Washing a plush toy removes everyday dirt, but it's only part of keeping your child's favourite companion clean. From trips to the park to playdates and bedtime cuddles, soft toys can pick up germs along the way.

The good news is that disinfecting plush toys doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or complicated routines. With the right approach, you can keep them fresh, safe and ready for many more adventures.

Always start with the care label

Before disinfecting any plush toy, check the care label. Most well-made soft toys can be machine washed, making them much easier to clean thoroughly. Others may need to be spot cleaned to protect delicate fabrics or details.

If the label is missing or you're cleaning a particularly treasured companion, it's always safest to use the gentlest method first.

How to disinfect a plush toy

There are several effective ways to disinfect soft toys, depending on their materials and care instructions.

1. Machine wash with a laundry sanitiser

For machine-washable toys, this is usually the simplest and most effective option.

• Use a gentle detergent suitable for children's clothing.

• Add a child-safe laundry sanitiser if needed, particularly after illness.

• Place the toy inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect it during the wash.

• Wash on the temperature recommended on the care label. A warm wash can help remove more germs, but avoid using hotter water than the manufacturer recommends.

2. Fabric-safe disinfectant spray

If a toy can't go in the washing machine, a fabric-safe disinfectant spray can help freshen the surface.

Lightly mist the toy, following the product instructions, then allow it to air-dry completely before it's played with again.

Choose products that are suitable for fabrics and safe to use around children. Avoid bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals that could damage the fabric.

3. Freeze the toy

Placing a plush toy inside a sealed freezer bag for 24 to 48 hours can help deal with dust mites and some unwanted pests.

Freezing won't remove dirt or replace washing, but it can be a useful extra step for toys that can't be cleaned frequently.

4. Steam clean carefully

A handheld fabric steamer can help freshen the surface of certain plush toys.

Keep the steamer moving rather than holding it in one place, and avoid soaking the fabric. Allow the toy to dry completely before giving it back to your child.

What to avoid when disinfecting plush toys 

Some cleaning methods can do more harm than good.

Try to avoid:

• Bleach and harsh chemical cleaners that can damage fabrics and leave behind residues.

• High heat, which may affect synthetic fibres or distort the toy's filling.

• Over-wetting delicate toys that aren't designed for machine washing.

• Returning a toy before it's completely dry, as trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant odours.

If a toy has been heavily soiled or damaged beyond cleaning, replacing it may be the safest option.

Caring for your Dinkum companion

Dinkum Dolls and Cozy Dinkums are machine washable, making them easy to care for after everyday adventures.

Simply place your Dinkum inside a pillowcase or laundry bag, wash on a cool, gentle cycle, then leave them to air-dry. If they need a deeper clean after illness, you can also use a child-safe laundry sanitiser, following the product instructions.

With a little care, they'll soon be ready for more cuddles, storytelling and imaginative play.

Ready for many more adventures

Every friend in Dinkum World arrives with their own name, personality, and little story, ready to become part of your child's world.

After a gentle wash and a little care, they're ready to head straight back into playtime, whether that's exploring Wildflower Wood, joining a picnic in the Rainbow Realm or curling up for bedtime after a busy day.

Touch the rainbow over your Dinkum's heart, close your eyes and imagine where today's adventure begins.

Meet the Dinkum family and discover a world of play.