Quick Answer

Spot-clean your Australian stuffed animal with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air-dry. For a deeper clean, use a gentle machine wash on cold in a pillowcase and tumble dry on low.

Why Gentle Care Matters for Australian Plush Toys

Australian stuffed animals like Toby T-Rex and Quoksworth Quokka are made from premium, ultra-soft materials that need a gentler touch than standard plush toys. Harsh washing can mat the fabric or loosen seams, especially on weighted designs like Wallace Wombat.

Always check the care tag first. If there's no tag, assume the toy is delicate and stick to spot-cleaning to preserve its shape and softness.

When to Wash vs. When to Spot-Clean

For everyday dust or a small stain, spot-cleaning is enough. Reserve a full wash for visible dirt, spills, or when the toy has been in a sick child's bed. Frequent washing wears down the fabric faster, so wash only when necessary.

Step-by-Step Plush Toy Care Routine

  1. Step 1: Read the Care Tag: Look for washing symbols on the toy's seam tag. Most Australian plush toys from OB Designs are surface-wash only, but some can handle a gentle machine cycle. If the tag is missing, treat the toy as delicate. When in doubt, spot-clean instead of machine washing.
  2. Step 2: Spot-Clean Small Stains: Dip a soft cloth in cool water mixed with a drop of mild baby soap. Gently dab the stain—don't rub, which can spread the mark. Blot with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture, then let the toy air-dry completely before returning it to your child. Rubbing can push dirt deeper into the fabric. Always dab.
  3. Step 3: Machine Wash (If Allowed): Place the toy inside a zippered pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric. Use cold water on the gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener, which can break down the fibers. Never use hot water—it can shrink or warp the toy's shape.
  4. Step 4: Dry Gently: Air-drying is safest: lay the toy flat on a towel away from direct heat or sunlight. If you use a dryer, set it to low or no heat and check every 10 minutes. Overheating can melt synthetic fur or cause the filling to clump. High heat is the number one cause of ruined plush toys.
  5. Step 5: Fluff and Restore Shape: Once dry, gently massage the toy to break up any clumps in the filling. For weighted toys like Wallace Wombat, shake and pat to redistribute the weight evenly. A soft-bristle brush can help restore the fur's fluffiness. Skipping this step can leave the toy lumpy or flat.

Products Referenced in This Guide

  • Toby T-Rex Soft Toy 14"/ 36 cm: Toby T-Rex is made from premium, ultra-soft materials and is independently safety tested. The soft fabric can mat or pill if washed with harsh detergents or high heat, so gentle cleaning methods keep Toby looking and feeling new.

    Toby T-Rex Soft Toy 14"/ 36 cm

    Toby T-Rex Soft Toy 14"/ 36 cm

  • Quoksworth Quokka Soft Toy 11.5"/ 29 cm: Quoksworth Quokka is made from premium, ultra-soft materials and is independently safety tested. Quoksworth's soft fur needs a low-heat drying cycle to avoid melting or stiffening the fibers.

    Quoksworth Quokka Soft Toy 11.5"/ 29 cm

    Quoksworth Quokka Soft Toy 11.5"/ 29 cm

  • Wallace Wombat – Soft Toy 11.5" / 29cm: Wallace Wombat is weighted for extra comfort and made from soft Vegan Angora fabric. The weighted filling can clump if machine washed incorrectly, so use a gentle cycle and a pillowcase to protect the seams.