Soft toys more than cute companions, they carry memories, comfort, and emotional attachment. Whether it’s your child’s favorite bedtime buddyy, a collectible plush, or a sentimental gift, keeping soft toys clean is essential for hygiene and longetivity.
In Singapore, popular plushies like Jellycat bunnies, Jellucat Amuseasbles, Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Dragon and Squishmallows have become household staples. These premium plush toys are extra-soft, often loved by children and collectors, which mean knowing how to clean them safely is even more important.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean a soft toy properly, the safest methods for different materials, how to wash soft toys, how to dry soft toys after washing, and when to consider professional soft toy cleaning Singapore service like The Care Laundry for deeper, safer cleaning.
Why Cleaning Soft Toys Is So Importaant
Soft toys tend to accumulate more dirt than most parents realize. Over time, they collect:
#1. Dust & Allergens
Plush fabric traps dust mites easily, which can trigger allergies and breathing sensitives, especially if your child sleeps with their Jellycat every night.
#2. Body Oils & Sweat
Children hug, squeeze, and sleep with their plush toys. Natural body oils gradually soak into fibers, creating odors and discoloration.
#3. Food & Drink Stains
Accidental spills, sticky fingers, crumbs and milk stains are common, especially for kids who bring plushies to mealtimes.
#4. Bacteria & Viruses
Soft toys that travel outdoors, to school, or to bed can harbor germs. Cleaning them regularly helps minimize risk of illness.
Because of this, proper soft toy care isn’t just about appearance – it’s part of maintaining a healthy environment for your child.
How to Wash Soft Toys in a Washing Machine (When It’s Safe)
Machine washing is the easiest method, but only suitable for certain toys. Many plushies, especially Squishmallows and some Jellycat toys can be sensitive to heat or rough cycles, so always check these steps carefully.
Step 1: Check Care Tag
The Care label provide the safest washing instructions. It may indicate:
- Machine wash safe
- Handwash recommended
- Surface clean only
- Temperature restrictions
- Drying instructions
Never skip this step – it prevents irreversible damage.
Step 2: Test for Colorfastness
Some soft toys bleed color when submerged. Dab a small hidden area with water. If color transfers, avoid machine washing.
Step 3: Prep the Toy Properly
To protect your soft toy during washing:
- Place it in a laundry bag or pillowcase.
- Close any zippers or velcro.
- Remove loose accessories (if possible)
This prevents snagging and keeps the plush toy’s shape intact.
Step 4: Choose Gentle Settings
Use:
- Delicate mode
- Cold water
- Mild, baby-safe detergent
Harsh cycles or hot water can distort stuffing or shrink premium plush toys like Jellycat or Squishmallows.
Step 5: Air Dry
This is where most damage happens. Avoid direct tumble drying unless label-approved. Instead:
- Air dry the toy.
- Place under a fan.
- Reshape ears, arms, legs, and nose while damp.
How to Clean a Soft Toy by Hand (Safest for Most Plushies)
Handwashing is gentle, effective, and ideal for older toys, embroidered plush toys, collectibles, or plush toys with delicate fur, such as many Jellycat soft toy animals.
Step 1: Prepare a Warm Soapy Basin
Fill a basin with water and mix in mild detergent. Let the toy soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt.
Step 2: Gently Wash the Toy
Use soft squeezing motions, avoid twisting, scrubbing, or pulling. This protects the shape and prevents internal stuffing from clumping.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse until the water runs clean and no suds remain. Detergent residue can irritate sensitive skin, so this step is critical.
Step 4: Remove Excess Water
Press between two towels to draw out moisture without deforming the toy.
Step 5: Air Dry
Place in a well-ventilated area, preferably with airflow. Avoid heat or harsh sunlight for colored plush toys.
Spot Cleaning (For Toys with Electronics or Fragile Embellishments)
Some toys, especially musical plushies, battery-operated ones, or collector’s items – cannot be fully submerged.
How to Spot Clean Properly
- Mix warm water with a tiny amount of detergent
- Use a cloth or soft brush to clean stains
- Wipe the area with a damp clothe to remove soap
- Pat dry and air dry completely.
This keep water away from internal electronics, stitching, and delicate trims.
How Often Should You Clean Soft Toys?
Cleaning frequency depends on how the toy is used:
Daily-use or bedtime toys
Every 1-2 weeks, especially for Jellycats and Squishmallows that kids sleep with.
After spills or exposure to illness
Clean immediately. This prevents stains and removes bacteria.
Display-only or rarely used toys
Every 3-6 months. Dusting or vacuuming in between helps keep them fresh.
How to Keep Soft Toys Clean Between Washes
Preventive care makes a huge difference and prolongs the toy’s life:
- Keep toys off the floor or out of dusty areas.
- Store in sealed containers for long-term storage.
- Keep plushies away from pets.
- Vacuum or dust soft toys weekly.
- Let them sit in indirect sunlight occasionally to freshen up.
These smell habits reduce the frequency of deep cleaning needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Toys
To keep your soft toys safe and long-lasting, avoid:
- Using bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Machine washing toys with electronics
- Overwashing delicate plush toys
- Using high heat in the dryer
- Ignoring the care label
- Not rinsing thoroughly after handwashing
Small mistakes can permanently distort or run sentimental toys, so gentle care is key.
When to Consider Professional Soft Toy Cleaning in Singapore
Some toys benefit from home care, but others require deeper cleaning, especially if they are:
- Oversized soft toys (e.g., giant Squishmallows)
- Heavily stained or siloed
- Old, fragile, or sentimental
- Used by children with allergies
- Made of premium or sensitive materials (like Jellycat fur)
- Previously stored long periods.
This is where The Care Laundry comes in.
The Care Laundry Soft Toy Cleaning: Safe, Baby-Friendly & Professional
If you’re uncertain about how to clean a soft toy safely at home, or if they toy needs deeper sanitization, The Care Laundry offers a premium, gentle, and highly convenient options for parents in Singapore.
Why Parents Choose Us
- Baby-safe, hypoallergenic cleaning products
- Deep cleaning and sanitization beyond surface washing
- Gentle handwashing for fragile or sentimental items
- At-home pick-up for maximum convenience Professional drying that preserves shape, softness, and fluff
- Suitable for everyday toys, giant plushies, and delicate collectibles
Your child receives their cuddly friend back clean, fresh and safe without any risk of damage.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean a soft toy properly helps you protect your child’s health, extend the toy lifespan, and maintain the softness and comfort they love. Whether you’re caring for an everyday teddy bear or a premium plush friend like a Jellycat bunny or a Squishmallow, gentle cleaning makes all the difference.
But for deep stains, heavy odor, delicate plush toys, or simply peace of mind, The Care Laundry Soft Toy Cleaning is the safest and most convenient choice in Singapore.
Your child’s favorite plush companion deserves the best, and with the right cleaning approach, they’ll stay cuddly, hygienic, and forever huggable.
Our Outlet Locations
📍Tampines
Tampines Mall
B2-K1
📍Choa Chu Kang
Lot One Mall
B2-K1
📍FairPrice JEM
50 Jurong Gateway
Road
📍FairPrice NEX
23 Serangoon
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