Can I Put a Plushie in the Washing Machine?

August 7, 2025 3 min read

Your Complete Guide to Washing Stuffed Animals Safely

Plushies are built for love, and that means they get hugged, dropped, dragged around, and sometimes… covered in mystery stains. Eventually, every plush toy needs a bath.

But can you just toss them into the washing machine?

The answer: Sometimes, yes, but not always.
Here’s how to know if your plushie is machine washable, how to wash it safely, and what to do if it’s not.

🧼 Step 1: Check the Tag or Product Listing

Start by checking the plushie’s care tag or product details on the store page. Look for:

Machine washable
Hand wash only
Surface clean only
Do not tumble dry

If there’s no care label (or if your plushie is handmade or older), play it safe and go with hand washing or spot cleaning, just to avoid damage.

🧸 What Makes a Plushie Safe for the Washing Machine?

✅ Stitched (not plastic) eyes or features
✅ Strong seams with no tears or stuffing leaks
✅ No electronic parts (lights, sound chips, or batteries)
✅ Durable outer fabric like fleece, minky, or cotton blends

⚠️ Avoid machine washing if your plushie:

Has glued-on elements or glitter
Contains beans, sand, or weighted pellets (unless the label says it’s okay)
Is antique, delicate, or handmade

🌀 Step 2: How to Machine Wash a Plushie Safely

If your plush passes the test, here’s the safest way to do it:

🧺 What You’ll Need:

A laundry bag or pillowcase with a zipper
Mild detergent (no bleach or harsh chemicals)
Optionally: A small towel to add extra padding in the drum

🧼 Washing Instructions:

Place your plushie in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent damage.
Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle.
Add a tiny amount of gentle detergent.
Wash with similar colors.
Skip the fabric softener, it can ruin soft textures.

🌬️ Step 3: Drying the Plushie

Never put a plushie in a hot dryer unless the tag specifically says it’s safe. Heat can melt faux fur, warp features, or shrink the filling.

✅ Best Drying Methods:

Air dry flat on a towel
Gently squeeze (don’t twist!) excess water out first
Speed up with a fan or sunny windowsill
For fluff: once dry, brush or shake to bring back the plush

⚠️ Avoid:

Direct heat (radiators, hair dryers, hot sun)
Tumbling in a hot dryer
Hanging by the ears or limbs, it stretches them out

💡 How Often Should You Wash a Plushie?

Heavily used/plushie-sleepers: every 1–2 months
Display plushies: 2–3 times per year or when dusty
After illness or spills: immediately

You don’t need to wash them constantly, but keeping them clean means they’ll last longer, look better, and stay safe for snuggles.

🛑 What If the Plushie Isn’t Machine Safe?

No problem. You can:

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
Hand wash in lukewarm water, then towel dry
Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray in a pinch

We recommend spot testing any method before full cleaning, especially for dark or dyed fabrics.

Final Thought: Clean Plush, Happy Life

Washing your plushies the right way keeps them fresh, safe, and huggable for years to come. Whether it’s a well-worn bedtime buddy or a display-worthy collectible, they deserve a little care, and it’s easier than you think.