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wikiHow to Wash Stuffed Animals

Three Methods:Spot-Cleaning Stuffed AnimalsWashing Stuffed Animals By HandWashing Stuffed Animals In A Washing MachineCommunity Q&A

Stuffed animals are cute and cuddly childhood companions that rarely leave a child’s side. However, after being brought on multiple adventures and experiencing some tumbles and spills, they can get especially dirty. Luckily, cleaning stuffed animals is rather easy, and can be cleaned either in a wash machine or by hand.

Spot-Cleaning Stuffed Animals

  1. 1
    Create your cleaning solution. Mix two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of liquid dish soap or Castile soap (if your child often chews on the stuffed animal).[1] Use a spoon to mix these ingredients together until suds start to form.
  2. 2
    Clean the stuffed animal. Use an old, soft bristled toothbrush or a clean rag to collect some of the suds from your cleaning solution. Apply the suds directly onto the soiled areas of the stuffed animal, and gently scrub away at the stains. Continue dipping the toothbrush or rag into the cleaning solution and scrubbing at soiled areas of the toy.
    • Be careful to keep the stuffed animal as dry as possible. Some fabric materials may have an altered look and texture after being exposed to water.
  3. 3
    Dry the stuffed animal. Since the stuffed animal stayed relatively dry during cleaning, use a paper towel to gently blot the damp areas of the toy.
    • Alternatively, you can allow the toy to air dry by laying it flat on a towel, or hanging it up with a clipped hanger.
  4. 4
    Remove odors from the stuffed animal. This step is optional, but useful for any stuffed animal that has seen better days. Place the stuffed animal in a large zipped bag, or a garbage bag. Add approximately 2-4 tablespoons of either baking soda, cornstarch, or baby powder to the bag, depending on the size of the stuffed animal.[2] Seal the bag, and gently shake it with the powdered ingredient and toy inside. After shaking, let the toy sit for 20 minutes in the bag, and then remove the stuffed animal.[3] Gently brush off any remaining powder over a garbage, or outdoors.
    • The powder will absorb any foul odors coming from the stuffed animal.
    • You can also use a handheld vacuum to remove any lingering powder.

Washing Stuffed Animals By Hand

  1. 1
    Check the stuffed animal’s tag. Check the check to see the suggested method for cleaning the stuffed animal. If the tag says to avoid fully soaking the toy, you may want to only spot clean the stuffed animal.
    • Always follow the suggested cleaning instructions.
    • If the stuffed animal has electronic parts, the tag will most likely caution against contact between electronic parts and water.
  2. 2
    Create your cleaning mixture. Fill a sink about ¾ of the way with cold water. Add 1-2 tablespoon of delicate laundry cleaner.[4] Use your hand to mix up the water and soap solution until soap bubbles start to form.
  3. 3
    Wash the stuffed animal. Fully submerge the stuffed animal into the water and soap mixture. Use your hands to work out the stains on the stuffed animal’s surface. Squeeze, knead, and wring the stuffed animal to work the soapy mixture into the toy.
    • Do not submerge stuffed animals that have electronic parts on the interior of the toy. Submerging the toy will damage the electronic parts, and could electrocute you.
    • You can use an old, soft bristled toothbrush to help scrub out stains.
  4. 4
    Rinse the stuffed animal. After washing, remove the stuffed animal from the water, and let the soap water drain. Then turn the cold water on, and rinse off any remaining soap residue. Be sure to completely rinse and wring out all areas of the stuffed animal.[5]
  5. 5
    Dry the stuffed animal. Wring out the stuffed animal to remove excess water. Then use a dry towel to squeeze the stuffed animal and absorb more water.

Washing Stuffed Animals In A Washing Machine

  1. 1
    Check the stuffed animal’s tag. Check the stuffed animal’s tag for washing instructions. Depending on the stuffed animal’s fabric and inside material, the toy may or may not be machine washable, and may need to be washed by hand or spot cleaned.
    • Always follow the suggested cleaning instructions.
  2. 2
    Inspect your stuffed animal. Check to see if there are any electronic parts on or inside the stuffed animal. Make sure any ribbons or string are secured and tied tightly before washing. Any removable plastic pieces such as crowns, swords, purses, or any other accessories, should be detached before washing.
    • Do not machine wash any stuffed animals that have electronic parts. These parts will be ruined in the wash, and can damage your machine.
    • If the stuffed animal has fragile clothing that can’t be taken off (or is made out of glitter, sequins, or rhinestones) consider washing the toy by hand. These items can easily become loose in the wash machine.
  3. 3
    Put the stuffed animal into a mesh laundry bag. Putting your soiled stuffed animal into a mesh laundry bag allows the toy to be delicately cleaned in the wash machine, while catching any parts that might come off during the wash.[6] A mesh bag also prevents the stuffed animal from getting caught on the machine’s interior.
    • Alternatively, you can use a pillowcase to encase the stuffed animal in the washing machine, though it doesn't clean the stuffed animal as well because less suds and water gets to the stuffed animal.
  4. 4
    Change the washing machine settings. The wash machine should be set to a delicate or gentle washing cycle. Change the water temperature setting to wash with cold water.[7] The cold water will reduce any dyes on the stuffed animal from bleeding.
  5. 5
    Wash the stuffed animal. Insert the stuffed animal into the wash machine and add a small amount of mild laundry soap (about two tablespoons worth). Wash the stuffed animal by itself in the wash machine.
    • Be very cautious of washing old or antique stuffed animals in the wash machine. Even on a gentle cycle, washing the stuffed animal by hand might be the gentlest option.
  6. 6
    Dry the stuffed animal. After washing, remove the stuffed animal from the mesh laundry bag. Reshape the stuffed animal if any lumps or bumps have developed from washing. Allow the stuffed animal to air dry laying it flat on a towel, clipping the toy on a hanger, or clothes pinning the toy outside.
    • Drying a stuffed animal in a dryer (even if the dryer is on a low-heat setting) can cause glue and fur to melt. Avoid drying the stuffed animal in a dryer.[8]

Community Q&A

  • Why do you wash a teddy?
    wikiHow Contributor
    To make your teddy feel clean and loved, or because it is dirty and needs a good wash.
  • How do I surface wash a stuffed animal?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Get a soft rag wet with warm water. Squeeze out excess water and proceed by gently rubbing the stained area of the stuffed toy's fur.
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    • Always read the stuffed animal’s tag to see the recommended washing instructions. Following these instructions will ensure you cleaning your stuffed animal it the most preserving manner possible.
    • Try not to wash the toy close to the child's nap time or bed time. They could be upset at you for taking the toy


    • Washing a stuffed animal in a wash machine can loosen any buttons, glued pieces, or tied areas. Be sure that these area are secured before placing the stuffed animal in the wash machine.

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    Article Info

    Categories: Cleaning Toys

    In other languages:

    Português: Lavar Bichos de Pelúcia

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