How to Wash Stuffed Animals
So, the time has finally come. After weeks or months of cuddling and carrying your stuffed animal everywhere, those dirty stains seem like they'll stick around for good.
It's time for a proper wash, but how do you wash plushies, exactly? Here's how to make it so clean that you won't believe it was ever gray. The original color was white!
How to Hand Wash Your Plush Toys
If your stuffed animal is older or delicate or it’s not suitable for machine washing (more on that later), we suggest hand washing.
Hand washing might be a bit more labor intensive than machine washing, but it is much gentler and will help to ensure your stuffed animal stays in good condition. .
What You’ll Need to wash plushies:
- A large basin or sink
- Mild detergent (baby shampoo or a gentle fabric cleaner)
- Warm water (not too hot, to avoid damaging fabrics)
- A soft brush or cloth
- Towels for drying
Step 1: Soak in warm water
Fill a sink, bucket, or pail with warm water and soak the stuffed animal in it.
Step 2: Add detergent
Add some mild laundry detergent to the water, making it soapy.
Step 3: Hand wash
Hand wash the stuffed animal by gently squeezing it to saturate it with detergent. Scrub it gently: Use a soft cloth or brush to clean surface dirt and stains.
Step 4: Rinse
Drain the sink and rinse the stuffed animal under cool, running water. Gently squeeze the stuffed animal to get rid of excess detergent and continue this until the water becomes clear.
Step 5: Air dry
As tempting as it may be, don’t put your stuffed plushie in the dryer. This can roughen them up more than you would like.
- Press Out Excess Water: Gently squeeze (don’t wring!) the plush to remove excess water.
- Air Dry Properly: Lay the stuffed animal on a towel in a well-ventilated area. Fluff occasionally to maintain its shape. Use some laundry clips to hang-dry, or lay the plushie flat and let it air dry.
How to Wash Morisaka (previously Shinada) Global Mochi Plushies
Good news! Not only are Morisaka (previously Shinada) Global plushies absolutely adorable, but they’re also easy to wash, and follow basically the same steps as hand washing.
We noticed some collectors were confused with how to clean Shinada Global stuffed animals, and we don’t blame you. After all, who wants to mistakenly wash it incorrectly and ruin your adorable Mochi otter’s or cat’s face? Particularly with that kind of squishy texture and fabric, we totally understand why you may be extra cautious.
So we reached out to Morisaka (previously Shinada) Global and asked them about the washing method for their plushies. Be careful, these cute babies are not suitable for machine washing, so make sure to manually hand wash them. Again, do NOT machine wash Morisaka (previously Shinada) Global mochi plushies!
Let’s get started:
Step 1: Hand Wash
Use a neutral laundry detergent and hand wash the stuffed animal. If there are stains in only certain areas, try spot cleaning instead.
Step 2: Reshape
After washing, squeeze out the excess water and reshape the item.
*Make sure to squeeze your plushie a lot in order to get as much of the water out as possible, otherwise your plushie may take much longer to dry.
*pat pat*
Step 3: Dry
Hang the stuffed plushie in the shade and let it air dry completely before using. If there's any odor, you can use a spray deodorant and let it air dry in the shade again.
Here's a handy dandy chart with all the steps:
How to Machine Wash Your Stuffed Animal
Well, now that we’ve gone over how to hand wash your plushies, it’s time to get on with how to machine wash them. But first of all, how do you even know if your stuffed animal can be machine-washed?
We understand that you want to have your favorite stuffed animals clean and ready to cuddle as fast as possible. However, before you put them all in the washing machine, remember that not all stuffed animals are created equal, which means not all can be machine washed.
-Don’t machine wash them if they have a music box or any other electronic devices inside
-Don’t machine wash them if they are extremely old and delicate
-Don’t machine wash them if they have items glued on
-Don’t machine wash them if they are filled with small foam balls inside (think Beanie Babies). Shinada Global plushies can not be machine washed!
Now that you’ve checked the stuffed animal is safe to put in the washer, let’s begin:
What You’ll Need to wash your plush in the washing machine:
- A mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Mild detergent
- A washing machine with a delicate cycle
- Towels for drying
Step 1: Protect the stuffed animal
Put your stuffed animal in a mesh laundry bag or a zippered pillow case. This will provide an extra layer of protection so that the plushie doesn't move around too much or get caught on something during the washing cycle. 
*Plushie used is for illustration purposes only. Make sure to check if your own plushie can be machine washed.
Step 2: Choose the cold and gentle cycle
A normal wash setting may be too harsh for your stuffed plushie, so choose the gentle or delicate cycle. Also make sure to use cold water in order to prevent the colors from fading.
Step 3: Add detergent
Add in a mild laundry detergent.
Step 4: Air dry
Just like with hand washing, make sure to completely air dry the stuffed animal.
Spot Cleaning
There may be times when neither hand washing or machine washing seems just right.
If the plushie contains an electronic device or is otherwise non-washable, we recommend spot cleaning. Simply clean the affected area by using some mild laundry detergent mixed with water.
Tips to Keep Stuffed Animals Clean Longer
- Spot Clean When Possible: Use a damp cloth and mild soap for quick clean-ups.
- Limit Machine Washing: Over-washing can cause wear and tear.
- Keep Away from Pets: If possible, store plush toys in a clean area away from pets that might dirty them.
- Use Baking Soda for Deodorizing: Sprinkle baking soda on the stuffed animal, let it sit, then brush off or vacuum
FAQ
How Often Should You Wash Stuffed Animals?
For everyday plush toys, washing every 1-2 months is ideal. If a child sleeps with one, consider washing it more often to remove bacteria and allergens.
Can You Put Stuffed Animals in the Dryer?
Although we do not recommend it, yes you can, but with caution. Use a low-heat or no-heat setting to prevent damage to the fabric and stuffing. Placing the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag can help protect it.
Avoid high heat, as it may cause shrinkage or ruin delicate features like glued-on eyes or fur texture. Air drying is the safest option if you’re unsure.
How Do You Wash a Stuffed Animal With Electronics?
Remove batteries before washing. Spot clean with a damp cloth instead of submerging it in water.
What If the Stuffed Animal Has Fur or Special Fabrics?
For plushies with faux fur or delicate fabrics, hand washing is the safest method. Use minimal water and a soft cloth for cleaning.
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Stuffed animals, like old teddy bears or new trendy plushies, always hold a special place in our hearts. Keeping them clean and well cared for helps them stay soft, huggable, and full of comfort for years to come.
With these easy methods, you can keep stuffed animals looking and feeling fresh longer. Whether hand washing or using the machine, taking care of plush toys ensures they stay snuggly and safe for years to come.
Interested in stuffed animals? Discover Morisaka Globals's soft plushies!
Other articles you'll enjoy
To read more about Morisaka (previously Shinada) Global and their plushies, check out the articles below:
- Shinada Global & Mochi Plushies: The Ultimate Guide
- Shinada Global Otters: Love at First Squish
- Mochi Otter Fashion: The Art of Plush Clothing
Thanks for reading!
