How To Wash Stuffed Animals - Mama's Laundry Talk

Need some tips on how to wash stuffed animals?  Those beloved treasures can be a trickier item to launder.

Can they go in the washer or not?  Can you use regular detergent or do you have to use a specialty product?  Is my little one going to have a melt-down if I take the stuffed animal away long enough to wash it?

Hint: Don’t wash those kinds of stuffed animals around nap time or bed time.  Trust me.

There are many reasons you need to wash stuffed animals: the attack of the stomach bug, they can be dusty from sitting on a shelf, a little too much love from the owner, lice or other varmints, or frequent washing for kiddos with allergies and asthma.

Stuffed animals are like clothes – the less you wash them, the longer they will look new.

After an animal has been washed that crisp, new look probably won’t be there.  But at least they’ll look clean!

▶ Have a stuffed animal that can’t go through the washing machine? Make sure you read: Washing Stuffed Animals That Can’t Go in the Washing Machine

You Can’t Wash Your Stuffed Animal in the Washing Machine if they:

– Have a music box sewn inside – Are extremely old and fragile – Have items glued on – sequins, etc.  Glued-on eyes probably will survive a washing. – Have delicate ‘clothing’ items on that can’t be removed (think glittery, net-type dresses or delicate little crowns or the like) – Are filled with small foam balls inside (like Beanie Babies) and not batting.

(See the comments section for how to clean Beanie Baby-like stuffed animals.)

How To Wash Stuffed Animals in the Washing Machine

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Before washing a stuffed animal, examine it carefully.  Are there parts that need to be removed first?  Any strings that need to be secured?

Stuffed animals are similar to pillows in that they wash much better if laundered in a machine that does not have an agitator.  If you have a top loader, you could always take a large load and wash them at the laundromat.

Washing with an agitator tends to make the animal ball up due to the agitator displacing the batting.

After determining your stuffed animal can be washed, place it in a mesh laundry bag.  The mesh bag gives it an extra level of protection from snagging or being pummeled too much in the machine.

Always wash stuffed animals on the gentle/delicate cycle.  They just can’t tolerate a more aggressive washing that a ‘normal’ cycle would give.

You can use a warm or cool wash but steer clear of hot.  If items are glued on, the hot water might dissolve some of the glue.

After washing, remove from the bag and hang dry.  I hang mine using a child’s clamp hanger or on my S-hooks.  I’ve ordered these S-hook-type clips, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to love them! They get great reviews.

Dryer heat – even on low – could potentially melt glued on or plastic parts.

Quick Washing Stuffed Animals Guide:

– Make sure the stuffed animal can be washed. – Place in a mesh bag. – Wash on warm/cool water temperature on the delicate cycle. – Hang dry.  Don’t put in the dryer.

Have questions about washing your stuffed animals?  Ask in the comments –

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Like Loading... Lauren Hill I'm Lauren and I enjoy taking care of my family. Come along with me and let's enjoy homemaking, home cooking, and a little bit of laundry here and there. See Full Bio