Can You Wash Soft Toys in a Washing Machine?
Most stuffed animals with simple fabric and polyester filling can be machine washed safely. Avoid the machine for toys with electronics or music boxes, glued-on parts, foam beads, or delicate trims — those need a careful hand wash. When in doubt, check for a care label inside a seam; many soft toys carry washing instructions.
What You Need
- A pillowcase or mesh laundry bag
- Mild liquid detergent
- A few clean towels for balancing the load
Step-by-Step
- Check for batteries, sound boxes or glued parts and remove or avoid washing if present.
- Spot-clean any heavily soiled areas first.
- Place the toy inside a pillowcase and tie the end, or use a mesh laundry bag.
- Add a couple of towels to cushion the toy and balance the drum.
- Select a cold, gentle or delicate cycle with a low spin.
- Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent and run an extra rinse.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t machine wash toys with electronics, music boxes or batteries.
- Don’t use hot water — it can melt glue and damage plastic eyes.
- Don’t use a high spin speed; it can tear seams.
- Don’t skip the laundry bag — loose toys snag and lose shape.
Drying Tips
Air drying is safest: gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring), reshape the toy, and let it dry on a rack away from direct heat. For faster drying you can tumble dry on the lowest, no-heat air setting inside a pillowcase. Once dry, give the toy a gentle brush to fluff up matted fur.
Useful Reads & Where to Shop
A pillowcase or mesh bag protects all sorts of items — the same trick works when washing a cap. For your child’s clothes, see our guide on washing baby clothes.