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How to Clean Plush Toys Without Damaging Them: A Complete Guide

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April 15, 2025

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Plush toys hold a special place in many people’s lives whether they’re childhood companions, comfort objects, collector’s items, or gifts with sentimental value. But over time, they can collect dust, absorb odors, and harbor bacteria. That’s why cleaning them properly is essential not just to keep them looking good, but to maintain hygiene and prolong their life.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the best methods for cleaning plush toys safely, with tips tailored for different types of materials and use cases.

Table of Contents

Why It’s Important to Clean Plush Toys

Plush toys, whether they belong to children, serve as comforting bedtime companions, or sit on shelves as collectibles, are often much dirtier than they appear.

Because they’re soft, porous, and often used close to the skin or face, plush toys easily absorb and hold onto various substances many of which can be harmful to both health and hygiene if left unchecked. Here’s a breakdown of what typically builds up on plush toys over time and why regular cleaning is essential:

Dust and Allergens

Plush fabric naturally attracts and holds onto airborne particles like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. These allergens settle into the fibers and stuffing of plush toys, especially if they’re left on beds, couches, or floors.

For individuals with allergies, asthma, or sensitive respiratory systems, this buildup can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or breathing difficulty often without realizing the toy is the source. Regular washing helps eliminate these allergens and maintain a healthier indoor environment.

Body Oils and Sweat

When plush toys are frequently cuddled, hugged, or held against the skin particularly during sleep they absorb natural oils and sweat. Over time, this leads to greasy or discolored patches that can trap dirt and dust even more effectively.

These residues can also cause the toy to develop an unpleasant texture or lose its original softness. Cleaning helps restore the plush surface to a fresh, soft feel while also reducing lingering skin-related bacteria.

Food and Drink Stains

In households with young children, plush toys often double as companions during snack time or meals. Crumbs, sticky fingers, spilled juice, or splashes from food can leave visible stains and invisible bacteria. These residues can attract insects or encourage mold growth if not cleaned quickly.

Worse still, children may continue to snuggle or chew on toys that harbor food bacteria making proper cleaning not just a matter of tidiness, but of safety.

Bacteria and Viruses

Plush toys can act as silent carriers of illness. When a child (or adult) has a cold, flu, or stomach bug, they often bring their favorite toy into bed, sneeze or cough nearby, or handle the toy with unwashed hands.

Germs can live on soft surfaces for several hours or even days, depending on the virus or bacteria involved. Washing toys after illness is crucial to prevent reinfection or the spread of germs to others in the household.

Mold or Mildew

Plush toys that are stored in damp, humid, or unventilated areas like basements, bathrooms, or near windows can develop mold or mildew. Even if there are no visible spots, the toy might begin to smell musty or feel slightly damp.

Mold spores are not only unpleasant but also harmful when inhaled, especially for people with respiratory sensitivities. Keeping toys dry and cleaning them regularly helps prevent fungal growth and the risks that come with it.
Regular cleaning not only improves the toy’s appearance and smell, but also helps protect your family’s health.

How to Clean Plush Toys Correctly

Method 1: Machine Washing (For Sturdy, Washable Plush Toys)

Best for: Newer plush toys that are well-constructed, with secure stitching, durable materials, and no electronic parts or delicate decorations.

Many modern plush toys are built to withstand gentle machine washing which makes cleaning them both fast and efficient. However, even if a toy looks tough on the outside, machine washing can cause unexpected damage if precautions aren’t taken. That’s why it’s essential to follow a few smart steps to keep your plush companion looking and feeling its best.

What You’ll Need:

Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase (to protect the toy from snags and stretching)
Mild, fragrance-free detergent (baby-safe or sensitive skin formulas are ideal)
Front-loading washing machine (gentler on fabrics) or a top-loading machine without a central agitator

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Read the care tag. It will usually specify if machine washing is allowed.
Inspect the toy. Remove any loose accessories or parts that could fall off during the wash.
Place the plush toy inside a laundry bag or pillowcase, and tie it shut to prevent snagging.
Use cold or lukewarm water, hot water can fade colors or damage materials.
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with a slow spin speed to protect the shape and stuffing.
Add a small amount of mild detergent. Baby-safe or eco-friendly brands are ideal.
After washing, remove the toy from the bag and gently reshape it while damp.
Let the toy air dry completely. Lay it flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area. Flip it occasionally to speed up drying.

