Your Jellycat got dirty, and you want to wash it for yourself, your kids, or your pets. But at the same time, you feel afraid of ruining it.
However, you can clean them completely safely, keeping them fluffy if you follow the proper steps.
In this article, we are going to introduce how to wash Jellycat stuffed animals step-by-step.
All fluffy Jellycats are made of high-density ultrafine polyester fibers. When heat from a high-temperature dryer is applied, these fibers will melt, shrink, and become stiff like felt.
The official Jellycat Safety & Care page clearly prohibits this with “do not tumble dry.”
There is also a risk that the plastic eyes will get scratched or the weights (pellets) inside will deform due to the heat.
Check the laundry tags: Jellycat plush toys have different types of laundry tags depending on the series and when they were produced.
For example, some allow “machine wash under 30°C (gentle/hand wash cycle),” while others are “surface wash only.” Always check the tag on the seam near their bottom.
Check the condition of the materials inside: Check if there are open seams or loose threads (if you put it in water, the hole will get bigger and the cotton stuffing will come out). Also, toys with sound mechanics or music boxes inside must never be submerged in water.
Color fading test: For characters with vivid colors (such as red, dark pink, or black), you need to check in advance by lightly rubbing them with a wet white cloth to ensure the color won’t bleed.
Basic Rule: Lukewarm Water (Under 30°C/86°F) + Mild Detergent
Never use hot water. Dissolve a small amount of baby detergent or liquid mild detergent for delicate clothes in the water.
Zero-Friction Press-Wash: Do not scrub. Gently press down and release—think of it as giving your plushie a relaxing spa treatment.
Thorough Rinsing: Leftover detergent causes stiff fur. Rinse 3 to 4 times with fresh water until the water turns completely clear.
Gentle Drying: Never wring it like a dishcloth, as this will ruin its shape. Wrap it in a large bath towel to soak up the moisture gently. If using a washing machine, place it in a laundry net and spin on the lowest setting for 30 to 60 seconds.
If you want to see how to fix loosing parts of your Jellycat plush toys, read our “How to Clean & Wash Stuffed Animals: A Gentle Step-by-Step Guide.”
Brushing While Wet (Most Important Step)
Do not wait until it dries—that is too late! While the fur is still wet and clumped together, gently comb it with a pet slicker brush, a fine-tooth comb, or a toothbrush to separate the fibers and let air in.
Use a Blow Dryer on the “Cool” Setting
Air-drying alone often leaves the fur tips stiff and crunchy. Even the official Jellycat guide recommends using a blow dryer on the “cool” setting while brushing to send air through. This helps separate every single fiber and restores that signature fluffy texture.
If you use a lot of softener, an excess layer of oil coats the fiber surface, causing the ultrafine fur to clump together and create a rough, matted texture.
Also, check carefully when you try to wash Jellycat for your kids. There are a lot of unsafe detergents especially for kids or dogs.
If you want to know about baby-safe detergent, read our “The Best Baby-Safe Laundry Detergents for Cleaning Plush Toys.”
This causes color fading (especially for vivid-colored characters) and fabric deterioration from the heat. Always lay flat to air-dry in a well-ventilated shade.
Since Jellycats are made of polyester, which is heat-sensitive, ironing will completely melt the fur. Organic solvents used in dry cleaning also damage the fabric, so it is officially prohibited.
Q: Is a washing machine really forbidden?
A: If the tag says “30°C Wash,” it is possible. Make sure to put it in a laundry net (or pillowcase) and wash with a “delicate/hand wash cycle” plus “cold water.” Don’t wash it with other clothing because friction will cause lint balls.
Q: Is it possible to fix fur that is already matted?
A: If it was melted by heat, it cannot be restored. However, if it’s just stiff due to built-up dirt or fabric softener, the softness can be restored to some extent by soaking it in lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of silicone-containing hair conditioner, rinsing thoroughly, and then blow-drying on cool while brushing.
Washing your Jellycat can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but as long as you follow the golden rules—avoiding high heat and brushing while wet—you can keep that adorable fluffiness and cleanliness forever!
Jellycats are premium plushies, so it would be heartbreaking if they got ruined. But don’t worry, as long as you stick to the rules and take good care of them, they will stay soft and clean for a long time.
The Soft Toy Clinic
978 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L2, Canada
