HOW TO CLEAN PLUSH TOYS

Stuffed animals go through a lot of wear and tear. Kids sleep with them, drag them around the yard, and wipe their dirty faces and hands on them. These plush toys could use a quick refresh every now and then.

Depending on the care instructions and how dirty the toy is, decide whether to use a washing machine or just spot clean the plush toy. Plush toys that have a built-in battery pack, mechanical parts, metal parts or toys that are older and more delicate, should not be put in the washing machine, as it could cause damage.

If using a washer, ensure that you read the label on your laundry detergent before use as some may contain chemicals too harsh for delicate items like plush toys. Look for laundry detergents that are gentle with plant-based surfactants or are enzyme-based formulas that clean without stripping fabrics. Avoid detergents with chlorine, optical brighteners, borax, or phosphates, as these ingredients can be irritating to sensitive skin and damage the fibers. Pair your detergent with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent as a stain pre-treat to help lift and loosen the grime before washing.

We recommend cleaning plush toys weekly, especially if your child sleeps with them regularly. For plushies that don't get regular use, you can clean when they become dirty or start to smell a little funky.

NOTE: we highly recommend washing your child's plush toy immediately after he or she has been ill to kill germs.

Directions For Cleaning Plush Toys:

Spot-test a small, hidden area of the plush toy first to ensure the material can be safely washed prior to cleaning the entire item.

Washing Machine:

1. Protect the plush toy. Place it in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to keep it contained and protected during the wash cycle.
2. Select settings. Choose the delicate, hand wash, or gentle cycle on your washing machine and use cold water to prevent colors from fading.
3. Add laundry detergent. Use the recommended amount of detergent as indicated on the label of the bottle.
   • Add Simple Green. For top-loader washing machines, pour 1/4 cup of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent directly into the drum. For high-efficiency (HE) washing machines, wet the plush toy first and then spray it with the cleaner before washing.
4. Wash. Start the washing machine cycle.
5. Air dry. Once the load is done, take the plush toy out of the mesh bag or pillowcase and lay it flat to dry. Optionally, to speed up the drying process, you may roll the plush toy on a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture or use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently blow it dry.

Spot Cleaning:

1. Wet. Thoroughly wet the stains on the plush toy with clean, cold water.
   • Apply Simple Green. Spray a 1:10 dilution of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent onto the stains. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
2. Scrub. If the stains are stubborn or set in and the material permits, use an old toothbrush or nylon brush to gently scrub the stains.
3. Rinse. Thoroughly wet the stained area again with clean, cold water to remove both the stain and cleaner. Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
4. Air dry. Lay flat to dry or to speed up the drying process, roll the plush toy on a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture or use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently blow it dry.