Can custom plush dolls be washed in a washing machine?

Custom plush dolls often hold special sentimental or memorabilia, requiring extra care when washing. Washing them in a washing machine is generally not recommended, especially for high-end custom dolls with intricate accessories or electronic components. Hand washing is the safest and most recommended method. However, if the doll's material and construction allow for washing, please be sure to follow the detailed guidelines below to minimize the risk of damage.

1. Why do you need extra care?

Custom plush dolls differ from regular plush toys in that they may have:
Special fabrics: They may be made of fabrics that fade, shrink, or are made of delicate materials.
Intricate craftsmanship: Hand-sewn parts may not be strong enough.
Decorative accessories: Plastic eyes, ribbons, emblems, beads, etc. can easily fall off or become damaged in the washing machine.
Internal filling: Low-quality filling may clump or deform, or may use special materials such as beans or sound generators.
Electronic components: Dolls with sounds or lights should never be washed.

Before deciding to machine wash, be sure to complete the following checks:
Look for the care label: Are there washing instructions sewn by the manufacturer on the doll's body or bottom? This is the most definitive guide.
Check for secureness: Gently tug on all accessories (eyes, nose, clothing, etc.) to see if they are secure.
Test for color fastness: Gently rub a damp cotton swab on an inconspicuous area of ​​the doll (such as the armpits) to see if the color is dislodged.
Confirm the internal structure: Pinch the doll to feel for any hard objects (such as a voice box, skeleton), bean-shaped fillings, or easily dislodged cotton padding.

2. If you decide to machine wash, please follow the following machine washing steps

Step 1: Pre-treat and Protect
Remove Dust: First, use a soft-bristle brush or the soft-bristle brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust.
Spot Cleaning: For obvious stains, pre-treat with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of fabric detergent or wool-specific detergent.
Place in a protective mesh bag: This is the most crucial step! Placing the doll in a large enough mesh laundry bag will significantly reduce pulling and friction during washing.

Step 2: Washing Machine Settings (Critical!)
Select a gentle cycle: Use the "gentle cycle," "wool cycle," or "hand wash cycle."
Cold Water Washing: Choose cold water or warm water no higher than 30°C to prevent shrinkage and discoloration.
Low Speed ​​Spin: Select a low speed or cancel the spin/dry cycle. High speeds can easily cause the doll to deform, shift the filling, or even crack the seams.
Use a specific detergent: Use a neutral detergent; avoid strong bleaches or fabric softeners.

Step 3: Airing and Restoration
Hand-draining: After washing, gently squeeze the doll to remove excess water. Do not wring it out!
Reshaping: While the doll is damp, manually restore it to its original shape and gently pat the filling to distribute it evenly.
Air Drying: Store the doll in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Turn it occasionally to ensure it is completely dry inside and out to prevent mold. Combing the hair: For plush dolls, after they are completely dry, gently comb with a wide-tooth comb or pet comb to restore their fluff.

3. Highly Recommended: The Safest "Hand Washing Method"

Hand washing is always the preferred method for precious custom plush dolls.
Place cold water in a basin and add an appropriate amount of neutral detergent. Stir well.
Soak the doll in the water and gently squeeze and rub it with your hands to allow the water to remove any dirt.
For stains, gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Discard the dirty water and repeatedly squeeze and rinse with clean water until no foam is left.
Squeeze out the water with your hands (do not wring), then wrap the doll in a dry towel and squeeze again to absorb the moisture.
Reshape and dry as described above.