How to Clean and Care for Your Weighted Soft Toys: A Gentle Guide

Weighted soft toys are more than just adorable companions—they’re also therapeutic tools designed to provide comfort, calm, and support. Whether they’re used by children, teens, or adults, these cuddly friends are often carried around, hugged tightly, and used daily. That means they can get a little grubby from time to time! Proper cleaning and care are essential to keeping your weighted soft toy hygienic, safe, and best-looking.

Because weighted toys are constructed differently from regular plush toys, they must be treated with extra care. Here’s everything you need to know to clean and care for them safely.

1. Spot Clean Where Possible

Whenever possible, spot cleaning is the safest and most effective way to keep your weighted toy fresh. Use a damp cloth with a mild soap or gentle detergent to carefully clean the surface of the toy. Focus on any visible marks, spills, or dirt. Gently rub the area with the cloth, and then wipe with clean water to remove any soapy residue.

Avoid soaking the toy entirely during spot cleaning—weighted toys are filled with food-grade poly pellets that should not be fully saturated with water.

2. Avoid the Washing Machine

It’s important to remember that weighted soft toys are NOT machine washable. The internal poly pellets and stitching can be damaged in a washing machine, especially in top loaders with agitators. Machine washing can lead to leaking pellets, uneven weight distribution, or even tearing seams.

To protect your toy’s internal structure and keep it looking beautiful, always hand wash or spot clean instead.

3. Use Mild Soap and Cold Water

When doing any cleaning, stick to mild soap and cold or lukewarm water. Harsh detergents or hot water can damage the fabric, fade colours, and weaken the seams. Cold water is also gentler on delicate materials and helps preserve the softness of your toy.

If you're giving your weighted toy a gentle hand wash (only if spot cleaning isn't enough), use minimal water, a soft cloth, and be careful not to soak the entire toy. Rinse gently and avoid scrubbing.

4. Do Not Put in a Dryer

Never put a weighted soft toy in a dryer. The heat can damage the internal filling, warp the shape, and compromise the stitching. Instead, stick to air drying.

5. Air Dry or Lay Flat to Dry

After cleaning, the best option is to air dry your toy. Lay it flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated space, turning it occasionally to help it dry evenly. Hanging a weighted toy is not recommended, as the added weight can stretch the seams while it’s wet.

Allow the toy to dry fully before using or storing it to prevent mould or odours from developing.

Things to remember...

With a little bit of care and attention, your weighted soft toy can stay clean, cuddly, and comforting for years to come. Remember: spot clean when you can, avoid machine washing, never use a dryer, and always air dry.

These small steps will help preserve the life of your toy and ensure it continues to provide calm and comfort when you need it most.