Safe and Fast General Cleaning for Plushies for the Busy Parent:
Cleaning a plush toy that doesn't have a Care Instructions Tag is not as difficult as you may think. If the plush is a toy that is a constant companion and is played with everyday, it is probably a sturdy, well-made, meant-to-be well loved toy. In this case machine washing is the most convenient way to clean a plush stuffed toy.
Pre-treat stains with a laundry stain-remover. Use a white washcloth or sponge to gently blot stain. Upholstery or carpet stain remover may also be used.
Remove accessories such as clothes, collars, or sound boxes. Wash separately.
Placing the stuffed toy in a white or light colored pillowcase tied or pinned securely will protect plastic eyes and catch any stuffing that may leak from a loose seam.
Wash on gentle cycle using little cool water liquid cleaner for delicates, or wool fabrics. If you really want the plush to be fluffy and sanitized, use a teeny tiny bit of upholstery or carpet cleaner.
Add a little fabric softener to the rinse cycle.
After washing, place the plush in the dryer on medium heat. The time depends on the size of the plush; small 20 minutes, medium 30 minutes and large 40-50 minutes. After drying you may use the fluff cycle for 5 minutes.
Brush if needed.
Repair loose seams, eyes or buttons.
Dress plush toy with clothes that were taken off and washed separately.
Replace sound box if any.
Cleaning a plush toy that doesn't have a Care Instructions Tag is not as difficult as you may think. If the plush is a toy that is a constant companion and is played with everyday, it is probably a sturdy, well-made, meant-to-be well loved toy. In this case machine washing is the most convenient way to clean a plush stuffed toy.
Pre-treat stains with a laundry stain-remover. Use a white washcloth or sponge to gently blot stain. Upholstery or carpet stain remover may also be used.
Remove accessories such as clothes, collars, or sound boxes. Wash separately.
Placing the stuffed toy in a white or light colored pillowcase tied or pinned securely will protect plastic eyes and catch any stuffing that may leak from a loose seam.
Wash on gentle cycle using little cool water liquid cleaner for delicates, or wool fabrics. If you really want the plush to be fluffy and sanitized, use a teeny tiny bit of upholstery or carpet cleaner.
Add a little fabric softener to the rinse cycle.
After washing, place the plush in the dryer on medium heat. The time depends on the size of the plush; small 20 minutes, medium 30 minutes and large 40-50 minutes. After drying you may use the fluff cycle for 5 minutes.
Brush if needed.
Repair loose seams, eyes or buttons.
Dress plush toy with clothes that were taken off and washed separately.
Replace sound box if any.
Guide created: 01/31/09 (updated 06/01/09)

Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our