Can You Wash Amigurumi in 2024?

In short, yes. However, there are some methods you might try before throwing your amigurumi project in the washer! 

All amigurumi can be spot washed easily and effectively, though only some can be machine washed. Amigurumi made with acrylic yarn can be machine washed like normal, those made with cotton yarn can be washed on a gentle cycle though they may shrink a little, but amigurumi made from wool yarn should not be washed as they will shrink and emerge looking like felt.

I’ll break it all down for you, but first, let’s talk about the type of yarn used for amigurumi projects. When choosing which yarn you want to use, take into consideration the ease of washing, since certain yarns may be more difficult or time consuming when washing! 

Yarn that is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic has proven to be the softest option while also being easiest to wash, with little risk of shrinking. 

Pure cotton yarn should be washed on a gentle cycle and dried with caution, while acrylic yarn can be washed as you would wash regular laundry. Knowing this can help you make the best choice for your animal!

You can choose to use wool, but keep in mind that washing can have adverse effects on the material, leaving it looking and feeling more like felt rather than wool. When spot cleaning your wool project, using a gentle dabbing method rather than a wiping method is preferred. 

If your project will be used as a collectible, wool may be a better option; it is thicker and more durable, which allows it to last longer than other materials. 

While you can work with any type of yarn for these projects, consider what you are making, as well as whether or not it will need to be washed regularly. 

For example, if you are making this project for a baby, consider that it may need to be washed more often than if you are making it to be a collectible. In most cases, when choosing your yarn, you’ll find that it will have washing instructions, which will allow you to compare one yarn to another when making your decision. 

How Do You Wash Amugurumi?

There are many methods of washing your amigurumi! So what’s the best option for you? 

Spot cleaning your amigurumi can be effective to clean small areas that are surface stains. Spot cleaning your amigurumi is easy: simply grab a rag or wash cloth and using warm water gently dab the affected area. For tougher stains, you can add a small amount of laundry liquid to your cloth and spot clean. Just be sure to use a different area of the cloth, getting it damp to go over the spot and removing any soap residue.  

Another method to try before using the washing machine is a sink wash; this is done by filling your sink up with warm water and a detergent (laundry detergent or wool wash) and allowing your amigurumi to soak, which will clean both the inside and outside. Allow your amigurumi to soak for an hour or more depending on how dirty it is. Be sure to check on it and squish it around to ensure that the soapy water is getting all the way through your animal. This method is done almost as you might do laundry stripping to a large blanket. 

Spot cleaning and sink washing are the most delicate yet effective methods for washing your amigurumi. Be sure to allow your amigurumi to dry fully, as the inside can stay damp while the outside feels dry. Give it up to 48 hours to be safe!

If you are washing a large item – such as a teddy bear – a washing machine might be a better choice than spot cleaning or sink washing, as it may be more effective in cleaning such a large surface. If you choose to wash your amigurumi in the washing machine, be sure to know what temperature you should have the water; as with anything that has a possibility of shrinking, the cold cycle is generally recommended. 

When attempting to machine wash, take precaution to ensure that nothing falls off your item, just as you would with washing anything else. Things like safety eyes, arms, tails, or ears that are loosely attached have the potential to get caught in your washer. 

To ensure that this doesn’t happen when using the washing machine method, use a mesh laundry bag that you would normally put your delicates in; this will offer protection from the washing machine damaging your project while giving you the benefit of using a washing machine. Overloading your washing with other items in the same load as your amigurumi could also cause any small pieces to come loose, as they may get caught on the other items and tear away. Be sure that all of the accessories on your amigurumi are intact before putting it in the washing machine. 

Remember to keep your yarn’s washing instructions in mind; some may require you to use only cold water, while others may require a certain type of soap (like wool wash) to prevent breakdown in the yarn. Always wash on the most gentle cycle and put as little items in with your amigurumi as possible. 

When using the washing machine, you may notice some deformation of your amigurumi. No worries! Just move the stuffing inside around until your amigurumi is back to its original shape and allow it to fully dry.

Are you short on time and need to throw your plushie in the dryer? Not a problem! Follow these simple precautions, and you will have a dry stuffed toy in no time. 

First things first, double check that your amigurumi came out of your preferred washing method unscathed. Ensure that all accessories are still completely intact. At this point, move the stuffing around to be sure there is no clumping on the inside.

Next, make sure that you protect your amigurumi when putting it in the dryer; put it in a pillowcase or fabric bag that will allow heat to pass through but will act as a barrier to avoid friction or catching while drying. 

Dry on the lowest, most delicate setting for thirty minutes and check on your animal; at this point it should be completely dry. If needed, dry for another thirty minutes and check again.

When Should I Wash amigurumi?

Knowing when you should wash your amigurumi is dependent on how much it is used, and what purpose you want your project to serve.

Again, if the amigurumi is for a child, that child may make messes or have sticky hands, thus causing the amigurumi to get dirty faster. 

However, if your amigurumi is a collectible, you may find that spot treating your amigurumi is easier than washing it fully. In this case, you don’t have to do a machine wash or full sink wash nearly as often. 

Of course, if you notice your amigurumi starts to smell or has a stain, it’s time to wash it. Over-washing your amigurumi can cause it to break down and lose its shape quickly. Be sure that when washing your amigurumi, you take all of these things into consideration. 

You may find that washing your amigurumi too often can cause a change in look and color of it also not allowing it to dry fully can cause it to stink. Making you have a need to wash it more often or have a lasting smell you can’t get rid of. 

How Do I Keep My amigurumi Clean?

Keeping your amigurumi clean is mostly directly related to its use.

If it isn’t used as a stuffed animal or toy, and serves more as a decoration, you’ll find that you don’t need to wash it as often. Ensuring that it’s properly taken care of is a big part of keeping it clean. Try to avoid messes or allow them to land on the floor. If possible, keep the amigurumi as a special toy. 

Often, amigurumi are simply used as a collectible item because they’re so cute and intricate;  if this is the case, you can place it on a shelf, which helps make sure that the amigurumi isn’t touched or dropped in any sticky situations. 

So, What’s Most Important To Keep In Mind? 

Keeping your amigurumi clean is important in order to keep your project looking its absolute best. 

While it’s important to maintain proper upkeep for your project, you want to make sure you don’t wash your amigurumi too often; it can cause the yarn to dull and not look as elegant as it did when you first completed your project. 

A newly completed amigurumi project is bright and very elegant; spot treating it will help ensure that it stays looking fabulous!

If you find that spot cleaning isn’t an option, washing it in the washing machine is acceptable, though machine washing should be avoided as much as possible. You will find that it stays bright and vibrant for a long time when avoiding washing your project in the machine. 

Washing the amigurumi too often in a washing machine will cause the yarn to begin to break down.  Even when using yarns that state they are machine washable, too much washing can cause a breakdown or fray. If the washing machine method is preferred, try to avoid using wool material as often as possible.

Another way to ensure that you can keep your amigurumi clean for a long time and free of stains is to go online and research some protective sprays that can be easily applied. Much like with a water proofer, you would spray this on to your project and allow it to dry fully. 

Every brand will have different directions. When deciding what brand you want to go with, be sure to look for one that works with your yarn specifically. Some brands may work better than others, so when you’re doing your research, be sure to read reviews and ensure that you are comfortable with the application process. 

Moving forward with the information here, you will be well on your way to expertly caring for your amigurumi!