How to Wash a Pillow Pet

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 14, 2023 References

Routinely washing your Pillow Pet can remove minor stains from its fur and keep it clean and ready to play with. Most every Pillow Pet can be put in the washer for quick and easy cleaning. Those that don't may respond well to gentle hand washing with a wet cloth. Whether you wash your Pillow Pet by hand or in a washing machine, always air dry your Pillow Pet to prevent its fur from burning in the dryer.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Putting Your Pillow Pet in the Washer

1
Put your Pillow Pet in a pillowcase and tie the ends. When thrown into the wash without a pillowcase, washing machines can beat up a stuffed animal's fibers. Tying the open ends will prevent your Pillow Pet from getting beat up by the washing machine and increase the overall longevity of your Pillow Pet.^{[1]
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2
Use a low-suds detergent when washing your Pillow Pet. Sudsy detergents can weigh your Pillow Pet down and prolong the drying process. It can also leave your pet filmy and sticky after it has finished drying. Choose a milder detergent to limit the suds content of your detergent.^{[2]
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3
Place your Pillow Pet in the washer and turn it on a gentle cycle. Harsher cycles can beat your Pillow Pet too hard against the machine and potentially damage it. Choose the gentlest setting on your washer to keep your Pillow Pet safe as it gets washed.
4
Set the water temperature to cold. Hot water can damage your Pillow Pet, whereas cold water preserves its color and texture. Some gentle cycles automatically set the water to cold while others may require you to do it manually. Check your washing machine manual if you're not sure how to check and adjust the temperature.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Washing a Pillow Pet By Hand

1
Wash Sweet-Scented Pillow Pets by hand. Most Pillow Pets can be washed in a washing machine or by hand depending on your preference. Sweet-Scented Pillow Pets, however, will only preserve their scent if they are washed by hand. Never throw a Sweet-Scented Pillow Pet in the washing machine if you want to preserve its smell.^{[4]
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- You may also prefer to hand wash your Pillow Pet if you are only washing a specific area.
2
Mix water and a mild laundry detergent in a bucket or sink. A mild laundry detergent will clean your Pillow Pet without damaging it or overwhelming it with suds. Check the detergent mix directions to determine how much you will mix with the water. Avoid adding too much detergent to avoid oversaturating your water.
- Add ½ cup (90 g) of baking soda to the solution if your Pillow Pet smells bad.^{[5]
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- Choose a scentless detergent when washing Sweet-Scented Pillow Pets.
3
Use a damp cloth to surface wash your Pillow Pet. Dip the cloth in the laundry detergent solution and wring it out to get rid of excess water. Press the damp cloth to your Pillow Pet and rub in circular motions. Continue rubbing until your Pillow Pet's fur is damp and any surface stains are rubbed off.^{[6]
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4
Push down on the Pillow Pet to squeeze out excess water. Too much water in your Pillow Pet can lengthen drying times and leave your Pillow Pet prone to mildewing. Press on the Pillow Pet gently yet firmly to remove the water.
- Use a towel to pat down your Pillow Pet after you have squeezed out the water to prevent excess dripping.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Drying Your Pillow Pet

1
Do not put your Pillow Pet in the dryer. Pillow Pets are non-machine washable. Exposing your Pillow Pet to extreme heat can damage its fur and cause it to mat or even melt. Air dry your Pillow Pet to keep it in top condition.
- Hair dryers can also mat your Pillow Pet's fur. Use neither when cleaning your Pillow Pet.
2
Find a warm, sunny spot to lay out your Pillow Pet. This spot can either be inside or outside. If inside, choose a place near a window where your Pillow Pet can get lots of sunlight. If outside, make sure to dry your Pillow Pet out on a day without much wind to prevent it from blowing away.^{[7]
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3
Hang your Pillow Pet up to dry. Hanging your Pillow Pet up allows it to dry evenly. If drying your Pillow Pet indoors, set up a laundry rack and use clothes hangers to dry your Pillow Pet. If drying your Pillow Pet outdoors, set up and attach your Pillow Pet to a clothesline.^{[8]
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4
Let your Pillow Pet air dry for several hours. Check on your Pillow Pet every hour to check whether it is finished drying. Squeeze the Pillow Pt's stomach to check for excess water. Avoid taking down Pillow Pets that are damp or dripping wet.^{[9]
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- How long the Pillow Pet takes to dry will depend on temperature and wind exposure. The Pillow Pet's size is also a key factor.