How to Wash a Stuffed Animal in a Washing Machine: 8 Steps

After being lugged around and fiercely loved for years, plush toys can get more than a bit scruffy. Not to mention that most charities will not take stuffed animals unless they have been washed. Surface washing can't get to all of the hard spots, and harsh chemicals like ammonia may get out stains, but they can also cause the color to fade. So the option left is... machine washing!
STEPS

1

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PLUSH IS WASHABLE. Toys with any types of stiffeners should be surface washed only. Mohair, wool, rayon plush, and alpaca fur are not to be washed in a machine at all. And if the toy is too big or firmly stuffed, ix-nay on that.

2

STITCH UP ANY RIPS OR LOOSE PARTS. Your child will not quickly forgive you if you lose Teddy's arm in the wash.

3

PUT THE TOY INSIDE A PILLOW CASE AND SECURE WITH SAFETY PINS. If the animal is too large, a sheet also works well. In case something does fall off, the pillowcase or sheet will catch it before it gets sucked up.

4

GENTLY PLACE THE TOY INSIDE THE WASHER. A mild detergent should be used. Tide with a touch of Downy is perfect for this. Another brand that most find helpful is Woolite. Soap Nuts also have hypoallergenic properties, which are good if your child has a dust mite allergy. Fabric softener is normally unnecessary and can harm the plush.

5

SET THE WASHER ON COOL AND USE GENTLE CYCLE. This will reduce the risk of parts torn off, and hot water can discolor the animal.

6

DRY. A dryer can work on some plushes, but most should be allowed to air dry outside.

7

NOW, USE A DENTAL PICK TO PICK OUT KNOTS IN THE FUR.

8

HAND THE TOY TO THE OWNER.
TIPS
Lot's of stuffed animals come with machine washing instructions. Read them before making final decisions.
WARNINGS
If washed too often, the toy can wear out its fabric.
Too much sun exposure will fade some stuffed animals.
Be prepared to comb out fur knots.
THINGS YOU\'LL NEED
A dirty stuffed toy
Some spare time
Good laundry detergent
A washing machine with cool and gentle cycles (not the laundromat!)
A dryer (optional)
A sunny windowsill or veranda
Dental pick
Needle, thread, and thimble (optional)
Pillowcase or sheet
Safety pins