How to wash plushies in the washing machine: A complete guide

At Electrolux, we understand the significance of maintaining a clean and fresh environment for your kids, including their cherished plushies. But remember to handle them with care and follow our simple guidelines to ensure the safety of your washing machine and the plush toys themselves.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to ensure your plushies receive the proper treatment they deserve.

Important: Not all plush toys are suitable for washing in a machine. Always check the care label and assess for delicate materials, electronic components, or stuffing that may become damaged. Improper washing may harm your appliance or the toy itself.

Before you start

1. Check the care 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 colourfastness

To ensure your plushies can endure the cleansing process, conduct a simple colourfastness test. Apply a small amount of diluted detergent on a less visible part of the fabric. If any colour 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.

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How to wash plushies in the washing machine: A step-by-step guide

Many plushies 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 colours, 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 Hygienic Care for eliminating up to 99.9% of allergens and germs.

Learn more about Hygienic Care feature that Electrolux washing machines offer:

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.

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 favourite toys for an extended period.

Check out our guide on the fabrics you can safely put in the dryer.

How to wash plushies 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 colours and a loss of lustre 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.

 

Which plushies are NOT suitable for machine washing:

• Plushies with electronics or batteries.
• Vintage or collector's plushies.
• Toys with fragile or delicate materials (e.g., sequins, glued-on parts).
• Plush toys filled with materials like beans or foam beads.

 

Safe washing tips:

• Inspect plush toys for damage before washing.
• Use a laundry bag to prevent loose stuffing from escaping.
• Select a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Remove any detachable parts before washing.

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 and dry polyester pillows
• How to wash shoes in the washing machine

 

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.

Check out our best-selling front load washing machines that keep your favourite items last longer:

Explore our top load washing machines:

Learn how to choose a washing machine in our article to get the best machine for your home.

Verdict

At Electrolux, we understand that maintaining a clean and fresh environment for your loved ones, including their cherished plushies, is essential. By following these simple steps, including how to wash plushies in the washing machine, 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 plushies mirror the values we hold dear at Electrolux - providing solutions that enhance the quality of everyday life while championing sustainability and responsibility.

Discover Electrolux’s commitment to sustainability in our Make it Last – Care campaign.

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