How to Hand Wash Jellycat Plush Toys

Jellycat plush toys are beloved by children and adults alike for their super soft textures and adorable designs. While machine washing is convenient, some Jellycat plush requires hand washing to keep them looking their best.

Hand washing allows you to gently clean the plush fabric without risk of damage from machine agitation.

With a few simple steps and supplies, you can easily hand wash your Jellycat plush and have it look brand new again in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to properly hand wash your Jellycat stuffed animals.

Gather Your Supplies

Before beginning the hand-washing process, gather the following supplies:

• Mild laundry detergent or delicate soap: Avoid detergents with strong fragrances or additives that could irritate sensitive skin. Choose a gentle, hypoallergenic liquid soap.
• Two large, clean sinks or bins: You’ll need one for washing and one for rinsing. The sinks or bins should be big enough to fully submerge your Jellycat plush.
• Soft bristle toothbrush: This is perfect for spot-cleaning any soiled areas.
• Towels: Have clean towels on hand for blotting away excess water.
• Mesh laundry bags: These help contain the plush during washing to prevent damage.
• Drying rack: After washing, lay your plush flat on a drying rack to air dry.

Check Tag Instructions

Before washing, always check the tags on your Jellycat plush for any special washing instructions. While most modern Jellycats are machine washable, some vintage or delicate styles may need hand washing.

The tag should indicate if the plush is:

• Machine washable – Can be washed in the washing machine.
• Hand wash only – Needs gentler cleaning by hand.
• Surface wash only – Cannot be fully submerged, spot clean only.

Follow any special warnings or instructions noted on the tag.

Pre-treat Any Stains

Inspect your Jellycat plush for any visible stains or heavily soiled spots. Pretreating these areas will help lift out the stain during the wash.

To pre-treat:

• Apply a small amount of gentle laundry detergent or soap directly onto the stain.
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently scrub the detergent into the fabric.
• Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. This gives the detergent time to lift the stain.
• For tough stains, repeat as needed until the stain has lightened.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can damage the plush fabric.

Fill Your Sinks

Once you’ve pre-treated any stains, fill your sinks with water for washing and rinsing:

Washing Sink

• Fill with cool, clean water. The water should be deep enough to fully submerge the plush.
• Add a small amount of your mild laundry detergent and gently swish to dissolve. Follow label directions for how much detergent to use based on the sink size.

Rinsing Sink

• Fill with cool, clean water. No detergent is needed for this rinsing sink.

Hand Wash the Plush

With your sinks filled and supplies gathered, you’re ready to hand wash:

1. Fully submerge: Gently place your Jellycat plush in the soapy washing sink water and push down to soak it completely.
2. Agitate: Move the plush gently around in the water to loosen dirt. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or wringing which can damage the fabric.
3. Drain and press: Lift the plush from the water and allow excess water to drain back into the sink. Gently press it with towels to soak up excess moisture.
4. Spot scrub: Use your toothbrush dipped in soapy water to gently scrub any remaining stained or soiled spots.
5. Rinse: Move the plush to the clean rinsing sink and submerge to rinse away all soap. Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
6. Drain and press: Lift from the rinse water and gently press again with towels to remove excess moisture.

Air Dry Flat

Jellycat plush needs to be dried flat to maintain its shape and softness.

• Lay the plush on a clean, dry towel or mesh laundry bag. Gently reshape the plush to its natural form.
• Move to a drying rack or flat surface away from direct sunlight.
• Allow the plush to fully air dry – this may take 24 hours or longer.
• Avoid using heat from a dryer, iron, or hairdryer, as this can damage the fibers.
• Fluff gently once dry – the fibers will re-fluff as they dry.

Helpful Hand-Washing Tips

Follow these tips for best results when hand washing Jellycat plush:

• Check tag instructions and wash according to fabric recommendations.
• Pretreat stains for easier removal.
• Use lukewarm water to prevent fading or running of dyes.
• Avoid soaking for prolonged periods to prevent damage to stuffing.
• Gently press out water instead of wringing or twisting which can cause harm.
• Reshape and air dry fully before use to retain softness.
• Spot clean in between full washes for freshening up.

Know When to Machine Wash

While hand washing is recommended for many Jellycats, some styles are approved for machine washing:

• Check the tag to confirm machine washability.
• Use a mesh bag to protect the plush in the machine.
• Wash on a gentle cycle using cool water and mild detergent.
• Avoid fabric softener which can make the plush less soft.
• Tumble dry low if dryer is safe.

Enjoy Your Fresh and Clean Jellycat!

With these tips, you can keep your beloved Jellycat plush looking fluffy and brand new through careful hand washing. Taking the time to gently clean the soft fabrics will extend the life of your Jellycat friend for years to come. Snuggle up and enjoy their fresh, clean scent!