Jellycat care guide
How to Care for Your Cuddly Toy
Discover how to extend your Jellycat toy‘s lifespan, maintain its softness, and ensure it remains a cherished and huggable friend for years to come. With essential steps covering cleaning, maintenance, and storage tips, our guide will provide valuable insights on how to properly care for your cuddly companion.
Whether you’re a devoted collector or a new owner, these expert tips will equip you with the knowledge to nurture and protect your beloved Jellycat friend.
Are Jellycats Machine Washable?
There are many commonly asked questions about Jellycat Care, including, ‘are Jellycats Machine Washable?’, ‘can I wash a Jellycat?’ , and ‘how to make Jellycat soft again?’. These come up time and again all over the internet, regularly featuring on parenting website sites such as Mumsnet.
According to Jellycat, they advise that most of their soft toys are not machine washable. This is what the Jellycat FAQ ‘Can you wash a Jellycat’ says on their website:
Unless otherwise stated on the sew-in label, we recommend a surface wash of all our toys with soap and rinsed with cool water. However this has recently been updated with the 2025 release as “Care Instructions: 30 degree Celsius wash only; do not tumble dry, dry clean or iron.” Then for the fur to be dried with a hair dryer. Some soothers and comforters are suitable for a cool machine wash- please check the sew-in label.
Surprisingly, even some Jellycat comforters and soothers say ‘Hand wash only; do not tumble dry, dry clean or iron. Not recommended to clean in a washing machine’. Whilst others, such as the Bashful Bunny Soothers say ’40 degree Celsius wash only; do not tumble dry, dry clean or iron.’
However, speaking from personal experience: I have washed my little ones’ Jellycat Toys several times in the washing machine and they are fine – a little blow dry with a hair dryer to fluff them up again, almost as good as new!
Of course, all Jellycat Soft Toys come with clear care labels so always check these first, and above all just use your own common sense.
Are Jellycat Books Machine Washable?
‘Would you put a Jellycat Book in the washing machine?’ The answer to that question is a resounding no!
The paper books are ‘Wipe Clean Only’. They are coated so any spills or dribbles that are wiped off will not leave a mark. And while the ‘Tails’ books are made from 100% polyester, the official cleaning advice is: Sponge clean only; do not tumble dry, dry clean or iron. Not recommended to clean in a washing machine. Perhaps this is because the majority of them have sound effects – some have mechanical sounds like rustling and others have non-removable batteries.
So just to emphasise, it’s not recommended to machine wash Jellycat books.
Are All Jellycat Toys Safe for Newborns & Babies?
The straight answer here is no, as not ALL Jellycat Soft Toys are recommended for babies, some are only suitable from 12 months. You should always check the label. Whilst almost all Jellycats say ‘Tested to and passes the European Safety Standard for toys: EN71 parts 1, 2 & 3 for all ages,’ some will also say ‘Not recommended for children under 12 months due to fibre shedding.’
For example, some of the Jellycat Fuddlewuddles would not be safe for babies, such as the Fuddlewuddle Lion, Donkey, and Unicorn. The larger toys will also say ‘Suitable from birth. Huge and Large sizes ‘ please do not leave in a cot/crib.” We offer a range of Jellycat baby gifts, perfect for birthdays and gifting – but once again, we recommend always checking the label, just to be sure.
Advice for Washing Your Jellycat
Maintaining the cleanliness and softness of your Jellycat toy is essential for both its aesthetic appeal and your overall enjoyment. In this section, we will explore the proper techniques and precautions to take when washing your Jellycat:
Read All Washing Labels
Before embarking on the task of washing your beloved Jellycat toy, it is crucial to read the labels and care instructions attached to it. These labels provide essential information that will help you prevent any potential damage during the cleaning process. Pay close attention to the recommended washing method, water temperature, and any specific precautions mentioned. Some Jellycat toys may require hand washing, while others may be suitable for machine washing.
Washing By Hand
To ensure your Jellycat plush toy maintains its high quality and softness, hand washing is highly recommended. Begin by surface cleaning the toy using a gentle soap, delicately massaging it into the fabric to eliminate any dirt or stains. Thoroughly rinse the Jellycat with clean water to eliminate all traces of soap residue.
Once the cleaning process is complete, take care to dry the toy meticulously using a hairdryer on a low heat setting. This gentle drying technique aids in restoring the fur to its original fluffiness. Alternatively, air drying on a clothesline is also an option, although it’s worth noting that this method may cause the fur to feel slightly rigid due to the natural drying process.
Machine Washing
In cases where your Jellycat toy is heavily soiled or requires a more thorough cleaning, you can opt for machine washing. However, it is crucial to prioritise the safety and well-being of your toy by checking the care label before proceeding. This label will provide specific instructions on whether machine washing is suitable. To protect the toy during the cycle, it is recommended to place it inside a wash bag or pillowcase, acting as a safeguard against any potential damage.
Opt for a cool and gentle cycle in the washing machine, avoiding harsh spinning or high temperatures that may compromise the toy’s integrity. Once the washing cycle is complete, it is essential to ensure that the Jellycat is thoroughly air-dried before playing with it and cuddling it again, taking care to check that every part is completely dry to prevent any possible harm to the toy’s materials.
Ensuring Safety For Your Child
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your child while washing their Jellycat toy, comforter, or soother, there are several steps you can take. First and foremost, select a washing detergent that is gentle and hypoallergenic, specifically formulated for sensitive skin. This helps minimise the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions when your child comes in contact with the freshly cleaned toy.
After washing, make sure to thoroughly rinse the toy to remove any detergent residue. When using a hairdryer to dry the toy, ensure it has cooled down completely before giving it back to your child to prevent any potential burns.
Always supervise your child during the washing process to ensure they do not come into contact with any harmful substances or equipment. By taking these precautions, you can prioritise your child’s safety and well-being while maintaining the cleanliness of their beloved Jellycat toy.