How to Keep Your Plushies Clean & Soft

Over time, dust, dirt, and everyday cuddling can take a toll on our favorite plushies. Whether your plush is well-loved or brand new, proper care is essential to not just keep it looking good, but to keep control of allergens, germs, and dirt.

In this guide, I’ll cover the best ways to clean, maintain, and store your plushies so they stays fresh and fluffy for years to come!

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1. Can Plush Toys Be Washed? Understanding the Care Label

Before cleaning your plush, check the care label. Most plush toys will have one of the following recommendations:

Machine Washable: Safe to clean in a washing machine (gentle cycle).

Hand Wash Only: Needs delicate cleaning to avoid damage.

Spot Clean Only: Not safe for full washing; use mild cleaning methods.

Ignoring these instructions can cause damage, so always double-check before cleaning! If they don't have a label, I would recommend going to step 3 for hand washing.

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2. How to Machine Wash your Plush (If Safe)

For machine-washable plushies, follow these steps:

Step 1: Place your plush inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it.

Step 2: Use a mild detergent and set the washing machine to a gentle, cold-water cycle.

Step 3: Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals that can break down the plush fabric.

Step 4: Air dry your plushie or use a dryer on the lowest heat setting with a towel to prevent shrinkage.

💡 Pro Tip: I recommend dryer balls in general! If you haven't used them before, they're great for doing the job of dryer sheets without having to be replaced so often. (And better for the earth, too!)

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3. How to Hand Wash a Stuffed Animal (For Delicate Plushies)

If your plushie isn’t machine-washable, try this gentle hand-washing method:

Step 1: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mix in a small amount of baby shampoo or mild detergent. If you're willing to use your tub, the shower head will also help with cleaning and keep you from having to submerge the plushie like I mention in the next step.

Step 2: Gently submerge your plushie temporarily and scrub any stained areas with a soft cloth or brush.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.

Step 4: Press out excess water with a towel. Don't wring it out! That can cause your plushie to get deformed and weaken seams or even tear if it's already weak.

Step 5: Let it air dry in a well-ventilated area or under a fan. 

💡 Pro Tip: Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to speed up drying without damaging the fabric. You can also toss it in the dryer using the same method I mentioned in the previous step.

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4. How to Spot Clean Your Plush

For plushies labeled "spot clean only," use this method:

Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water.

Step 1: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture and gently blot stained areas.

Step 2: Wipe off any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 3: Let your plush air dry completely before snuggling again.

💡 Pro Tip: Baking soda can help absorb odors—just sprinkle it over the plushie, let it sit for an hour or so, and shake/pat it off!

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5. Keeping Your Stuffed Animal Fluffy & Fresh After Cleaning

Even after cleaning, plush toys can lose their softness over time. Here’s how to keep your plush fluffy and clean for longer:

Fluff it regularly – Give it a good shake or squeeze to redistribute stuffing.

Avoid direct sunlight – Too much exposure can fade colors and weaken fabric.

Store it properly – Keep plushies in a cool, dry place to prevent dust buildup when you aren't spending time with them.

Keep away from pets – You already know this, but pets love to play with plushies, same as us. But I'll remind you that keeping it away from pets isn't only to keep them from getting torn up, but also to keep hair and dander out.

💡 Pro Tip: If your plush has flattened over time, place it in a dryer (on low heat) with a damp towel for a quick refresh.

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Thank you for learning with us!

Taking care of your plush doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular cleaning, proper storage, and a little extra love, your stuffed friend can stay soft and clean for years to come.

Now that you know how to clean and maintain your plush collection, I hope they last forever!

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