Caring for crocheted amigurumi toys – best tips and recommendations
These are general guidelines that apply to all crocheted and stuffed items. Personally, I have washed several toys using a gentle machine cycle at low temperature and spin-dried them. I placed them to dry in fresh air, and everything worked out fine. These care instructions were provided by ChatGPT; most of them are certainly accurate, but please test carefully.
Amigurumi toys are adorable and soft companions that require gentle care to remain beautiful and safe for a long time. Since they are handmade, they are not suitable for a regular wash cycle. In this post, we share the best care tips to keep your beloved dolls and animals clean and in good condition.
Can handmade toys be washed?
Yes, but washing must follow specific rules to avoid damaging the shape, yarn, or stuffing. Before washing, check:
Does the item contain any metal or electronic parts? If yes, surface cleaning only.
What type of yarn is used? (Some yarns may felt or become fuzzy in the machine.)
How are different parts attached? If eyes or accessories are hand-sewn, machine washing may rip them off.
Hand washing – the best method for crocheted dolls
Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean a toy. To do this:
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent.
Immerse the item in the water and gently squeeze to release the dirt.
Rinse several times with clean water.
Gently press out excess water, avoiding wringing.
Dry the item flat on a towel, avoiding direct sunlight and heat.
Can crocheted toys be machine washed?
Most toys can withstand machine washing if they are made from durable yarn and tightly crocheted.
For machine washing:
Use a laundry bag or pillowcase to avoid abrasion.
Choose a gentle cycle and cold water or up to 30°C.
If possible, avoid spinning or use a low-speed spin cycle.
Dry flat to prevent the toy from losing its shape.
Drying and storage
After washing, the item must be properly dried and stored:
Do NOT use a tumble dryer or place on a radiator – heat may deform the toy.
Lay the item flat on a towel and turn it occasionally to avoid mildew.
Store toys in a dry and cool place, avoiding moisture and direct sunlight.
Specifics of yarn and stuffing materials
The care of handmade toys largely depends on the materials used.
Cotton yarn – withstands washing better and holds shape.
Cotton and acrylic blend – washes well and retains shape.
Acrylic yarn – may become fuzzy, but washes easily and dries quickly. However, it does not tolerate damp heat (can lose shape and deform).
Wool yarn – requires hand washing as it may felt and shrink in the machine.
Polyester or synthetic filling – dries quickly but may clump when washed.
Wool filling – may felt, dries slowly, and may start to smell unpleasant over time.
What to do about stains on toys?
If the item gets stained, try the following:
Oil stains: Sprinkle some starch or baby powder on the stain and let it absorb before washing.
Food stains: Clean immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Ink or paint stains: Try using a gentle alcohol-free makeup remover or a mild vinegar solution.
Summary
Handmade toys require gentle care, but with the right methods, they can stay clean and beautiful for a long time. Use hand washing whenever possible, machine wash only if the materials allow, and always dry correctly to prevent the item from losing its shape or structure.
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Share your experiences in the comments!