How to Clean a Plush Toy Without Ruining Its Softness
By Mary Meyer Stuffed Toys & Baby Gifts | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the gentle steps to wash a stuffed animal and keep it soft and safe for your baby. Includes care tips for Mary Meyer plush toys.
Quick answer
To clean a plush toy without ruining its softness, machine wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and air dry it, checking the care label first.
Why gentle cleaning matters
Plush toys are often a baby's first friend, and their soft texture is key to comfort. Harsh washing can mat the fabric, damage safety features like embroidered eyes or beans, and reduce the toy's lifespan.
Mary Meyer stuffed toys like the Burly Black Bear use durable plastic eyes that are sonic welded in place for safety, but even these need gentle handling to stay secure. The Putty Blush Bear's super-soft fabric requires special care to keep its luxurious feel.
Step-by-step guide to washing a plush toy
- Check the care label: Look for washing instructions on the tag. Most Mary Meyer plush toys are machine washable, but always confirm. If the label is missing, use the gentle method below. Never skip this step – some toys with internal music boxes or delicate embellishments require spot cleaning only.
- Pre-treat stains: Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to any visible stains and gently rub with a soft cloth. Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals – they can damage the fabric's softness and color.
- Machine wash on gentle cycle: Place the plush toy in a mesh laundry bag for protection. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Select the gentle or delicate cycle to minimize agitation. Hot water can shrink or warp the toy, and high spin speeds may cause the beans to shift unevenly.
- Air dry completely: Remove the toy from the mesh bag and reshape it gently. Lay it flat on a towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. Fluff occasionally during drying. Never use a dryer – the heat can melt synthetic fibers, damage safety eyes, or cause the beans to clump.
- Restore softness: Once dry, gently brush the fur with a soft-bristled brush or your fingers to lift the fibers. For extra softness, you can lightly steam the toy (keeping the steamer at least 6 inches away). Over-brushing can pull out fibers; a few gentle strokes are enough.
Products mentioned
- Burly Black Bear – 14″: Contains beans for weight and ultimate floppiness; embroidered mouth details; durable plastic eyes sonic welded in place; machine wash, air dry. The beans add weight but require gentle washing to prevent clumping, and the machine-washable label means you can safely clean it at home.
Burly Black Bear – 14″ - Putty Blush Bear – 11″: Super-soft, textured fabric; sophisticated color palette; gender-neutral design. The delicate fabric needs extra care during washing to avoid pilling or matting, preserving its silky softness.
Putty Blush Bear – 11″
