How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Stuffed Toys

Stuffed toys are some of the most beloved playthings for kids, offering a soft and cozy feel along with adorable designs that capture hearts. However, with prolonged playtime, stuffed toys can get dirty. So, how do you clean them?

1. Dry Cleaning

Salt Absorption: Purchase a pack of coarse salt and place it in a large plastic bag with the dirty stuffed toy. Seal the bag tightly and shake it vigorously. You’ll notice the stuffed toy becoming cleaner. The coarse salt turns dark gray as it absorbs the dirt. This method relies on the adsorption of dirt by sodium chloride, or table salt. You can also use baking soda instead of coarse salt with the same process. This method is suitable for large stuffed toys and those that can’t be submerged in water.
Cleaning Agent Wiping: Buy a specialized cleaning agent for stuffed toys and use a soft sponge or a clean cloth to wipe the surface with a diluted neutral cleaning agent. Then, rinse it with clean water.
Professional Dry Cleaning: You can also take your stuffed toy to a dry cleaner or a store that specializes in plush toys for professional cleaning.

2. Washing

Hand Washing: Prepare a basin of water, add detergent, and stir until it dissolves completely. Place the plush toy in the water, squeeze it gently to let the detergent penetrate, then pour out the soapy water and rinse the toy with clean water. Wrap the toy in a clean, dry cloth for a few minutes to absorb some of the water, then let it air dry or place it in the sun. If you plan to machine-dry, ensure you place the toy in a towel for gentle spinning.
Machine Washing: Smaller toys can be protected by using tape to cover sensitive parts that might wear. Place them in the washing machine for a gentle cycle, then spin-dry, hang in a cool place until thoroughly dry. Periodically pat the toy to fluff up the fur and stuffing. For larger toys, find the seams for the stuffing, cut the stitches, and remove the stuffing (polyester cotton). Special areas can be left untouched to maintain the shape. After covering parts that might wear with tape, put the toy’s outer layer in the washing machine for a gentle cycle, spin-dry, hang in a cool place until thoroughly dry. Periodically pat the toy to fluff up the fur and stuffing. Then, place the stuffing back inside the toy’s outer layer, shape it, and sew it up. Use a brush to gently comb the fur in the direction it naturally lays.
Although washing won’t make a stuffed toy look brand new, it will improve its appearance. When hand washing, you can add a bit of fabric softener during the last rinse to maintain the plushness and prevent fuzz. Generally, branded toys with high-quality plush and stuffing will maintain their shape better after cleaning, while lower-quality toys may deform more easily. So, when buying, choose high-quality products that are good for your health.

Cleaning Tips:

Appropriate Water Temperature: Some high-end stuffed toys require washing in warm water to maintain their softness. Usually, water temperature should be around 30-40 degrees Celsius. However, during hot summer days, you can use a basin of water left out in the sun to wash stuffed toys.
Separate by Color: When washing stuffed toys, separate them by light and dark colors to avoid color bleeding. This is especially crucial for solid white or pink toys.
Use Neutral Detergent: It’s best to use a neutral detergent (like silk detergent) for cleaning stuffed toys. This is gentler on the material and helps prevent shedding and fading. Use the recommended amount as per the label to avoid wastage.
Moderate Agitation: When cleaning stuffed toys, avoid excessive scrubbing or squeezing to prevent damage or shedding. Adjust the intensity based on the plush toy’s material. For longer fur, be gentle, while for shorter or furless toys, a bit of rubbing may be necessary.
Use Professional Cleaning Tools: Stuffed toys have delicate textures and should be cleaned with soft-bristle brushes designed for them. When buying such brushes, ensure they are high quality and won’t lose bristles.
Pre-Soak: Before washing, prepare the detergent and let it dissolve fully. Then, soak the stuffed toy in it for about half an hour, turning it periodically to ensure even soaking. This makes the cleaning process much easier.
Be Cautious with Washing Machines: While washing machines are convenient, they can be harsh on stuffed toys. If your toy isn’t very dirty, it’s best to hand wash to save energy.
Careful Drying and Sun Exposure: Stuffed toys can be challenging to dry completely. It’s best to spin-dry them using a washing machine. After that, reshape the toy and comb its fur gently. Let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause color fading.