Washing a plush toy involves much more than removing visible grime - disinfecting is just as important to keep little ones happy and healthy. Disinfecting toys is essential, especially if your child loves sharing their favourite doll with friends at playgroup. 

The good news is that disinfecting toys doesn’t require harsh chemicals. You just need to know the right approach for the toys in question. 

Always start with the care label

Before disinfecting any toy, check the label for instructions. Most quality plush toys will be machine washable, giving you more options for effectively disinfecting them. Toys that require spot cleaning require a gentler approach. 

If there’s no label or you’re worried about damaging a precious toy, go gentle. 

How to disinfect a plush toy

There are several options for disinfecting soft toys, including: 

1. Machine wash with a disinfecting agent

If the toy is machine washable, a warm wash with an effective detergent is often the most effective option. 

• Laundry sanitiser: A detergent designed to kill bacteria and viruses in the wash, which is safe for most fabrics and available from most household stores.
  

• White vinegar: A natural alternative to detergent. A half cup added to your rinse cycle will kill many common bacteria, and won’t leave a smell once dried.
  

• Temperature: A 40-degree wash is more effective at killing germs than a cold wash, but check the care label to make sure the toy can handle warm water.

2. Disinfectant Spray

For toys that can’t go in the washing machine, you can choose a fabric-safe disinfectant spray. Use lightly over the toy's surface, and allow it to sit for the recommended contact time before air-drying. 

Make sure that the spray is labelled safe for fabric and use around children. Avoid anything with strong bleaching agents, which can damage the fabric’s colour and fibres. 

3. Freezing the toy

A lesser-known option for disinfecting plush toys is freezing them. Simply pop your child’s plush toy in a sealed freezer bag and freeze it for 24-48 hours.

While it won’t remove dirt or grime, it’s an effective way to kill bacteria and keep your little one safe. 

4. Steam cleaning the toy 

A handheld fabric steamer can disinfect the surface of a plush toy without wetting it through. Keep the steamer moving rather than holding it in one place, and don’t overdo it. Just a few seconds of steam will kill bacteria. 

Always allow the toy to dry fully before giving it back to your child. 

What to avoid when disinfecting plush toys 

When disinfecting your child’s toys, it can be tempting to use bleach or harsh chemicals to get the most effective clean. However, these can damage fabrics, fibres, and colours. They also make toys unsafe for children who tend to put toys in their mouths. 

If the toy is heavily soiled or has been exposed to serious illness, replacing it may be a more practical choice. 

Are Dinkum toys safe for disinfecting? 

Dinkum Dolls and Cozy Dinkums are all machine washable, making them easy to disinfect and cherish for life. Simply wrap them in a pillowcase to protect them, pop them on a cool, gentle wash. 

For a deeper clean after illness, a warm, gentle cycle with child-safe laundry sanitiser works beautifully. Leave your Dinkums to air-dry, and they’ll be as good as new in no time.

Foster creativity with Dinkum World

Every character from the Dinkum World arrives with a name, a personality, and a backstory. We include these details as an invitation for owners to build upon: your own story that no one else can replicate. 

Touch the rainbow over a Dinkum's heart. Close your eyes. You're already there.

Explore the Dinkum family at dinkumdolls.com