How to Clean Stuffed Animals Without Ruining the Fur

Quick answer

Most stuffed animals can be cleaned safely with a gentle hand wash in cool water and mild soap, followed by air drying. For surface-only cleaning, spot-treat stains with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap. Always check the toy's care tag first, and avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, or a hot dryer, which can mat fur and loosen seams.

Check the care tag and assess the toy's condition

Before you get anything wet, look for a care tag, usually sewn into a seam or attached near the bottom. It tells you whether the toy is surface washable only or fully washable. If there is no tag, treat the toy as surface wash only unless you are confident it is a simple plush with no electronics, batteries, or glued-on parts.

Also check for loose seams, holes, or areas where stuffing is escaping. Washing a damaged toy can make the problem worse. If you find a small tear, stitch it closed with a needle and thread before cleaning. For toys with plastic inserts, sound boxes, or battery packs, remove the insert if possible; if not, spot clean only.

Pre-treat stains and spots

For isolated stains, act quickly. Blot, do not rub, the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel to lift as much as possible. Then apply a small amount of mild liquid soap or a diluted enzyme cleaner made for delicate fabrics. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush.

Avoid using bleach, harsh stain removers, or hot water, as these can discolor or stiffen the fur. If the stain is old or set in, you may need to repeat the process a few times. Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first, like the back of a leg, to make sure it does not affect the color.

Hand wash plush toys safely

Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent or baby shampoo. Submerge the stuffed animal and gently squeeze the water through the fur. Do not wring or twist the toy, as this can distort the shape and mat the fur. Pay extra attention to soiled areas like paws, ears, and the face.

Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no soap remains. Soap residue can attract dirt and make the fur feel stiff. If the toy is large, you may need to refill the basin with clean water and rinse again. Gently press out excess water against the side of the sink, but never twist.

Machine washing: when and how to do it

Some plush toys can go in the washing machine, but only if the care tag says so and the toy has no electronic parts or delicate embellishments. Place the toy inside a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag to protect it from agitation. Use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.

Skip the fabric softener and bleach. After the cycle, remove the toy promptly. If the toy has a plastic brush or long pile fur, machine washing may cause matting, so hand washing is safer. When in doubt, hand wash.

Dry stuffed animals without damage

Air drying is the safest method. Gently squeeze out excess water, then roll the toy in a clean, dry towel and press to absorb more moisture. Reshape the toy while it is damp, fluffing the fur with your fingers. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A fan can speed drying.

If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and check the toy every few minutes. High heat can shrink or melt synthetic fur and damage seams. For best results, let the toy air dry most of the way, then finish with a short, low-heat tumble to fluff. Never leave a stuffed animal in a hot dryer unattended.

Restore the fur and keep it soft

Once the toy is completely dry, gently brush the fur with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers to separate any clumps. For long-pile fur, a wire pet brush can help, but use a light touch to avoid pulling out fibers. If the fur feels stiff, a very small amount of fabric softener diluted in water can be lightly misted on and brushed through, but test first.

To keep plush toys fresh between washes, spot clean regularly and store them in a clean, dry place. Avoid leaving them in damp areas or direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken fibers. With a little care, a stuffed animal can stay soft and huggable for years.

Step-by-step cleaning process

1. Check the care tag: Look for a sewn-in tag that says surface washable or machine washable. If there is no tag, treat the toy as surface wash only. Checkpoint: If the toy has electronics, batteries, or glued-on decorations, do not submerge it.
2. Pre-treat stains: Blot the stain with a clean cloth, apply a small amount of mild soap or diluted enzyme cleaner, and let it sit for a few minutes. Common mistake: Rubbing the stain can push it deeper into the fabric. Always blot.
3. Hand wash or machine wash: For hand washing, use cool water and mild detergent, gently squeezing the suds through the fur. For machine washing, place the toy in a pillowcase or mesh bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water. Checkpoint: Never use hot water, bleach, or fabric softener, as these can damage fur and colors.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse with cool water until no soap remains. Soap residue can make the fur stiff and attract dirt. Common mistake: Skipping the rinse or not rinsing enough. When in doubt, rinse again.
5. Remove excess water: Gently squeeze the toy over the sink, then roll it in a clean towel and press to absorb more water. Do not wring or twist. Checkpoint: The toy should be damp, not dripping.
6. Air dry and fluff: Reshape the toy and place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Once dry, brush the fur with a soft brush to restore softness. Common mistake: Using a hot dryer or leaving the toy in direct sun, which can mat fur and fade colors.

Product facts

• Message From The Planet Rhino Stuffed Animal - 12": The Message From The Planet Rhino Stuffed Animal is made with safety in mind and exceeds CPSIA and EN71 safety standards. This means the materials and construction are tested for safety, so you can clean it with confidence using gentle methods without worrying about harmful substances.
• Earthkins Mini Snow Leopard Stuffed Animal - 8": The Earthkins Mini Snow Leopard Stuffed Animal is made with eco-conscious materials and is engineered to begin biodegrading after disposal under landfill conditions. Its eco-friendly design means it may be more sensitive to harsh chemicals or high heat, so hand washing and air drying are especially recommended to preserve the material.
• Rubber Duck Zebra - 4": The Rubber Duck Zebra is a bath toy that exceeds CPSIA and EN71 requirements. Because it is designed for water play, it can be rinsed and air-dried easily, but avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.