How to Clean Plush Toys Without Ruining Their Softness
By Jazwares Offical Store | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Conseils et entretien
A practical, step-by-step process for washing plush toys and stuffed animals safely, with checkpoints for drying and restoring softness.
Quick answer
Most plush toys can be hand washed in cool water with a small amount of mild liquid soap, then gently squeezed and air dried away from direct heat. If a care label allows machine washing, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle, then air dry. For Squishmallows, hand washing is the safest way to protect the soft fill and embroidered details.
Check the care label and test for color bleed first
Before any water touches the plush, find the care label and read it. If the label says surface wash only or spot clean, stop there and use a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap. If the label is missing or unreadable, treat the toy as hand-wash only. Test a hidden area, such as the back of a leg or the bottom seam, by dabbing it with a damp white cloth. If color transfers to the cloth, do not submerge the toy.
Pre-treat stains and remove loose debris
Shake the plush outside or vacuum it on a low setting with a brush attachment to lift dust, crumbs, and pet hair. For a stain, apply a tiny amount of mild liquid soap to a damp cloth and blot from the outside of the stain inward. Do not rub, because rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fabric and can pill the surface. Let the pre-treated area sit for five minutes before washing.
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap
Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Submerge the plush and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Pay attention to the head, paws, and any area that touches skin or floors. Avoid twisting, wringing, or scrubbing, which can distort the stuffing and stretch seams. Rinse with cool water until no soap remains.
Machine wash only if the label allows it
If the care label permits machine washing, place the plush in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied shut. Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach, which can coat the fibers and reduce softness. Do not wash plush with zippers, hooks, or heavy items that can snag the fabric.
Remove excess water without wringing
After washing, press the plush between two clean towels to absorb water. You can also roll it in a towel and gently press down. Never wring or twist the toy, because that breaks down the fill and creates lumps. If the plush is small, you can spin it in a salad spinner lined with a towel, but only if the toy has no electronic parts.
Air dry and restore softness
Lay the plush flat on a drying rack or a clean towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or hair dryers. Turn it over halfway through drying so both sides dry evenly. Once completely dry, gently massage and squeeze the plush to break up any clumps and bring back its softness. For long-pile plush, use your fingers or a soft brush to fluff the fibers.
Step-by-step plush cleaning process
- Check the label and test for color bleed: Read the care label. If it says surface wash only, do not submerge. Test a hidden spot with a damp white cloth to check for color transfer. If color bleeds, switch to spot cleaning only.
- Pre-treat stains and remove loose debris: Shake or vacuum the plush to remove dust and hair. Blot stains with mild soap on a damp cloth, working from the outside in. Do not rub. Rubbing can spread the stain and pill the fabric.
- Hand wash in cool water with mild soap: Submerge in cool water with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap. Gently squeeze water through the fabric. Rinse until no soap remains. Never wring or twist, as this distorts the stuffing.
- Machine wash only if the label allows: Use a mesh bag or tied pillowcase, cold water, gentle cycle, and mild detergent. No bleach or fabric softener. Skip this step entirely if the label says hand wash only.
- Remove excess water without wringing: Press the plush between clean towels to absorb water. Do not twist or wring. For small plush without electronics, a salad spinner lined with a towel can help. Wringing breaks down the fill and causes lumps.
- Air dry and restore softness: Lay flat on a drying rack away from heat and sunlight. Turn halfway through drying. Once dry, massage and squeeze to fluff. Heat can damage fibers, so never use a hair dryer or radiator.
Plush care details for popular picks
- 5-Inch Select Series Valentine's Salt & Pepper 2-Pack: These Select Series Valentine plush make the perfect cuddly companion for long flights out, cozy nights in—even romantic candlelit dinners! Because they are designed for frequent cuddling, they will need regular cleaning to stay fresh; hand washing helps preserve the soft fill and shape.
- Harry Potter 10-Inch Hedwig: This authentic Squishmallows plush is easy to clean: hand wash, then air dry. Following the official care instruction—hand wash and air dry—keeps Hedwig soft and prevents heat damage to the fabric.
- Disney SuperKitties 10-Inch Sparks HugMees: This ultra-huggable Sparks from SuperKitties plush is made with ultrasoft material and always ready for a hug. Ultrasoft materials can mat down if washed harshly, so use cool water and gentle squeezing to keep the plush huggable.