Method 2: Hand Washing (Ideal for Most Plush Toys)

Best for: Older or vintage plush toys, toys with delicate or unknown fabric types, sentimental keepsakes, and plushies with light decorative features (like embroidery, soft embellishments, or glued-on parts).

Hand washing is a gentle and effective method that gives you full control over how much pressure and moisture the plush toy is exposed to. It’s the go-to option when you’re unsure about machine safety or when dealing with older toys that might not withstand a spin cycle.

What You’ll Need:

A clean basin, sink, or bucket
Mild detergent (baby shampoo or soap for sensitive skin works well)
A soft sponge, microfiber cloth, or soft toothbrush
Clean towels for drying

Tip: Avoid bleach, strong soaps, or anything with alcohol. These can damage delicate fibers and fade colors over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Fill a Basin or Sink with Lukewarm Water
Start by filling your chosen container with lukewarm water warm enough to help lift dirt and oils, but not hot enough to damage synthetic fibers or cause colors to bleed. You’ll need just enough water to fully submerge the plush toy.
Add a Small Amount of Mild Detergent
Pour in a few drops of gentle detergent or baby shampoo. Swirl the water around to create light suds it shouldn’t be overly bubbly. The goal is to make a mild cleaning solution that’s easy to rinse out and safe for sensitive fabrics.
Submerge the Plush Toy
Gently lower the plush toy into the soapy water. Don’t force it under or twist it roughly. Once submerged, use your hands to press and squeeze the toy softly, allowing the water to move through the stuffing and fibers. This helps dislodge dirt, oils, and dust trapped inside.
Clean Heavily Soiled Areas with Care
If the plush toy has specific dirty spots or stains (like food marks or oily patches), use a soft sponge, cloth, or toothbrush to gently scrub those areas. Avoid scrubbing hard it’s better to repeat a soft motion several times than to risk damaging the fabric with aggressive rubbing.
Drain and Rinse Thoroughly
Once the toy looks and feels clean, drain the basin and refill it with clean, lukewarm water. Gently swish the plush toy in the clean water, repeating as needed until no soap residue or bubbles remain. You may need to change the rinse water a couple of times for a thorough clean.
Remove Excess Water Without Wringing
Once the toy is soap-free, gently press it between your hands to squeeze out water. Do not twist or wring the toy doing so can pull seams out of shape, damage the stuffing, or distort its overall appearance.
Use Towels to Absorb Moisture
Lay the toy flat on a clean towel. Then roll it up like a burrito and press gently to soak up excess water. Repeat with a second dry towel if needed. This helps remove water from inside the toy without applying damaging force.
Air Dry Completely
Place the plush toy on a dry towel in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Make sure it’s lying flat or in a supported position to preserve its shape. Rotate or flip the toy every few hours to ensure even drying.

Method 3: Spot Cleaning (For Toys with Electronics or Fragile Parts)

Best for: Plush toys that contain electronic components (like music boxes, voice recorders, or light-up features), battery packs, or delicate glued-on accessories such as glitter, sequins, plastic eyes, or decorative trims.

Spot cleaning is a safe and effective way to refresh a plush toy without exposing it to full immersion. Since water and electronics don’t mix, this method is ideal for cleaning just the outer surface while keeping the internal components safe and dry.

