The Best Ways to Clean Plush Toys

Do you know how to clean plush toys?

Most plush toys can and should be washed.If your child sleeps with them, clean the plush toys weekly.Otherwise, when they look dirty or smell, they can be cleaned as needed.Wash your child's stuffed animal immediately after being sick.If your child has allergies or asthma, be sure to clean their stuffed animal regularly to remove dust or other irritants.And, of course, you should wash them as soon as they start looking dirty or musty.

washing machine

If you're sure it's safe to wash your child's toys in the machine, place them in a mesh laundry bag or zippered pillowcase to prevent chafing.(You can also put it inside an old sock or regular pillowcase and tie a knot at the top.) Use a separate bag for each toy.Wash in cold water and your usual detergent on a gentle cycle.Give it a second rinse to remove all suds, then remove it from the mesh bag.

handwashing

If you don't have a washing machine, you can still wash your child's stuffed animal in the sink.Hand washing is also the best way to clean large plush toys that won't fit in the machine.

1. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water.Use enough water to submerge the toy.

2. Add laundry detergent.Pour a bottle of laundry detergent into a bucket or sink.

3. Stir for 2-3 minutes.Gently squeeze each toy to saturate with water and detergent.Don't scrub too hard, as older plush toys may have loose strings or fabric.

4. Drain.Drain or dump used water.

5. Rinse.Refill your bucket or sink with clean, cold water, or run your stuffed animal under cold water.Gently squeeze each one to rinse out the cleaner, but avoid wringing out.

6. Lay the plush toy flat to dry.You can roll each one up with a clean dry towel first to help remove moisture.You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.