How to Clean Plush Toys and Stuffed Animals
Quick answer
To clean plush toys, check the care label first, then spot clean with a damp cloth and a few drops of mild detergent. Machine wash only if the label allows it, using a mesh bag and a gentle cool cycle. Air dry the toy away from direct heat until it is dry inside.
Key takeaways
- Always check the care label before washing.
- Surface cleaning with a damp cloth is the gentlest method.
- Air dry away from direct heat and fluff the fur when nearly dry.
Plush toys collect dust, crumbs and the occasional juice spill, so sooner or later they need a clean. The good news is that cleaning plush toys is mostly about being gentle and checking the care label first. Whether it is a big cuddly toy from our soft toys range or a small keyring, the steps below keep it looking fresh.
Start with the care label
Always check the tag or packaging before you wash anything. If a toy has a care label, follow it. Our product pages do not state washing instructions for individual toys, so if you cannot find a label, treat the toy as surface-clean only and avoid soaking it.
Surface cleaning, the gentlest method
Surface cleaning works for almost any plush toy and is the best choice when you are unsure.
- Brush off loose dust and crumbs with a soft brush or a dry cloth, working in the direction of the fur.
- Mix a few drops of mild detergent into a bowl of cool water.
- Dampen a clean cloth, wring it out well and dab the dirty patch. Do not rub hard.
- Wipe over again with a cloth dampened with plain water to lift the soap.
- Pat dry with a towel and leave to air dry.
Washing in the machine
You can put a stuffed animal in the washing machine only if the label says it is machine washable. If it does, place it in a pillowcase or mesh bag, use a gentle cool cycle with a mild detergent and skip the spin if you can. Toys with hard parts, battery packs or glued-on decorations are better cleaned by hand.
How to dry a plush toy
Air drying is the safest option. Press out extra water with a clean towel, then leave the toy somewhere airy and out of direct heat. Turn it every so often so that all sides get airflow, and fluff the fur with your fingers or a soft brush when it is almost dry. Make sure it is completely dry inside before you put it back on the bed or shelf. Damp stuffing can take a day or two to dry fully, so be patient and avoid hurrying it with a hair dryer on a hot setting.
| Method | When to use it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry brush | Dust and crumbs | Quick and gentle |
| Damp cloth | Small marks and spills | Safest when there is no label |
| Hand wash | Larger stains, if the label allows | Squeeze gently, never wring |
| Machine wash | Only if the label says so | Mesh bag, cool gentle cycle |
Common plush cleaning mistakes
Most plush damage comes from being too keen. A few things are worth avoiding.
- Soaking a toy that has no care label, which can leave the stuffing damp inside.
- Using hot water or a hot dryer, which can flatten the fur or warp the shape.
- Scrubbing hard, which can pill or rub the surface of the fabric.
- Using strong cleaners or bleach, which can mark or fade the colours.
- Putting a toy away while it is still damp.
Small plush with a metal split ring, such as a keyring, should be wiped by hand rather than washed in the machine, because the ring can snag on other items in the wash.
Keeping stuffed animals fresh
A little routine keeps plush toys from needing a deep clean. Dust them off now and then, store them somewhere dry and rotate the ones on display so that no single toy sits in the sun all day. Small plush on a bag or backpack gets the grubbiest, so give your plush keychains a quick wipe with a damp cloth every so often.
Bigger novelty toys such as the cookie plush and the coffee bean plush are often kept on beds and shelves, so a regular dry brush is usually all they need. If you want to freshen a toy, you can sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda over it, leave it for an hour and brush it off.
If you are browsing for a replacement or a new friend, our plush toys collection has plenty to choose from.
Common questions
How do you clean a plush toy?
To clean a plush toy, brush off dust, then dab dirty patches with a damp cloth and mild detergent and let it air dry.
Can you put a stuffed animal in the washing machine?
You can put a stuffed animal in the washing machine only if its care label says it is machine washable, and then in a mesh bag on a gentle cool cycle.
How do you dry a plush toy?
To dry a plush toy, press out extra water with a towel and leave it to air dry away from direct heat, fluffing the fur as it dries.
How do you keep stuffed animals fresh?
You keep stuffed animals fresh by dusting them regularly, storing them somewhere dry and giving them a quick wipe when they get dirty.
Products mentioned in this guide
Cookie Shaped Plush Toy 25cm Novelty Soft Toy
