How to Wash Stuffed Animals Without Ruining Them or Affecting Your Health

Do you know that a squashed teddy bear in your kid's room can be a big disaster for allergies and health issues? Not only the teddy bear, but also other stuffed animals in your kid's room. You may think that it is just a toy, however, it could be dirtier than your toilet seat. 

Imagine that you cuddle the stuffed animals, sleep with them, and our kids drag them everywhere. Over time, these furry friends collect more than just love and memories. They become magnets for dust, germs, and all sorts of unseen nasties.

What you need to do? Absolutely, you need to wash stuffed animals regularly. And yes, we understand that you have anxiety on how to clean them without ruining them. 

The big worry for most people is how to wash them without a disaster. We’ve all heard horror stories of a beloved bunny coming out of the wash looking like a lumpy mess. No worries. We're going to show you the cleaning tips on how to get them sparkling clean and germ-free without ruining them, keeping your family healthier and your soft toys cuddly.

The Fact Behind Your Lovely Stuffed Animals 

You might want to sit down for this part. While they look innocent, stuffed animals can be secret hotspots for germs. It’s not just about a bit of surface dirt. The science shows it’s a little more serious than that.

Research has found that germs can survive for weeks on stuffed animals. A study from the University at Buffalo discovered that bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause serious infections, can linger on fabric surfaces long after they’ve been contaminated.

And it’s not just outside germs. A report from Vanderbilt University Medical Center points out that bacteria from a child's own body, including saliva and skin cells, easily transfer to their favourite toy.

But here’s the real shocker: a cleaning expert cited by The Sun revealed that some tests found teddies can be even dirtier than a toilet seat, with one in four containing bacteria linked to faecal matter. Considering that the same article mentions 90% of kids regularly drop their toys on the floor, it’s easy to see how they get so filthy.

What You Need To Know Before Cleaning Stuffed Animals 

Alright, before you dunk that teddy in water, take a minute to play detective. A quick five-minute check can save you a world of heartache.

First, find the care instructions on your favourite stuffed animals. This is your golden ticket. It will tell you exactly what the manufacturer recommends, whether it's machine washable, hand-wash only, or surface clean only. If there's no tag, you should always choose the gentlest method, which is washing stuffed animals by hand.

Next, give the toy a good squeeze. Can you feel a hard box inside? That could be a battery pack, a music box, or a heating element. If there's any kind of electronic part, that toy absolutely cannot be submerged the stuffed animal in water. It's a spot clean job only.

Have a proper look for any weak spots. Check for loose seams, pulled threads, or any little holes. The rough and tumble of a wash can turn a small tear into a major stuffing explosion. It’s much better to sew up any little repairs before you start cleaning.

Finally, check for delicate bits and pieces. Things like glued-on eyes, glitter, or fragile little outfits might not survive a machine wash. If the toy looks old or especially precious, play it safe and wash it by hand.

5 Steps to Wash Stuffed Animals by Washer

If your inspection gives you the all clear, and the size of stuffed animals are not that big,  the washing machine can be your best friend. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Protect The Toy. Place the stuffed animal inside a mesh laundry bag or a zippered pillowcase. This prevents it from snagging on the machine's drum and protects any little parts from getting pulled off.

2. Choose Your Settings. Always use the gentlest cycle your machine has. That means choosing the delicate cycle, gentle, or hand wash setting. Just as important, separate your stuffed animals with white cloth, and always use cool water to prevent colours from bleeding or any glued parts from melting.

3. Use The Mild Detergent. This is where you need to be careful.  You need to choose the right cleaning solutions for your lovely toy. Harsh powders and chemical-heavy liquids can damage the toy's soft fur and leave behind a residue that can irritate skin. Avoid using bleach. You can forget guessing with messy powders or goo. Just grab one Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheet. Our sheets are pre-measured, hypoallergenic, and dissolve completely in cool water, giving you a powerful yet gentle clean without any of the harsh stuff. 

4. Start The Wash. You can add a few towels to the load to help balance the machine and provide some extra cushioning for the toy as it tumbles around.

5. Air Dry It Properly. Never put a stuffed animal in a hot dryer. The heat can melt plastic parts and turn the fur into a matted mess. Instead, gently roll the toy in a clean towel to squeeze out excess water. Then, hang it on a clothesline or lay it flat on a drying rack with good air circulation.

How to Clean Stuffed Animals by Hand that Aren't Suitable for a Washer in 6 Ways

For older, bigger,  more delicate, plush toys or electronic-filled toys, hand washing is the only way to go. It’s gentle, safe, and gives you complete control.

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solutions. Fill a clean sink or a basin with cool water. You don’t want to use hot water as it can damage the fibres or cause the colours to run.

2. Add our detergent sheet. This is the key for your cleaning process. Once again, use the harmless detergent to avoid damaging the fur of your lovely toys. Place the detergent sheet on the sink or basin that you've prepared. It will dissolve quickly without leaving a residue.  It creates a perfectly mild, sudsy solution with no clumps or residue, which is ideal for hand washing delicate items.

3. Wash Gently. Submerge the toy and give it a few gentle squeezes to work the soapy water through the stuffing.  Let it soak for about 20-30 minutes.

4. Spot Cleaning Your Stuffed Animals. For any stubborn spots, you can use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the area with dish soap. The other things that you can do is to wipe away the soapy residue with damp cloth. 

5. Rinse It All Out. Drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean, cool water. Repeatedly squeeze the toy under the fresh water until no more suds appear. It’s really important to get all the detergent out.

6. Dry with Care. Gently press the water out of the toy. Do not wring or twist it, as that will ruin its shape. Roll it up in a thick, dry towel to absorb as much moisture as possible, then let it air dry completely.

How to Keep Your Stuffed Animals Clean Longer 

You don’t have to do a deep clean every week. A bit of regular maintenance can keep the germs at bay and extend the time between washes.

Give them a quick vacuum once a week. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner on a low setting to suck up surface dust and allergens. For small spills or marks, you can spot-clean them immediately.

And if you can, try to have a rule that the most special, hard-to-wash toys stay in the bedroom and don’t go on adventures to the playground or the supermarket floor.

The Key to Remove Odor and Make Your Teddy Bear Keep Smelling Good 

The key to keeping your stuffed animals smelling good lies in the washing process. Before your stuffed animals get wet, place them in a plastic bag. Then, add baking soda inside and shake it. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove any odour from the stuffed animals. Once you're done, you can clean off the baking soda residue. After that, you can wash it either by machine or by hand, depending on the type of stuffed animal.

Another thing you can do is use a detergent that contains essential oils or fragrance. Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheets offer several fragrance options, all containing essential oils.

Once you've washed your teddy bear, make sure it dries properly. If it doesn't dry properly, you'll just have to wait and eventually smell something unpleasant from your beloved teddy bear.

Key Takeaways to Remember Most

Check First. Always inspect the toy for a care tag, electronics, and any damage before you even think about washing it.

Gentle is Key. Whether you use a machine or your hands, always use cold water and a mild, hypoallergenic detergent like Lucent Globe Laundry Detergent Sheets to protect the toy’s fabric and colour.

Air Dry Always. Avoid the dryer at all costs. Heat is the number one enemy of soft toys. Patience and good air circulation are your best tools for drying.

Health Matters. Remember that a clean toy isn’t just about looks. It’s about getting rid of the nasty germs and allergens that can affect your family’s health.