Your stuffed animals will inevitably lose their softness over time, no matter how carefully you handle them.
Whether it's your child's favorite stuffed animal or a beloved companion from your favorite franchise, we'll show you proven techniques to make stuffed animals soft and help them feel brand new again.
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6 Techniques for Making Stuffed Toys Soft & Fluffy Again
1. Carefully Handwash It
The most gentle yet effective method of revitalizing an old stuffed animal is to hand wash it. This approach preserves delicate details while thoroughly removing dirt that causes stiffness.
Fill a basin with warm water and mild detergent. Examine your stuffed animal for rough or matted areas and pre-treat them. Submerge the plushie in the mixture and let it soak for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Gently swirl before rinsing with clean water. Repeat until the water runs clear, then allow it to air dry in indirect sunlight to prevent color fading.
2. Use A Conditioner
Conditioner works wonders on stuffed animals with long fur by restoring softness at the fiber level. After washing, apply a small amount of mild conditioner to the fur and work it through gently. Rinse thoroughly until no residue remains, as leftover product can attract dirt.
First, test the conditioner on a small hidden area for plushies with sensitive materials. This cleaning method is particularly effective for teddy bears and stuffed animals with synthetic fur that has become coarse over time.
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3. Use Clothes Dryer with Softener Sheets
This method combines washing and drying with instant fluffing for machine-washable stuffed animals.
First, check for any tough stains and pre-treat as needed. Place the stuffed animal in a pillowcase or use a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash cycle. Run it with your regular laundry using warm water on a short, gentle cycle.
Once the wash cycle is complete and the toy is still damp, place the stuffed animal in the dryer with 1-2 fabric softener sheets on a low heat for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Adding dryer balls can also help fluff the stuffing inside.
Important: Always check the care tag first, and never use high heat as it can damage glued components or melt plastic parts.
4. Use A Towel & Rub It Dry
If your stuffed animal is still damp after washing, the towel technique can speed drying while beginning the fluffing process. Wrap the stuffed animal in a clean, absorbent towel and gently press (don't wring) to remove excess water.
Once your stuffed animal is nearly dry, use a soft comb alongside the towel method until you see the plushie returning to its original shape. You can also use a hair dryer and your fingers to fluff the fur.
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5. Brush Its Fur
Brushing alone can work miracles for dry stuffed animals that just need a softness refresh. For best results, use a pet slicker comb or a wire comb (it mustn't have the little balls at the end). You can find these at any fabric or craft store.
Work methodically in small sections and gently brush the fur in the direction of its natural lay. Begin with gentle strokes and gradually increase pressure as the fur responds. Slowly brush the stuffed animal back to its original style, taking extra care not to snag the thread at the back [1].
For severely matted areas, hold the base of the fur firmly with one hand while brushing with the other to prevent pulling on the stuffing or backing. This approach helps untangle any matted fur without compromising the stuffed animal's surface.
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6. Use Steam Cleaner (If With Electronics)
Stuffed animals with electronic accessories require special care since water can permanently damage them. Here's how to clean them safely:
Firstly, determine whether you can remove all the electrical parts. If you can, great! You can proceed with steps one or three on this list.
Don't fret if you can't, though. Fill a large basin with warm water and mild detergent, and ensure you have two rags ready. Dunk the first rag into the mixture and carefully wipe down the stuffie.
Repeat this step until it's clean. Then, use the second rag to wipe the stuffed animal with, this time with clean water. Once it's done, use a hair dryer to dry your stuffed animal.
Of course, if you don't want them wet, you can use a steam cleaner or spot clean them using a damp cloth. Alternatively, vacuum them using the brush attachment to remove dust and help fluff the polyester fiberfill stuffing.
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2 Steps On How To Fix Matted Stuffed Animal Fur
1. Soak The Stuffed Animal In Fabric Softener
For severely matted fur, a fabric softener with water solution can help loosen tangled fibers. Mix 1 part fabric softener with 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the matted areas and gently work the solution into the fur with your fingers.
Fabric softener can be a hit-or-miss thing in making plushies fluffy again. Unless you know specifically that the material of the stuffed animal is fabric-softener friendly, it's best not to go this route (after all, fabric softener is said to leave a sticky residue).
Always check a small, hidden area first, as fabric softener may affect certain materials or leave residue on specialty plush items. To avoid fiber damage, cleaning should be limited to every few months.
Learn how to make a weighted stuffed animal here.
2. Brush It Down
Brushing the plushies will more than suffice for most matted fur issues. Use a soft-bristled brush or comb for this step and carefully brush it, so you don't snag the thread holding the fur together. Brush along the direction of the fur until the tangles have been tamed.
For stubborn mats, work in small sections, holding the base of the matted area to prevent pulling on the toy's seams. Consider professional cleaning instead of aggressive brushing for valuable collectibles or delicate vintage plushies. This is one of the safest ways to restore your lumpy teddy bear to life.
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FAQs
Is it okay to put stuffed animals in the washing machine?
Yes, it’s okay to put stuffed animals in the washing machine. Make sure you use the gentlest cycle on your washing machine, so the stuffed animal doesn’t get damaged. It’s also best to put it inside a pillowcase, so it is not completely exposed to the wash cycle. Learn how to wash stuffed animals here.
Do dishwashing soaps make stuffed animals soft?
Yes, dishwashing soaps make stuffed toys soft! It can serve as a substitute if you don’t have mild detergent. Simply dilute a bit of dishwashing soap in a basin of warm water and use the mixture to clean the stuffed animals and make them soft.
Final Thoughts on Softening Stuffed Animals
Softening stuffed animals is extremely simple, so don't despair if you have a few in your collection that need a bit of cleaning!
Remember, gentle cleaning methods are best for making your stuffed animal nice and fluffy again, so handwashing is your best option. Once that's done, hang it up to air-dry.
If you can't be bothered with handwashing everyone, you can invest in a good wire brush to fluff your stuffed animals. These tips and tricks will help you cherish your cuddly companions for years. Do this step carefully, so you don't risk damaging the thread.
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Reference:
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-brushes-4172609
