How to Care for Your Bingo Lovey and Snuffles Plush

Quick answer

Most plush toys like Bingo Lovey and Snuffles can be surface-cleaned for everyday messes, but when a deeper clean is needed, hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely. Always check for loose seams or electronics first, and never put a plush in a hot dryer unless the care label explicitly allows it.

Gather the right supplies before you start

You do not need a cabinet full of specialty products to keep plush toys clean. A mild, fragrance-free liquid detergent, a soft cloth or sponge, a small basin or clean sink, and a towel for blotting are enough for most routine cleaning. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and harsh stain removers, which can break down fibers or leave irritating residue on a toy your child hugs close.

If the plush has a care label, read it first. The label may specify surface wash only or give a maximum water temperature. When no label is present, treat the toy as hand-wash only and air dry. That conservative approach works well for the GUND Bluey Sustainably Soft Plush Lovey, which combines a stuffed Bluey with a double-sided plush security blanket, and for the compact Forever Friends Littles like Snuffles.

Spot-clean small messes without soaking the whole toy

For crumbs, sticky fingerprints, or a little drool, spot cleaning is faster and gentler than a full wash. Dampen a soft cloth with cool water and a drop of mild detergent, then dab the soiled area rather than scrubbing. Work from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it. Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, and blot dry with a towel.

This method is especially practical for a lovey that a baby carries everywhere. The Bingo Lovey pairs a squeezable Bluey with a double-sided plush blanket, so you can spot-clean the blanket portion or the plush head without saturating the whole toy. Let it air dry away from direct heat before it goes back into rotation.

Hand wash when the plush needs a deeper clean

Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the plush and gently squeeze the soapy water through the fabric. Do not wring, twist, or scrub aggressively, as that can distort stuffing and stretch seams. Pay extra attention to areas that collect oils and dirt, such as the face, paws, and the edges of a blanket attachment.

Rinse with cool water until no suds remain. Gently press out excess water against the side of the basin, then roll the plush in a clean towel and press to absorb more moisture. Never wring it out like a dishrag. For a plush like Snuffles from the Forever Friends Littles line, which is a 7-inch compact cuddle buddy, the smaller size makes hand washing quicker, but the same gentle handling applies.

Dry completely to prevent mildew and keep softness

Air drying is the safest option for most plush toys. Place the toy on a clean towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or space heaters. Turn it occasionally so air reaches all sides, including the underside and any blanket or appendage.

If the plush is still damp after several hours, you can use a fan on a low setting to speed things up. Do not put it in a hot dryer unless the care label explicitly permits it. High heat can shrink fabrics, melt glued details, or make the stuffing clump. Once dry, fluff the plush gently with your hands to restore its shape.

Handle special features with extra care

Some plush toys have details that need special attention. The SwimWays Rainbow Reef Fish Toy, for example, is a pool dive toy designed for water play, but it is not a plush and should not be cleaned like one. Keep pool toys separate from stuffed animals to avoid confusion and cross-contamination of pool chemicals.

For plush with attached blankets, like the Bingo Lovey, check the seam where the blanket meets the plush before and after washing. If you notice loose threads or a small tear, stop and repair it with a few hand stitches before washing again. A quick repair prevents stuffing from escaping and keeps the toy safe for a baby.

Step-by-step plush care routine

1. Check the care label and seams: Look for a care label and inspect all seams, especially around attached blankets or limbs. If you find loose stitching, repair it before washing. Checkpoint: no loose threads or open seams before the plush gets wet.
2. Spot-clean everyday messes first: Dab stains with a cloth dampened with cool water and a drop of mild detergent. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot dry. Checkpoint: the stain is gone and no soap residue remains.
3. Hand wash in cool water when needed: Submerge the plush in cool water with mild detergent, gently squeeze suds through the fabric, then rinse until the water runs clear. Checkpoint: no suds left in the rinse water.
4. Remove excess water without wringing: Press the plush against the basin to drain, then roll it in a clean towel and press to absorb more moisture. Never twist or wring. Checkpoint: the plush is damp, not dripping.
5. Air dry completely away from heat: Place the plush on a towel or drying rack in a ventilated area. Turn it occasionally until fully dry, inside and out. Checkpoint: no damp spots, especially around stuffing and blanket edges.
6. Fluff and return to cuddle duty: Gently reshape the plush with your hands and check that it is completely dry before giving it back to your child. Checkpoint: plush is soft, dry, and ready for snuggles.

Product facts

• Sustainably Soft: Bingo Lovey, 13 in: Sustainably Soft: Bingo Lovey, 13 in is crafted entirely from recycled materials, from the packaging to the stuffing inside. Recycled fabrics and stuffing may be more sensitive to high heat, so hand washing and air drying help preserve the material.
• Forever Friends Littles: Snuffles, 7 in: Forever Friends Littles: Snuffles, 7 in is a compact 7-inch plush based on a classic teddy bear, made with premium fabrics. The smaller size dries faster after hand washing, but the premium fabric still benefits from gentle, cool-water cleaning.