The thing that ruins a plush toy is almost never dirt. It is heat, agitation and over-washing — all of which mat the pile, flatten the stuffing and dull printed details. A collection kept properly can look new for years with very little effort.
Start with the label
Plush with glued-on features, delicate embroidery, or anything battery-powered should never go in a machine. If there is no care label, treat it as surface-clean only. It costs nothing to be careful and a great deal to be wrong.
Surface clean first
For everyday dust, a lint roller or a soft brush is usually all that's needed. For a mark, dab it with a cloth dampened in cool water and a little mild detergent, working inward from the edge so you don't spread it. Blot dry rather than rubbing.
If it truly needs a wash
Put it inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase tied shut. Use a cold, gentle cycle and a small amount of mild detergent. No fabric softener — it coats the fibres and leaves the pile limp rather than fluffy. Never use hot water.
Drying is the part that matters
Never tumble dry. Heat shrinks the stuffing and can melt synthetic fur. Press out the water in a towel without wringing, reshape it while it is damp, and let it air dry fully — a day or two is normal for a larger piece. Drying it fully matters more than drying it fast.
Bring the pile back
Once dry, brush gently with a soft baby brush or a pet slicker, working in short strokes in the direction of the fur. This is what makes a washed plush look new again, and it takes a couple of minutes.
Storing a collection
Keep them out of direct sunlight, which fades dyed fur faster than anything else. Give them room rather than compressing them in a sealed box, and let air circulate so nothing gets musty.
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