Stuffed animals are some of the most beloved treasures that kids (and many adults) have. They're often used to help with sleep, cuddle up on the couch for a movie, or get dragged around all day long by an excitable toddler who refuses to let go. So it's no surprise that these toys also end up in your washing machine too! But can stuffed animals be washed? And if so, what's the best way? We'll answer those questions and more in this article!

How To Wash Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals can be washable, but there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind. First off, you should always check the tag of your stuffed animal before deciding on how best to wash it! Each brand is going to have its own washing instructions so make sure that whatever method of cleaning you choose will work for your specific toy. If the tag says "dry clean only" then wash your hands of that method and skip to another.

'Washable stuffed animals' means you can wash them in a washing machine, but it doesn't mean they'll come out looking like new again! Once an animal has been washed its surface will look different than before – usually slightly rougher. But at least they'll look clean!

Keep Similar Colors Together

It's also important to wash stuffed animals with similar colors and materials together in the washing machine. If you wash a stuffed animal with other items that are different colors, materials, or have accessories like ribbons then the fur may pick up those colors and ruin the appearance of your washable stuffed animals.

If you wash a fluffy, white bunny with dark blue jeans then the fur on that rabbit is going to pick up a little bit of that blue color, which can be a pain to wash out. The good news is that if this happens you can wash it again with white towels to try and remove some of the color transfer.

Use Cold Water & Gentle Wash Cycle

You'll also want to wash your stuffed animals in cold water with a gentle wash cycle. If you wash them in hot water then colors may bleed and fade, which is the last thing that you want to happen to your washable stuffed animals. And make sure you wash them alone – no other items should be going in the washing machine with these guys because they're washable.

What Not To Wash Stuffed Animals In

As you may have guessed already, stuffing doesn't wash well in the washing machine. The stuffing may break down and wash away in the water, which wouldn't make for a very fun stuffed animal any more! So it's best to wash stuffed animals with surface washable materials only.

And if you do wash your washable stuffed animals, make sure to check the tag before throwing them in the wash. Each manufacturer is going to have its own set of wash instructions for this reason!

How Hiring A Professional Cleaning Service Can Help

At Sponge & Sparkle, we know how to put the twinkle in your furry friend's eyes and give them a good wash. We'll make sure your home has a sparkly new appeal too! Give us a call today at (404) 633-9652 or email us at [email protected] to discover the endless cleaning services we can provide for you today!