Love Your Plushies Longer: Easy Ways to Clean and Care for Crochet Creations

Our handmade plushies are meant to be hugged, loved, and even taken on little adventures — but over time, they might need a bit of freshening up! Whether it’s a coffee spill, a little dust, or just everyday snuggles, caring for your amigurumi is easier than you think. With a little gentle cleaning, your crochet cuties can stay as soft and adorable as the day you brought them home.

Here’s how to safely wash and dry your amigurumis so they last for years to come. 💕

🌿 Hand Washing: The Gentle Touch

Hand washing is the best and safest way to keep your crochet plushies looking their best. It’s easy on the yarn fibers, preserves the shape, and protects any delicate details like safety eyes, embroidery, or accessories.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill a sink or small basin with lukewarm water.

2. Add a small drop of mild soap or baby shampoo.

3. Gently submerge your plushie and press lightly to help the soapy water soak in.

4. Avoid twisting or wringing — just squeeze gently to remove dirt.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all soap is gone.

6. Press the plushie between a clean towel to remove excess water.

   
   

Once it’s clean, reshape your amigurumi if needed — especially the ears, limbs, or little tails — and lay it flat on a towel to dry completely.

🌀 Machine Washing: When You’re in a Hurry

If your plushie is made with durable yarn like cotton or acrylic, and doesn’t have delicate attachments, it can handle an occasional trip through the washing machine. Think of it like washing a favorite sweater — gentle and low-stress.

Here’s how to machine wash safely:

• Place your amigurumi inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect it.

• Use cold water and select the delicate or gentle cycle.

• Use a mild detergent and skip bleach or fabric softener.

After the cycle, remove your plushie right away so it doesn’t lose its shape. Treat it like a delicate item of clothing — a little extra care goes a long way!

🌸 Drying: Air vs. Machine

Drying properly is just as important as washing! Too much heat can cause yarn to shrink or fibers to lose their softness.

Lay Flat to Dry:

The safest and most recommended method. Reshape your plushie while it’s damp, place it on a towel, and let it air dry naturally. It may take a day or two depending on size, but your plushie will stay perfectly shaped and soft.

Tumble Dry Low (Optional):If you’re short on time, you can tumble dry on low heat, but do so sparingly. Place the plushie in a laundry bag or pillowcase again, use the lowest setting, and check every 10–15 minutes. A few minutes of fluff time can help bring back softness, but avoid over-drying.

💕 Extra Tips to Keep Plushies Fresh

• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush to fluff up the yarn if it looks fuzzy.

• Store plushies out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

• If they get squished, reshape gently by hand or lightly restuff.

• For quick freshening, try a light mist of fabric refresher or a short “air out” near a fan.

✨ Final Thoughts

Your amigurumis are more than just plushies — they’re tiny bundles of joy, handmade with care. Treating them gently keeps them looking (and feeling!) their best for years to come.

So whether it’s your favorite whale, frog, or custom mini-me doll, a little TLC will help them stay huggable and happy. 💗

Stitching joy into every DAY,

— The DAY Gabriel Crochet Team

💖 Looking for a new plushie to love or a custom creation made just for you?

Browse the shop at daygabrielcrochet.com/shop to find your next cozy companion — each one handmade with care and designed to bring a smile to your day.

🧶 Want to learn how to make your own plushies?

Join one of our one-on-one crochet lessons — offered both in-person and online for all skill levels! Send an email to daygabrieldesigns@gmail.com to get started.