Every house with children has at least one stuffed toy animal. They sit on beds and bookshelves, they hide under furniture and behind couches and they get dragged around on the floor by their ears. They also get dirty and dusty. Every now and then, we have to give our stuffed animals a bath, but some people are hesitant. How does one wash a stuffed animal without causing damage? Here are some tips for keeping your plush toys clean.

If the animal is dusty, sometimes, all it needs is a little wiping. Take a slightly damp cloth and rub the animal all over until the dust is removed. After the animal is dusted, brush with an old hairbrush. You can also use the hose attachment on your vacuum to rid the animal of dust. A sticky lint roller works for this task as well.

In most cases, plush toy animals can be laundered in the washing machine. It’s always a good idea to check the label to see if there are any recommendations for laundering. Before throwing a plush toy in the wash, examine the animal for any rips or tears at the seams. If you see any, it would be in your best interest to perform a little emergency surgery and sew up the tears so they don’t get worse in the washing machine. You might also check the stuffed animal for stains.

When you’re ready to give the stuffed animal a bath, place it in a pillowcase and wash with the rest of your laundry. It’s best to use a delicate cycle and a gentle detergent. It’s also a good idea to use a bit of fabric softener to keep the toys soft and cuddly. When the stuffed animal is removed from the washing machine, you can give it a good brushing.

Washing stuffed toys online isn’t that difficult. Just be sure to follow the care instructions on the label. Our stuffed animals offer us unconditional love. The least we can do is keep them clean and dust free in return.