How to Clean Soft Toys

March 14, 2025

Have you ever found a stuffed toy covered in mystery stains and wondered “What even is that?” We’ve all been there. Kids love their soft toys, but they also love dragging them through the dirt, their dinner, and whatever else they can find.

But let’s be real, soft toys aren’t just toys. They’re lifelong besties, bedtime protectors, tantrum tamers, and occasional tissue substitutes.

So keeping them clean? Sort of a big deal.

But here’s the thing: Not every soft toy is created the same. Some come with ‘hand-wash only” labels (which, let’s be honest, we all ignore at some point), while others practically disintegrate in the washing machine.

So how do you clean soft toys (without losing your sanity)?

Well, Snuggle Buddies Crochet toys are actually 100% machine washable. Yep, no stress or special treatment needed, just throw them in and let the machine do its thing.

Let’s dive into how to clean soft toys the easy way.

How Often Should You Wash Soft Toys?

Before you start throwing every toy into the wash, let’s talk about how often you actually need to clean them.

Spoiler alert: You don’t need to do this every week!

Wash your Toys Every Few Weeks If:

The toy is cuddled daily and gets dragged and dropped everywhere.
You spot mysterious stains on the toy (Food? Mud? Something worse?!)
You child has been sick (time to get rid of those germs off the toy so they don’t linger)
The toy starts to smell.

Wash your Toys Every Few Months If:

The toy mostly stays in bed and isn’t taken on outdoor adventures.
It’s a decorative toy, and spends most of its time sitting on a shelf.
It hasn’t been drooled on, chewed, or sneezed on lately (basically, it shouldn’t have germs on it)

In short, if a soft toy looks, smells or feels questionable, it’s probably time for a bath.

The Magic of Machine Washable Toys

Not every toy is as easy to clean as Snuggle Buddies. Some require delicate spot cleaning, while others demand what feels like a science experiment to avoid shrinkage or fabric disasters.

But Snuggle Buddies go straight into the washing machine with no stress.

Why Machine Washable Toys are a Game-Changer for Parents:

There’s no need to spend 30 minutes hand-washing a stuffed animal.
No more praying to the laundry gods that it doesn’t fall apart.
No sneaky bacteria build up because you’re too scared to wash it properly.

And because Snuggle Buddies toys are made from 100% natural cotton, they’re soft and gentle on delicate baby skin and durable enough to survive all the love kids bring.

Some Snuggle Buddies Favourites

If you’re looking for some machine washable toys, try some of our popular items below:

Crochet Lion Toy

Crochet Hippo Toy

How to Wash Soft Toys (The Right Way)

Let’s break this down step by step, so you don’t accidentally turn your kid’s favourite toy into a lumpy mess

Method 1: Machine washing (for machine-safe toys like Snuggle Buddies)

Step 1: Throw it in a laundry bag (or pillow case) to protect the toy from rough agitation.

Step 2: Use a gentle detergent.

Step 3: Set the machine to cold wash & gentle cycle (hot water can damage some fabrics and stuffing.

Step 4: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Snuggle Buddies Tip: If the toy has heavy stains, a pre-treatment with a little bit of soap and soft cloth before washing can help.

Method 2: Hand washing (for delicate or vintage toys)

Step 1: Fill a basin with lukewarm water & add a soft detergent

Step 2: Submerge the toy and gently switch it around. Don’t scrub it like you’re washing a kitchen pan! You want to be gentle.

Step 3: Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap is left.

Step 5: Press out excess water (don’t wring it like a dishcloth)

Step 6: Air dry completely.

Method 3: Spot cleaning (for quick fixes & emergency stain control).

We all know those times where an emergency clean is needed. Maybe your child drops their toy in their dinner, but they need their toy for bed so there’s no time for a full wash.

Step 1: Mix warm water & mild detergent.

Step 2: Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently dab the stain.

Step 3: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

Step 4: Let it air dry.

Snuggle Buddies Tip: A little baking soda sprinkled on the toy and left for a few hours can absorb odors before spot cleaning.

Keeping Soft Toys Clean Between Washes

Washing your kids soft toys every week isn’t necessary if you keep up with these low maintenance tricks:

Rotate toys - Don’t let you kid latch onto just one toy forever (we know this is easier said than done, but it helps with keeping your toys clean)
Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray for quick refreshes
Store them in a clean, dust-free space when not in use.
Let them air out in sunlight to naturally freshen them up.