Why Washing Toys in the Machine Isn’t as Crazy as It Sounds
Let’s be real—when your child’s toy collection looks like it just survived a mud wrestling match, you begin to wonder if tossing them into the washing machine is a brilliant hack or a disaster in the making. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly brilliant, if you do it right. Most plush and soft toys survive the machine just fine, coming out fresh and germ-free with minimal drama. But those sneaky plastic or electronic toys? Not so much.
Cleaning toys regularly is no joke. According to the experts at Safari Ltd., regularly washing soft toys helps keep infants safe from germs. The DuPage County Health Department even recommends washing and sanitizing toys to stop the spread of nasty bugs.4
Step 1: Read the Fine Print—Check Care Labels and Toy Types
Not all toys are created equal. Before you commit them to a whirl in the washing machine, grab that care label. Plush and soft toys usually give you a thumbs up for machine washing. But if it’s got metal parts, batteries, or electronic bits, hold up—those belong to the “spot clean only” club. Submerging those in water is like sending them to a watery doom.5
If you want a little more gentle TLC for your fuzzball friends, check out this guide on how to clean stuffed toys in the washing machine without damage for some nifty tricks.
Step 2: Prep Like a Pro—Bag It Up
To prevent your plush toys from looking like they’ve been dragged through the laundry wars, pop them into a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. Think of it as a little protective bubble wrapping your toy in softness. This shields delicate fabrics and keeps eyes, noses, and buttons from getting chewed up by the agitator.3,2
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Cycle & Temperature
This is where many amateur toy washers go off-road. A gentle or delicate cycle with cold or warm water is your best bet. Hot water might be tempting for sanitizing but check the care label first—too hot and you’ll be holding a shrunken little furball.3
Want to take your hygiene game to the next level? Adding a laundry sanitizer like Clorox™ Laundry Sanitizer (as recommended by Clorox’s cleaning pros) can help kill those stowaway germs without harsh chemicals.
Step 4: Choose Your Detergent Wisely
Sure, your household detergent may be a laundry all-star, but when it comes to toys, especially those destined for tiny hands and even tinier immune systems, mild is the name of the game. Use a detergent designed for delicate clothes or baby garments, and make sure it’s free from dyes and harsh fragrances.3,8 You want to clean the toy, not cause a skin reaction.
Step 5: Don’t Rush the Drying—Air Dry or Tumble Gently
Once the cycle ends, you might be tempted to toss everything straight into the dryer without a second thought. Hang on. High heat isn’t friend to stuffed toys. It can melt glue and warp those delicate components. The safest route? Air drying by hanging or laying flat. If you’re pressed for time and must use the dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and keep your toy snug in that mesh bag.3,2
Make sure they’re completely dry — otherwise, mildew might move in uninvited, and nobody wants fuzzy toys growing fuzz for the wrong reasons.4
Spot Testing: The Art of Colorfastness
Before giving your toy a full wash, test a discreet area with a damp cloth. If color runs, it’s a red flag. For toys with vibrant or older fabrics, this spot test prevents those moments when your child’s beloved toy comes out looking more like a color experiment gone wrong.2
Bonus Tips: When & How Often to Wash Toys
- Wash toys promptly if your child has been sick, especially favorites that spend nights in their bed.5
- For comfort objects that get daily love, consider weekly washing to keep germs at bay.5
- Hard plastic toys usually prefer a bath by hand with soap and water or a safe dishwasher cycle rather than a washing machine spin.1,2
- Electronic or mechanical toys should never go in the washing machine — spot clean those bad boys only.5
Quick Reference Table for Toy Washing
| Toy Type | Machine Wash? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plush/Stuffed | Yes | Use mesh bag, gentle cycle, air dry. Avoid electronics.3 |
| Plastic (Dishwasher-safe) | No (Use Dishwasher) | Top rack, sanitize cycle recommended.2 |
| Wood, Metal, Electronics | No | Spot clean only. Water ruins these.5 |
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your kids’ toys in the washing machine isn’t just some wild idea—it’s a smart, germ-fighting strategy when done thoughtfully. Remember to check labels, use mild detergents, protect with a mesh bag, and air dry carefully. Your child’s fuzzies will thank you with many more cuddles, and you’ll rest easy knowing the germs took a hike.
For a deeper dive on caring for soft toys without damaging them, you might want to glance at this expert guide from our archives.
Get Everything You Need
Ready to give your toys a spa day? Stock up on mild detergent and protective mesh laundry bags from trusted sources like Amazon India or Amazon Global. Your toys—and your washing machine—will thank you.