What You’ll Need:

A clean, damp microfiber cloth or soft cotton rag
A mild soap solution (a few drops of gentle detergent or baby shampoo in lukewarm water)
A dry towel or absorbent cloth
An optional soft brush (like a baby hairbrush or clean toothbrush) for textured surfaces

Tip: Always test a small hidden area of the toy first before cleaning large sections especially if it’s made of unusual fabrics or has bright colors that might bleed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare a Mild Soap Solution
In a small bowl or cup, mix a few drops of gentle liquid detergent or baby shampoo into lukewarm water. Stir gently until combined. You want a very diluted solution enough to lift surface grime without leaving behind sticky residue.
Dampen Your Cleaning Cloth (Not Soak It!)
Dip the corner of a microfiber or soft cloth into the soap solution and wring out any excess water. The cloth should feel just damp not dripping. This is crucial to avoid accidentally letting moisture seep into the toy’s inner parts.
Clean the Affected Areas Gently
Use the damp cloth to dab or wipe the dirty or stained spots, working in slow, gentle circles. Focus on areas around the face, paws, and tummy the parts that typically collect the most dirt from frequent handling.
Wipe Away Soap Residue
Once the stains are gone or visibly reduced, dip a second clean cloth in plain water, wring it out well, and gently wipe the same area to remove any leftover soap. This prevents stickiness or discoloration once the toy dries.
Blot Excess Moisture with a Towel
Use a dry towel to blot the cleaned area. Press firmly but gently to help absorb as much moisture as possible. You can repeat with a second dry section of the towel for extra drying.
Air Dry Completely in a Safe Spot
Set the plush toy in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing it near a heater, especially if there are electronic parts inside excessive heat can warp plastic, melt glue, or cause circuits to malfunction.

Let the toy sit upright or in its natural shape, and rotate it occasionally to help it dry evenly. Depending on humidity and airflow, it may take several hours to a full day to completely dry.

How Often Should Plush Toys Be Cleaned?

Keeping plush toys clean isn’t just about keeping them looking nice, it’s also about health, hygiene, and peace of mind. Depending on how often a toy is used and who uses it, cleaning frequency can vary quite a bit. Here’s a more detailed look at how often you should clean your plush companions:

Monthly (or More Often) for Daily-Use Toys.

If a plush toy is:

Snuggled every night
Carried around throughout the day
Taken outdoors or to school/daycare
Chewed on or handled with sticky hands

it should be cleaned about once every month, or even every two weeks in some cases. Toys that see frequent, close contact especially by young children are exposed to body oils, saliva, sweat, food crumbs, and environmental dirt.

Regular washing helps reduce germs, odors, and allergens that build up with daily use. For babies or toddlers, more frequent cleaning is a good idea, since they often put toys in their mouths.

Immediately After Exposure to Illness, Spills, or Dirt accidents happen and so do colds.

If a plush toy:

Has been handled by someone who is sick
Was dropped in the mud or touched a dirty surface
Got food or drink spilled on it
Has come into contact with pet hair or dander

it’s best to clean it as soon as possible. Germs and stains can settle in quickly, so prompt cleaning helps prevent lingering odors, mold, and contamination especially important if the toy will be handled again right away.

In cases of illness, use warm water (if the toy allows it) and a gentle disinfecting process to reduce bacterial buildup.

Every 3 to 6 Months for Display or Rarely-Used Toys

Plush toys that mostly sit on shelves, inside display cases, or are only used occasionally don’t need frequent deep cleaning but they still collect dust, pollen, and air pollutants over time.

For these plushies, aim to:

Dust or vacuum lightly once a month (use a brush attachment or low suction)

Wash gently every 3–6 months to keep fabric fresh and prevent long-term buildup of allergens or yellowing from age

Even if they look clean, invisible particles can still accumulate especially in homes with pets, smokers, or high humidity.

If someone in your household has allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin, plush toys can become sneaky triggers. Dust mites and pet dander often cling to soft surfaces like stuffed animals.

To reduce the risk:

Wash plush toys more often about every 2 – 4 weeks
Store toys in sealed containers or bins when not in use
Freeze the toy in a plastic bag overnight occasionally to kill dust mites (then air it out and brush off debris)

Preventive Care: Keep Plush Toys Clean Between Washes

Taking care of plush toys doesn’t end after washing. With some smart daily habits, you can keep them fresh and tidy between cleanings, extending their life and keeping them safe to cuddle.

Store them off the floor.

