Can you machine-wash your baby's soft toys, pillows and blankets?
Quick answer: most can be machine-washed if the label allows. Use a mesh bag, a gentle cycle, a moderate amount of detergent, rinse well and, most importantly, dry the filling completely inside. Soft toys with batteries, music boxes, glued parts or long pile are better hand-washed or surface-cleaned.
Soft toys
Machine-washable when: the label allows it, there’s no battery or sound module, and eyes and noses are sewn on rather than glued.
- Check the seams and stitch up any gaps.
- Put it in a mesh bag or a tied-up pillowcase.
- Choose a gentle cycle with cool water.
- Spin at low speed.
- Fluff the filling evenly and dry somewhere airy until completely dry inside; this can take 1–2 days.
Hand-wash when: the toy is large, has batteries or glued parts. Soak in water with detergent, squeeze gently, rinse well, press out water with a dry towel and hang to dry.
Baby pillows
- Pillowcases: wash with your baby’s clothes, about once a week.
- Fibre-filled pillow inners: usually machine-washable per the label, on a gentle cycle; dry thoroughly.
- Memory foam and anti-reflux pillows: usually not machine-washable. Follow the maker’s instructions; usually wash the cover and wipe the inner.
Baby blankets
- Thin blankets and muslin wraps: machine-wash on a gentle cycle, separately from adults’ laundry.
- Thick quilts: check your machine has enough capacity. An overstuffed drum won’t clean or rinse properly.
How often?
| Item | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Pillowcases, sheets, thin blankets | About weekly |
| Soft toys hugged daily | Every few weeks, or when dirty |
| Pillow inners, thick quilts | Every few months, per the label |
Detergent for your baby’s sleep things
Abby Goodnight has a soothing scent, suited to sleepwear, bedding and the toys your baby hugs at bedtime. Abby is a Mother & Baby 5-in-1 laundry liquid that washes and softens in one go, leaving things soft and gently scented, for hand and machine washing.
Read more: Should you use fabric softener on newborn clothes?
Reviewed by: Vu Hoang Nam
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