How to Wash Stuffed Animals the Right Way

From their favorite bunny rabbit to the plush teddy bear they play with once a year, many children have a collection of stuffed animals they display with pride. But these beloved toys—even ones that sit on the shelf waiting to be played with—can quickly build up with dust, dirt, germs, and dander. Not only can allergens and germs be potentially harmful to your child, but dirtiness can also degrade the overall longevity of their treasured keepsakes. Keep their stuffed animals looking as beautiful as the day you got them with these cleaning tips for washing in the machine or by hand.

How Often to Wash Stuffed Animals

How frequently you wash your child’s stuffed animals depends on how often they are used. If they sleep with them or carry them around a lot, it's a good rule of thumb to wash their stuffed animals weekly. "At a minimum, you should clean plush toys monthly—especially if allergies or asthma exist," says Kristin DiNicolantonio of the American Cleaning Institute. Additionally, you should always wash your child's stuffed animals after an illness.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when washing stuffed animals.

1. Natural laundry detergent
2. Water
3. Bowl
4. Microfiber cloth(s)
5. Mesh laundry bag
6. Vacuum with brush attachment
7. Baking soda
   

How to Wash Stuffed Animals in the Washing Machine

If the stuffed animal is well-worn and has glued-on eyes, sequins, glitter, or other accessories that could be ruined in the washer, it’s best to hand-wash, says Jennifer Parnell, co-founder of Humble Suds. But, if it does not (and the care tag says it's safe), you can wash it on the delicate cycle in your washing machine.

1. Place the stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. If using a pillowcase, you can knot it at the top or use a ponytail holder.
2. Place the bag with the stuffed animal into the washer and launder on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
3. Keeping the stuffed animal in the mesh bag or pillowcase, tumble dry on low.

How to Wash Stuffed Animals By Hand

If the stuffed animal is too delicate to go into the washing machine, you can wash it by hand by soaking it in a bowl of water and mild dish soap, says Parnell.

1. Using a cotton swab dipped in warm, soapy water, clean the eyes, nose and any other hard areas.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild laundry soap.
3. Submerge the animal in the water and swish it around a few times.
4. Rinse the stuffed animal with clean water to remove soap residue.
5. Pat out excess moisture with a dry towel.
6. Air dry or place the stuffed animal in a mesh bag or pillowcase and tumble dry on low.
   

How to Spot Treat Stains on Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals that can't get wet, like ones with batteries or other electronic components, will need to be spot-treated as stains arise.

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild laundry soap.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution so it is damp but not soaked.
3. Gently dab at the stain with the cloth.
4. Let air dry.

How to Remove Odors From Stuffed Animals

Beloved stuffed animals can hold onto lingering odors. If you can't remove them by cleaning with soap and water, try this method from Parnell.

1. Sprinkle the stuffed animal with baking soda and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. Shake off the excess baking soda and use a vacuum with the brush attachment to remove the rest.