Can Beanie Boos go in the washing machine?

This is a collaborative post.

Ben was always a nightmare when he was young for eating anything and also sleeping with soft toys so I was often washing them. When I was offered this guest post, I just knew many of you would have similar issues and find it helpful!

Whether you are new to the adorable squishiness of Beanie Boos or you’ve had a growing collection for a little while – have you thought about the last time they were cleaned?

Packed full of delightful padding and chock full of love and cuddles, there may be a slightly less lovely surprise hidden in your bestie Beanie Boo if they haven’t had a thorough clean in a while.
So, can a Beanie Boo go in the washing machine to keep them lovely and hygienic?

How often should you clean soft toys and plushies?

Much loved Beanie Boos should be cleaned monthly, if played with frequently – especially if they go with you or your little ones to bed and sit with them at mealtimes.

This stops the build-up of:
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Dust
• Fungus

Although it comes down to personal choice, washing Beanie Boos and other soft toys frequently can mean that illnesses are not transmitted from person to person and conditions such as asthma are not worsened.

Official Ty advice

As authentic Ty products, official advice for cleaning your Beanie Boo includes:

• Remove dry particles

Vacuum cleaners are the ideal way to remove dry surface grime, like sand, dirt, and dust without damaging delicate fur, sequins, or scales.

• Surface wash

Ty plushies are not designed to be drenched or submerged in water as the fillings and external textures can become damaged.

Alternatives to washing your TY plush

Instead, you can try one of the following methods to remove surface staining:

• Baby wipes – remember to dab at marks instead of rubbing to minimise spreading.

• Cold washcloths – always wring washcloths to remove excess water before dabbing to stop further damage.

• Baking soda – to remove grease stains, apply baking soda, which can help to absorb oil. Then spot clean with a damp cloth.

• Stain remover pens or spot applicators – if water hasn’t worked, try a concentrated stain remover on the affected area and use a damp cloth to lift the stain.

• Handwash – if the entire toy is soiled, you can handwash it with gentle soap and cool water, (just try to get the toy too wet).

Drying your TY beanie

No matter how you cleanse your dirty Beanie Boo, you should leave the plushies to air dry after removing excess water gently with a towel, then brush with a soft-bristled brush to re-fluff the fur.

Remove smells from your beanie

If your Beanie Boo has become a little more fragrant than fun, it can be tempting to give it a spray with an air freshener. However, these can affect the texture and condition of the fur. Instead, use baking soda!

• Sprinkle a small amount on the toy and leave it to sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Hoover away excess – the toy should smell much better now and can be played with again.

Can I put my Beanie Boo in the washing machine?

Handwashing can be time-consuming and sometimes toys are so mucky it can be hard to know where to start.

Although Ty does not recommend using a washing machine to cleanse your plushie pal, even on a delicate cycle, some online bloggers and Beanie Boo fanatics have had success washing their Beanie Boos in the washing machine following these simple steps:

• Remove the Ty tag and set it aside for later – you can sew it back on with some cotton thread once dry.

• Add Beanie Boos to a thick, cushioned, zippable bag and close the zip – this will cushion your Boos and stop scuffing on the eyes.

• Wash on a cold, delicate cycle with a large towel or two for extra cushioning against the impacts of the machine.

• Leave to dry in the sun or set out to dry indoors – some have also dried their toys in a tumble dryer for 7 minutes in another bag with another large towel for extra protection.

• Once completely dry, sew the Ty tag back on.

If you choose to wash your Beanie Boo in the washing machine, we recommend doing this cautiously with a less-loved Ty to test it out before attempting it with your favourite plush.

Find your next Beanie Boo best friend

With their mix of real animals and mystical creatures, colourful elements and accessories, and adorably oversized features, Beanie Boos are favoured by all ages, from 1 to 92!

Thanks to these cleaning tips, you can keep your Beanie Boos hygienic and healthy – helping to keep your magical friendship beneficial and your plushies looking lovely for as long as possible.

If your Beanie Boo is looking a little worse for wear and needs replacing, or you are in the market for a new bestie, find your favourite Ty Beanie Boo friend today from a trusted, reputable supplier.

You’ll be glad you did!