Ultimate Guide: 8 Easy Ways to Clean Plush Toy & Remove Stain

Plush toys are cherished companions for children and adults alike, offering comfort and a sense of security. Over time, however, these soft and cuddly toys can become stained, dusty, or even smelly. Whether your plush toys are treasured keepsakes or well-loved playthings, it’s essential to clean your plush toy regularly to keep them looking and feeling fresh. In this guide, we’ll explore eight easy and effective ways to clean plush toys and remove stains. We’ll also discuss which cleaning methods are best suited for different types of plush toys, ensuring your cleaning efforts are both safe and effective.

1. Hand Washing with Mild Detergent

Suitable for: Delicate Plush Toys, Toys with Embellishments or Electronics

Hand washing is one of the gentlest methods for cleaning plush toys, and it’s particularly effective for toys that have delicate fabrics, intricate stitching, or any electronic components like lights or sounds. Many plush toys come with added decorations such as bows, beads, or sequins that can be easily damaged in the washing machine, making hand washing the safest choice.

How to Hand Wash:

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent (preferably one that’s free of bleach or harsh chemicals).
• Gently agitate the water, and submerge the toy, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the surface, paying extra attention to areas with stains or dirt buildup.
• Rinse the toy thoroughly under cold water to remove soap residue.
• Do not wring the toy. Instead, gently press the toy to remove excess water.
• Lay the plush toy flat on a towel to air dry, away from direct sunlight, to avoid fading the colors.

Why it Works:

Hand washing allows for controlled cleaning, minimizing the risk of damaging fragile embellishments or the toy’s structure. It also ensures that the toy is cleaned thoroughly without losing its shape or texture.

2. Machine Washing in a Mesh Bag

Suitable for: Sturdy Plush Toys without Electronic Components

Machine washing is a quick and efficient way to clean plush toys, but it’s only recommended for toys that are machine washable and free of electronic components. The mesh laundry bag helps protect the toy from getting crushed or tangled during the wash cycle, making it suitable for robust toys that can withstand a little more wear and tear.

How to Machine Wash:

• Place the plush toy inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it.
• Choose the gentlest cycle on your washing machine, using cold water and a mild detergent.
• Once the cycle is complete, remove the toy from the bag and press out excess water.
• Reshape the toy as much as possible and allow it to air dry, preferably on a flat surface to retain its shape.

Why it Works:

Machine washing is ideal for sturdier plush toys that can handle more intensive cleaning. The mesh bag ensures that delicate parts aren’t damaged, while the cold water prevents shrinking or fading.

3. Spot Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol

Suitable for: Small Stains, Toys with Specific Staining Issues (Ink, Dye, etc.)

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful and effective stain remover, especially for stubborn marks such as ink, dye, or oil stains on plush toys. This method works best on localized stains rather than overall cleaning.

How to Spot Clean:

• Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol.
• Gently blot the stained area, starting from the edges and working your way inward to avoid spreading the stain.
• Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture and continue blotting until the stain is removed.
• Allow the toy to air dry once the stain is gone.

Why it Works:

Rubbing alcohol helps break down stubborn stains like ink, marker, or dye, which may not come out with regular washing. It also dries quickly, minimizing the risk of water damage to the plush toy.

4. Dry Cleaning with Baking Soda

Suitable for: Toys That Need a Freshening Up, Light Dirt or Odors

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and surface cleaner, making it an excellent choice for freshening up plush toys, especially those that have accumulated dust, dirt, or light odors. While baking soda is safe for most plush materials, it should be tested on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

How to Use Baking Soda:

• Place the plush toy inside a large plastic bag.
• Add 1 cup of baking soda to the bag.
• Seal the bag tightly and shake it gently to ensure the baking soda covers the surface of the toy.
• Leave the toy in the bag for about 15–20 minutes to allow the baking soda to absorb dirt and odors.
• Afterward, remove the toy from the bag and shake off any excess powder.
• Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove remaining baking soda from the toy.

Why it Works:

Baking soda helps absorb odors and can also help remove light dirt or stains on the surface of the plush toy. It’s a chemical-free solution, making it safe for most materials.

5. Vacuuming with a Brush Attachment

Suitable for: Regular Maintenance, Dust Removal from All Plush Toys

Vacuuming is a fantastic way to keep your plush toys clean between more intensive washings. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is particularly effective at removing dust, pet hair, and loose dirt that can accumulate on the surface of your toys.

How to Vacuum:

• Attach a soft brush nozzle to your vacuum cleaner to prevent damage to the fabric.
• Gently run the vacuum over the toy’s surface, paying special attention to areas where dust and dirt tend to gather, such as seams and under the arms.
• Repeat as necessary until the toy is dust-free.

Why it Works:

Vacuuming is ideal for keeping your plush toys looking clean and fresh without the need for a full wash. It’s a quick and easy method that’s especially useful for toys that are frequently handled or placed in dusty environments.

6. Steam Cleaning

Suitable for: Sanitizing Plush Toys, Killing Bacteria and Germs

Steam cleaning is a natural and chemical-free method of sanitizing plush toys. It’s especially useful for plush toys that have become soiled or are used by children who may have allergies or sensitivities to cleaning chemicals. The heat from the steam helps kill bacteria and refreshes the fabric without the need for water or detergent.

How to Steam Clean:

• Set up a steam cleaner and hold the nozzle a few inches from the plush toy.
• Move the steam cleaner slowly over the surface, making sure to target the areas that need extra sanitizing.
• Allow the toy to dry completely after steaming.

Why it Works:

Steam cleaning offers a deep clean by sanitizing and freshening plush toys. It kills germs and bacteria without using harmful chemicals, making it ideal for toys that are frequently played with by children or pets.

7. Freezing to Eliminate Dust Mites

Suitable for: Plush Toys Prone to Dust Mites and Allergens

If your plush toys are experiencing issues with allergens, such as dust mites or pet dander, freezing them is an effective solution. Freezing helps kill dust mites and other microscopic pests that might be living in your toys.

How to Freeze Plush Toys:

• Place the plush toy in a plastic bag, sealing it tightly to prevent moisture from getting inside.
• Freeze the toy for at least 24 hours.
• After freezing, let the toy thaw at room temperature before using it again.

Why it Works:

Freezing plush toys for 24 hours kills dust mites, which can be a common allergen, making it an ideal method for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin. This method is effective without the need for chemicals.

8. Professional Dry Cleaning

Suitable for: High-Value Plush Toys, Special Materials, or Items with Electronic Components

Professional dry cleaning is the safest method for high-value plush toys or those made from delicate materials such as silk, velvet, or wool. It’s also the best option for toys with electronic components (e.g., sound-activated toys) that cannot get wet.

How to Dry Clean:

• Take the plush toy to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics.
• Ensure that you discuss the toy’s components with the cleaner (such as whether it has any electronics).
• Allow the cleaner to handle the entire process.

Why it Works:

Professional dry cleaning offers a deep, safe cleaning for plush toys that cannot withstand home washing. Experts will use the right solvents and techniques to ensure your toy is cleaned thoroughly without any damage.

Conclusion

Cleaning plush toys regularly is essential to maintain their softness, hygiene, and overall appearance. The methods outlined in this guide cover a variety of cleaning options, from simple spot cleaning to more advanced techniques like steam cleaning or dry cleaning. By choosing the right method for your plush toy’s material, condition, and usage, you can extend its lifespan and keep it looking and feeling fresh for years to come.