes the fillings clumpy. Run a second rinse cycle to make sure all the soap is out, then remove the toys from their bags.
How to wash stuffed animals
Fill a sink halfway with cold water and add two tablespoons of laundry detergent (or a little liquid dish soap). Swirl to combine. Gently submerge the toy and use your hands to press the soapy water all over. Use your fingers to scrub any particularly dirty or stained areas.
Drain the sink and gently squeeze—don’t squeeze—the toy to remove as much water as possible. Refill with clean cold water and submerge again, squeezing repeatedly to rinse out the detergent. Drain, rinse and repeat until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
For a tip: Wipe away any wet dirt or brush off dry residue before hand washing, especially if a stomach bug is involved.
How to dry stuffed animals
Air drying is always the safest option. Dryer heat can cause shrinkage, matting and clumping of the filling. Wrap the toy in a clean dry towel and gently press to absorb as much water as possible, changing towels as needed. Do not wring or you will cause bunching.
Then place the toy on a flat drying rack and let it air dry completely, turning it every few hours for even drying. Once dry, use a soft brush or clean old toothbrush to fluff and retexturize the fur.
If you need to speed things up, use a blow dryer on lower heat setting for 5 minutes at a time, letting the game cool down between rounds.
Spot Cleaning Stuffed Animals
For minor dirt or a fresh stain (such as a food stain or a smudge of dirt), spot cleaning is usually sufficient.
Before you start, test an inconspicuous area for color constancy. Next, mix a teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water. Using a white cloth (to avoid dye transfer), dab the solution onto the stained area and wipe lightly to lift the dirt. Rinse the cloth and repeat until clean. Allow to air dry and then fluff the fur with your fingers.
General cleaning (for toys that cannot get wet)
Even stuffed animals that can’t be submerged benefit from a regular refresh every few weeks.
For the fragrance: Pour one cup of baking soda into a large ziplock bag. Add the toy, seal the bag and shake vigorously so the baking soda covers the entire surface. Let it sit for a few hours to absorb the odors and greasy dirt, then remove the toy and give it a good wipe down with an upholstery or brush attachment. Be careful around the eyes and any decorative details.
To locate the cleanup: Use the same dish soap solution described above, working carefully and keeping moisture to a minimum.
Clearance Vintage or Antique Stuffed Animals
Vintage, antique or irreplaceable stuffed animals are best left to the professionals. Your dry cleaner can help or refer you to an expert. There are also special stuffed animal hospitals and toy repair services that handle just this kind of delicate restoration work.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash stuffed animals?
There is no rule, but if a child plays with a toy daily, spot cleaning as needed and a full wash once a month is a reasonable routine. Wash more often if your child has allergies and always clean toys after an illness.
Can stuffed animals go in the dryer?
It is best to air dry them to avoid shrinkage and lumpy filling. If you need to speed things up, use a blow dryer on the lowest setting in short bursts.
How do I get vomit out of a stuffed animal?
First remove the large pieces by shaking the loose material over the toilet, then use a plastic spoon to scrape up the rest. Blot with kitchen paper until as much as possible is removed. Then wash immediately in the washing machine if you can or hand wash with gloves. Don’t delay: stomach contents and stuffed animals are a bad combination.
How can I freshen a smelly stuffed animal without washing it?
The baking soda method works well: cover the toy, let it sit for a few hours, shake and vacuum. Absorbs odors without any moisture.
What if my child won’t let me wash their stuffed animal?
This is a classic problem. One solution: if you can, buy a backup (or two) of a favorite game. That way there is always one clean available while the other is in the wash
