How to Clean Plush Toys: A Comprehensive Guide

Plush toys hold a special place in our hearts, whether they're cherished childhood companions or collectible items. Keeping them clean is essential for maintaining their charm and ensuring they remain safe for play. In this guide, we'll explore various methods on how to clean plush toys, including those with batteries, without a washing machine, and more. Let's dive into the best practices for cleaning these beloved stuffed animals.

 

Understanding Plush Toy Materials

Before delving into the cleaning methods, it's important to understand the materials typically used in plush toys. Most plush toys are made from synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic, which are durable and can withstand gentle cleaning methods. However, some plush toys may have additional components such as electronic parts, batteries, or delicate decorations. These require special care to ensure they are not damaged during the cleaning process.

How To Wash Stuffed Animals

1. How To Wash Stuffed Animals By Hand

For Regular Plush Toys:

Hand washing plush toys can be done by filling a basin with water, adding detergent, and mixing until fully dissolved. Submerge the plush toy and gently squeeze to allow the detergent to penetrate. Drain the dirty water, rinse the toy with clean water, and wrap it in a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture. Use a wide, soft brush to gently brush the plush, followed by a quality metal brush to fluff the fibers. Air dry the toy, or if using a washing machine to spin dry, wrap the toy in a towel first.

For detailed steps, refer to this video below:

2. How To Clean Stuffed toys With Washing Machine

For plush toys that are machine washable, this method can be convenient and effective, especially for toys that need regular cleaning due to frequent use or exposure to dirt.

Steps for Machine Washing:

1. Place the plush toy inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash cycle.
2. Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinkage or damage to the toy’s fibers.
3. Add a small amount of mild detergent, preferably one designed for delicate fabrics.
4. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the plush material.
5. Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the plush toy from the laundry bag.
6. Air dry the toy by laying it flat or hanging it to dry. Avoid using a dryer unless specified by the manufacturer, as heat can damage plush materials.

Note: Unless the label indicates the toy is machine washable, do not place plush toys in the washing machine.

3. Washing Precautions

1. Suitable Water Temperature
High-quality plush toys often require washing with warm water to maintain their softness. Generally, the water temperature should be controlled around 30-40 degrees Celsius. In hot summer weather, there's no need to add hot water; water left out in the sun works well for washing plush toys.

2. Separate by Color
When washing plush toys, separate dark and light colors to avoid color bleeding. If colors bleed and transfer to other toys, it can be quite unsightly. This is especially important for solid-colored plush toys, such as pure white or pink, which can be easily stained by other colors.

3. Use Neutral Detergent
For washing plush toys, it’s best to use a neutral detergent (such as a detergent for silk or wool), which is gentler and less likely to cause shedding or fading. Use the recommended amount of detergent as indicated in the instructions to avoid waste. Additionally, coarse salt can be used to wash plush toys, but be mindful of the amount used.

4. Apply Moderate Force
When cleaning plush toys, avoid using excessive force to scrub or squeeze, as this may damage the toy or cause shedding. Adjust the amount of force based on the toy's texture; use less force for long-pile plush and a bit more for short-pile or non-plush toys.

5. Use Professional Cleaning Tools
Given the soft texture of plush toys, avoid using ordinary brushes for cleaning. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for plush toys. When purchasing a soft brush, ensure it is of good quality and doesn’t shed bristles.

6. Soak Before Washing
Before washing, add detergent to water and ensure it is fully dissolved. Soak the plush toy for about half an hour, turning it occasionally to ensure it’s completely soaked. This makes the cleaning process much easier.

7. Be Cautious with Washing Machines
While using a washing machine is convenient, its high-speed rotation can easily damage plush toys. If the plush toy isn't very dirty, it's better to wash it by hand, focusing on dirtier areas. This method also saves electricity.

8. Careful Dehydration and Drying
Plush toys can be difficult to dry. It's best to use a washing machine for dehydration. Wrap the cleaned plush toy in a towel, place it in the washing machine, and select a gentle spin cycle. After dehydration, reshape and comb the toy, then dry it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause discoloration.

 

How To Clean Soft Toys With Batteries?

1. Spot Cleaning

For electronic plush toys with music boxes, electronic parts, or batteries, it's best to use spot cleaning:

Remove Batteries: If possible, remove batteries before cleaning to avoid damage to electronic components.

Surface Cleaning: Focus on surface cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid submerging these toys in water and ensure no moisture reaches the electronic parts.

Air Dry Completely: Ensure all parts are thoroughly dry before reassembling or replacing batteries.

Odor Removal: Since spot cleaning only removes surface dirt and stains, the toy may have an odor. To remove unpleasant smells, wipe the toy with a damp cloth, place it in a zip-lock bag with a cup of baking soda, and shake the bag vigorously for 30 seconds. Let the bag sit for two hours before removing the toy and using a handheld vacuum to clean off the baking soda. This method also effectively disinfects these soft toys. Coarse salt can be used as a substitute for baking soda. This method is also suitable for cleaning large plush toys.

You can also refer to the methods in the video below:

2. Dry Cleaning (Two Methods)

Cleaning Agent Wipe: Purchase a cleaning agent specifically for plush toys. Use a soft sponge or clean dry cloth to apply diluted neutral detergent to the surface, then wipe with clean water.

Professional Dry Cleaning: Take the plush toy to a dry cleaner or a plush toy specialty store for professional cleaning.

 

How To Clean Plushies Which Are Lightly Soiled

If the plush toy has been kept in a relatively clean environment, it may not be very dirty. Cleaned plush toys may never feel as new as when first purchased. If the toy is slightly damp, sun-drying is sufficient. For surface dirt, vigorous beating should remove it.

 

Consult Plush Toy Manufacturers

If you're still unsure about the best method to clean your plush toy after reading this guide, you can always contact your plush toy manufacturer. They will provide you with the guidance you need.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean plush toys properly is essential for maintaining their appearance and ensuring they remain safe for use. Whether you're dealing with a beloved teddy bear, a battery-operated soft toy, or a giant stuffed animal, following these guidelines will help keep them in top condition. Regular cleaning and proper care will extend the life of your plush toys, allowing them to bring joy and comfort for years to come. For more tips and to explore our range of plush toys, visit www.zhorya.com.