At Electrolux, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and fresh environment for your children, including their cherished plushies. Whether your kids or your furry companions enjoy playing with them, knowing how to wash soft toys at home can simplify the cleaning process with a touch of care and guidance.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure your plush toys receive the proper treatment they deserve.
Before you start
1. Check the care tag
Before diving into the cleaning process, take a moment to check if your plushie has care instructions on its tag.
These instructions can be your trusted companion in determining whether it's suitable for a machine wash, a gentle hand wash, or if spot treatment for stains is the way to go.
2. Test for colorfastness
To ensure your plushies can endure the cleansing process, conduct a simple colorfastness test. Apply a small amount of diluted detergent on a less visible part of the fabric. If any color transfers, it's recommended to opt for a water-only cleaning approach.
3. Prioritize regular cleaning
Regular cleaning is important, especially if your little ones have been sick or if they sleep with their plushies every week. Otherwise, just give those cute toys a wash when they start looking or smelling dirty.
Pro Tip: Plushies with battery packs, mechanical components, or metal parts should only be spot cleaned due to the potential water damage risk.
How to wash soft toys in washing machine: A step-by-step guide
Many stuffed toys can be conveniently washed using a standard washing machine. We are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that it becomes a seamless part of your routine.
Step 1: Protect with care
Place your beloved plushie within a mesh laundry bag, zippered pillowcase, or tie the ends of a regular pillowcase. This extra layer of protection prevents wear and tear during the washing process.
Step 2: Embrace gentle settings
Within your washing machine's array of cycles, opt for the Delicate, Hand Wash, or Gentle cycle. To preserve the vibrant colors, make sure to select cold water. Your choice of settings ensures both effective cleaning and fabric preservation.
Modern washing machines now provide increased versatility and functionalities. Certain Electrolux models include washing programs tailored for various requirements, such as Quick Cycles to suit your schedule, Delicates for delicate fabrics requiring hand washing, and HygienicCare for eliminating up to 99.9% of allergens and germs.
If you are unsure about the programs you should use when washing your favourite items, refer to our complete guide on how to use a washing machine.
Step 3: The detergent decision
Feel free to utilize your usual laundry detergent or opt for a mild variant, if available. This will help maintain the softness and comfort of your plushies.
Find out Liquid vs. powder detergent vs. pods: Which is best to use?
Step 4: Drying with care
Once the washing cycle is complete, delicately remove the plushies from their protective casing. To preserve their form and fluffiness, air drying is the way to go. Hang them up or lay them flat on a surface to let nature take its course.
When the weather doesn't allow for air drying, consider using a clothes dryer. Electrolux dryers feature the SensiCare system, which monitors temperature and humidity inside the machine to adapt cycle durations. This minimizes wear and tear on your plushies, ensuring your children can continue enjoying their favorite toys for an extended period. 
Be sure to carefully consider which items should and shouldn’t be put in the dryer.
How to wash soft toys by hand
For older or more delicate plushies, the hand washing method is a more suitable option. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure their longevity:
Step 1: Begin with a soak
Submerge the plushie in a bucket or sink filled with cold water, preparing it for a gentle cleanse.
Step 2: Add a mild touch of detergent
Put a small amount of mild or gentle detergent to the water, creating a nurturing bath for your cherished plushie.
Step 3: Tender hand washing
With gentle care, squeeze the plushie to allow the detergent to permeate. Handle with care, especially if the fabric is delicate or frayed.
Step 4: Rinse and repeat
Rinse thoroughly with clean, cold water, ensuring all detergent is removed. Avoid wringing to prevent any potential damage to the fragile fabric.
Step 5: Allow for a gentle air dry
To preserve their tenderness, air drying is the way to go for older or more fragile plushies. You can roll them gently in a clean, dry towel to remove excess moisture.
Additional tips on how to take care of your plushies
- Rotate and rejuvenate: Just as we all relish a moment of reprieve, our plushies deserve the same. Consider rotating their playtime companionship to ensure they rest and recover from the joyful adventures they share with your loved ones.
- Quick stain fixes: Accidents are part and parcel of playtime, but there's no need to fret. Electrolux suggests swift action when stains occur. Keep a gentle cloth and mild soap at the ready to address spills and smudges promptly.
- Shield from sun: Just as we guard our skin from the sun's harsh rays, it's important to extend the same consideration to our plushies. Direct sunlight can lead to fading colors and a loss of luster over time.
- Fluff with love: Give your plushies a good shake and fluff regularly to help maintain their shape and keep them looking cuddly. Not only does this maintain their form, but it also creates a sense of attachment and care.
Along with plushies, special garments also require special care. Here are our bonus tips to wash your special garments in washing machine:
- How to wash a jacket in washing machine
- How to wash pillows in washing machine properly
- How to wash and dry jeans
Beyond cleaning: Electrolux's commitment to sustainability
At Electrolux, we believe in crafting home appliances that not only meet your needs but also align with our commitment to sustainability.
Our washing machines, including the innovative UltimateCare 700 series, boast a sustainability function that safeguards your fabrics and extends the lifespan of your cherished items. By using advanced technology, our machines provide gentle care, protecting your clothes and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Explore our best-selling washing machines that keep your clothes last longer:
- SensorWash with AI removes 49 different visible stains*.
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- EcoInverter motor uses 50% less energy*.
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- EcoInverter motor uses 50% less energy*.
Learn how to choose a good washing machine with our buying guide or check out our Washing machines and dryers reviews featuring real-life testimonials to find the ideal machine for your home.
Verdict
Maintaining a clean and fresh environment for your loved ones, including their favourite plushies, is essential. By following these simple steps, including how to machine wash your stuffed animals, you can ensure that your plushies remain clean, fresh, and a source of joy for years to come.
Remember, the love and care you invest in cleaning your stuffed toys mirror the values we hold dear at Electrolux - providing solutions that enhance the quality of everyday life while championing sustainability and responsibility.