How to Wash and Care for an Amigurumi
With the right care, an amigurumi can retain its shape and texture for a long time. Before washing, check the yarn's care instructions and consider the stuffing, eyes and other accessories too.
Hand washing: If the piece is washable, place it in cold water with a little mild detergent. Clean gently, without scrubbing hard or wringing. Rinse thoroughly and press between two towels to remove excess water.
Machine washing: Only do this if the materials allow machine washing. Place the amigurumi in a delicates bag and choose a gentle cycle at the specified temperature (usually cold). Avoid a strong spin cycle.
Drying: Reshape the piece with your hands and leave it to dry flat in the shade in a well-ventilated place. Before storing or using it, check that the stuffing is completely dry too. Only tumble dry if the care instructions for every material in the piece allow it.
Chenille or velvet yarns: If the texture looks flattened after drying, you can try gently fluffing the fibres with a soft-bristled brush. Test on an inconspicuous area first and stop if you notice fibres coming loose.