Placing plush toys directly on the floor exposes them to dust, dirt, pet hair, and anything tracked in from shoes. Keeping them on shelves, in open baskets, or inside drawers helps reduce this exposure and keeps them looking clean longer. It also prevents damage from being stepped on or caught in vacuuming and sweeping.

Use sealed containers for long-term storage.

If you have seasonal plushies, rare collectibles, or toys that aren’t used every day, storing them properly helps prevent dust, mold, and fading.

Clean and dry the toy before placing it into a plastic container with a lid, a vacuum-sealed bag, or a fabric storage pouch. Choose a cool, dry storage space out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or deterioration.

Keep plush toys away from pets and food.

Pets often mistake soft toys for their own, and that can lead to torn stitching, drool stains, or even choking hazards. Food is another common source of mess, especially with kids who bring toys to snack or meal times.

Setting clear boundaries, like keeping toys out of kitchens, dining areas, and pet zones, can significantly cut down on unexpected messes.

Dust or vacuum toys weekly.

Even when not in use, plush toys can gather dust just by sitting on a shelf. A weekly light cleaning can help maintain their appearance and prevent allergens from building up.

You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on low suction, or wipe them down gently using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. This step takes only a minute or two, but goes a long way in keeping the toy fresh.

Let them sit in sunlight occasionally.

Sunlight, when used carefully, can help freshen plush toys naturally. Placing them in a sunny spot indoors like on a windowsill or under a skylight for an hour or two can help reduce odors and bacteria.

Just be cautious not to leave them for too long, as extended exposure to direct sun can fade fabrics or weaken glued parts. This occasional sunbath is an easy way to freshen up a plush toy without water or chemicals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While cleaning plush toys might seem simple, there are a few common pitfalls that can cause unnecessary damage or even reduce the toy’s lifespan. Being aware of these mistakes will help you clean your toys more effectively and safely.

Using bleach or harsh cleaners.

Bleach, strong detergents, or cleaning sprays with harsh chemicals might seem like a powerful solution for removing stains or killing germs.

However, they can be too aggressive for soft fabrics and stuffing materials. These products often cause discoloration, weaken the toy’s fabric, and leave behind residues that may irritate sensitive skin especially for children or babies who frequently cuddle or sleep with the toy.

Over-washing the toy.

Although it’s important to keep plush toys clean, excessive washing can do more harm than good. Washing too frequently may wear out the seams, fade colors, and cause the surface fabric to pill or lose its softness.

Unless the toy is visibly dirty, has been exposed to illness, or is used daily by a young child, it’s best to limit full washes and rely on preventive care or spot cleaning when possible.

Ignoring the care label.

Every plush toy is different, and manufacturers usually include specific instructions for how to clean it safely. Ignoring these labels can lead to using the wrong method, temperature, or detergent.

Some toys are machine washable, while others should only be hand washed or spot cleaned. Following the label gives you the best chance of keeping the toy in good shape while avoiding unexpected damage.

Machine drying without checking.

Tossing a freshly washed plush toy straight into the dryer might seem convenient, but it can lead to problems if the toy isn’t meant to withstand heat.

The high temperature in dryers can shrink certain fabrics, warp internal stuffing, or damage glued-on details like eyes, bows, or patches. If machine drying is not recommended on the care label, it’s always safer to let the toy air dry naturally.

Not rinsing thoroughly after hand washing.

Leaving detergent in the fabric can leave a toy stiff, sticky, or even irritating to touch. During hand washing, it’s important to rinse the toy several times with clean water to ensure all soap is removed. Toys that are not properly rinsed may also hold onto scents or residues that attract dust or irritate sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Plush toys are more than just soft companions they’re a part of our everyday comfort, our memories, and in many homes, a part of the family.

Whether snuggled by children during bedtime, sitting proudly on a collector’s shelf, or comforting someone after a long day, these cuddly friends deserve a little care in return.

By understanding how to clean plush toys, avoid common mistakes, and maintain good hygiene habits, you not only preserve their appearance but also ensure a safer, healthier environment for everyone around.