How to Wash Stuffed Animals So They Stay Huggable (and Clean) for Years

The stuffed bear had pasta sauce spilled on its ear. Just yesterday, it was tucked into bed, carried to daycare, hugged during a thunderstorm, and proudly snuck into show-and-tell. Now, it’s crusty, sticky, and dangerously close to falling apart.

Stuffed animals aren’t just toys—they’re comfort, confidence, and childhood wrapped in fur. And when they’re dirty, the urge to save them is strong. But one wrong wash can turn a beloved friend into a lumpy mess. With the right care, though, even a sauce-stained bear can come out fresh, clean, and just as huggable as ever.

How to Wash Stuffed Animals Without Ruining Them

Start by reading the care tag. If it says “surface clean only,” stick with spot-cleaning using a cloth and mild soap. If machine-washing is safe:

• Place the stuffed animal in a mesh bag or pillowcase
• Use cold water and a delicate cycle
• Select a fragrance-free, gentle detergent
• Air dry flat to preserve the shape

For vintage, handmade, or collector pieces, hand washing or professional help is best.

Common Mistakes When Washing Stuffed Animals

Even the most well‑intentioned laundry day can go wrong. Most damage happens because of simple, preventable mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know what to look for:

• Using high heat: Hot water or dryer settings can melt synthetic fur or shrink delicate fabrics.
• Strong detergents: Harsh formulas may discolor fabric or cause skin irritation for kids.
• Skipping gentle cycles: Regular wash settings can twist the shape, loosen stitching, or pull seams apart.
• Ignoring construction details: Plush toys with electronics, glued‑on parts, or specialty materials shouldn’t be soaked. Always check the care label first.

For Everything Else, Trust a Laundry Delivery Service

You might want to personally handle your kid’s favorite stuffed animal—but you probably don’t want to spend your Sunday washing a pile of towels and bedsheets.

That’s where Loads of Clothes Delivery comes in. We handle everyday laundry with professional-grade care and convenience. From bath towels to bedding to your family’s weekly wear, we’ll wash, dry, fold, and deliver it all back to your door.

Why families choose Loads of Clothes Delivery

Our Nashville-based laundry delivery service helps busy homes stay ahead. We use high-quality products, accommodate sensitive skin and scent preferences, and treat every order like it’s our own. While you protect what’s priceless, we’ll keep the rest of your laundry stress-free and under control.

Schedule your pickup today

We’ll wash the rest—perfectly. You take care of the teddy bears and treasures. We’ll handle the piles of laundry. Book your first pickup with Loads of Clothes Delivery.