How to Clean Plushies and Stuffed Animals

Before you start: tag, parts, electronics

Take a minute to check the toy before choosing a method.

• Look for a care tag. If there is one, follow it. A tag that says “surface wash only” or “spot clean” means exactly that.
• Check for electronics, batteries or music boxes. Do not submerge or machine wash these. Spot clean the outside only.
• Check for beads, weighted pellets or heat packs. Weighted and bean-filled toys may clump, leak or take a very long time to dry. Many makers advise spot cleaning only.
• Check for glued parts. Plastic eyes, noses, ribbons and trims can loosen or be damaged. Hard parts and glued-on accessories are a reason to choose a gentler method.
• Check seams and stuffing. If seams are split or the toy is old or fragile, repair first or choose surface cleaning.
• Check for mold. If you see mold or the toy smells musty, see the section on when to replace.

If you aren’t sure, start with surface cleaning. It is the lowest risk.

Which method to choose

Surface cleaning

Good for spills, small stains and toys that cannot be washed.

1. Mix about a teaspoon of mild detergent in a cup of cool or lukewarm water.
2. Test on a hidden seam to check for color bleeding.
3. Dip a clean cloth or soft brush in the solution and wring it well.
4. Dab or gently rub the dirty spot. Work from the outside of the stain inward.
5. Wipe with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap.
6. Press with a dry towel and let air dry.

A baby wipe may also work on some stains, but check that it doesn’t leave residue or color on the fabric.

Hand washing

Better for delicate, older or tagless toys.

1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water.
2. Add a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo.
3. Submerge the toy and squeeze the soapy water through it. Avoid twisting or wringing, which can damage stuffing and seams.
4. Drain and rinse in clean water until no suds remain. Leftover soap can leave stiff fur and may irritate skin.
5. Press out water by squeezing gently, then roll the plush in a dry towel.
6. Reshape ears, limbs and face.

Machine washing

Only for toys whose tag allows it or that are clearly sturdy and simple.

1. Place the plushie in a mesh laundry bag, zipped pillowcase or tied pillowcase to protect seams.
2. Add a few clean towels to balance the load.
3. Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent (see whether hot water cleans better than cold for why cold is the safer choice here).
4. Skip bleach and fabric softener.
5. Remove promptly and press out excess water.

If the toy is very precious, hand wash instead. Machine washing cannot be undone if fur mats or stitching fails.

Drying

Heat is the main hazard.

• Air dry whenever possible, in a ventilated area. Rotate or turn the toy so all sides dry.
• A clothes dryer on the lowest heat or air-only setting is sometimes allowed by the tag, but high heat can melt synthetic fur, warp plastic parts and shrink fabric. Skip it if you’re unsure.
• Don’t put it away damp. Moisture trapped in stuffing can lead to mildew and odor.
• Thick stuffing may take a day or more to dry. Setting it near a fan can help.

Making a plush soft again

When the toy is completely dry:

• Brush matted fur gently with a pet slicker brush or soft clothes brush, working in short strokes.
• Fluff the stuffing by squeezing and massaging the body.
• If fur is stiff, a second rinse may have been needed to remove soap. Re-rinse and dry again if so.
• Avoid fabric softener, which can leave residue and is not recommended for children’s toys that go in mouths.

Some matting is permanent, especially on older or low-quality fur.

Is it safe to spray Lysol on stuffed animals?

It is better not to. Disinfectant sprays are designed for hard surfaces, and the label directions may not include fabric toys. Residue on soft toys is a concern, especially with young children and pets who mouth or chew them. Some sprays can also stain or damage fabric.

If you want to sanitize a toy, washing it as the tag allows is a safer way to clean it. For a toy that cannot be washed, you can check the product label of any sanitizing product for use on soft or porous items, and test a hidden area. Some people steam surface clean with care. Never combine disinfectants or cleaners, and in particular never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar, since it can release toxic gases. If you are concerned about illness spreading through toys, ask your pediatrician or health authority for advice.

Deodorizing without washing

• Baking soda: put the toy in a large bag with some baking soda, shake gently, leave for a while (around 30 minutes is commonly suggested), then brush or vacuum the powder off. Make sure no powder remains, especially for children or pets.
• Fresh air: a few hours in a shaded, breezy spot can help. Avoid hot direct sun, which can fade fabric.
• Vacuum: a vacuum with a soft brush attachment can remove surface dust.

Cleaning collectible plush such as Pokemon

Collectible and licensed plush often have printed or embroidered details, tags that affect resale value, and glued or stitched accents.

• Check the tag, since many say surface wash only.
• Prefer spot cleaning with a barely damp cloth and mild soap, blotting rather than rubbing.
• Keep the tag dry and avoid soaking printed felt or embroidered details.
• Dry with air only. Don’t use heat.
• If the item is rare or valuable, think twice before washing it at all.

Safety around children and pets

• Rinse well so no detergent remains.
• Choose fragrance-free, mild detergent if the toy is for a baby or child with sensitive skin.
• Keep cleaning products out of reach and don’t leave cleaning solution in an open basin where children or pets can get to it.
• Let toys dry completely before returning them.
• Check eyes, noses and seams after washing for loose parts that could be a choking hazard.

When to replace instead

Consider replacing a toy if:

• It has visible mold or a musty smell that returns after cleaning and drying.
• Seams are split and stuffing is coming out.
• Small parts are loose.
• It has been through bodily fluids or illness and you can’t wash it properly. For the rest of the home after a stomach bug or flu, see cleaning your house after the flu.

FAQ

How do you surface clean stuffed animals?

Use a cloth with a little mild detergent in water, dab the dirty spot, wipe with plain water, press dry and air dry.

How do I make my stuffed animals soft again?

Rinse out all soap, dry fully, then gently brush the fur and fluff the stuffing.

Can I wash a stuffed animal in the washing machine?

Often yes if the tag allows: use a mesh bag, cold water, gentle cycle and mild detergent, then air dry.

How do I clean a Pokemon plush?

Spot clean gently and avoid soaking, especially if it has a tag you want to keep.

For another example of a delicate item that needs careful drying, see our guide to cleaning the inside of moccasins.