All plush toys lose their sparkle now and then, no matter the quality or materials used. The fur that was once gloriously soft and supple is now flat and sad-looking. The toy is still just as loved, but it needs a little help getting back to its former glory. 

Don’t panic: flat plush is almost always fixable. Today, we’ll explore how to do just that. 

Why do plush toys fall flat?

When a soft toy is well-loved, the plush fibres flatten over time from compression, moisture and friction. The more a toy is carried, cuddled and slept with, the more fibres become pressed together. 

Washing too often or incorrectly can also compact the filling and leave the outer fabric matted. 

How to make plush toys fluffy again

There are several effective methods for restoring plush toys to their original form, including: 

1. The tumble dryer trick

The tumble dryer is the quickest and easiest way to plump up soft toys.

• Always check the care label before putting a toy in the dryer.

• Place the toy in the dryer on a low heat setting with a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls.
  

• The balls bounce against the toy as it tumbles, breaking up compacted fibres and filling and restoring volume.
  

• Run for 15 to 20 minutes and check, and repeat if needed. Don’t use high heat, as it can damage synthetic fibres and fillings.

2. Brush it out

If your child’s toy has a longer pile and is becoming matted and flat, use a soft bristle brush or pet slicker brush to get those tangles out. 

Clean and dry the toy according to the care instructions before gently brushing out the tangles. Use short strokes and brush gently in the direction of the fur to avoid interfering with the fabric. 

This method is particularly effective on toys whose outer fabric has flattened but whose filling is still in good shape. It takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference.

Steam and brush

A handheld fabric steamer used on a low setting can loosen compacted fibres before brushing. Hold the steamer a few centimetres from the surface and work in sections, then brush through while the fibres are still slightly warm.

Allow the toy to fully dry before letting your little one play with it, as this can encourage matts and distort the toy’s shape. 

Air and reshape the toy

Sometimes, a flat toy just needs air and space to breathe. After washing, reshape the toy by hand while it’s still damp. Fluff out any areas of compressed filling before laying it flat in a well-ventilated area to air-dry. 

Avoid drying in direct sunlight or on a radiator, as this can damage the fibres and permanently alter the shape. 

Are Dinkum toys safe to machine wash? 

Dinkum Dolls and Cozy Dinkums are all machine washable, making them easy to disinfect and cherish for life. Simply wrap them in a pillowcase to protect them, pop them on a cool, gentle wash. 

For a deeper clean after illness, a warm, gentle cycle with child-safe laundry sanitiser works beautifully. Leave your Dinkums to air-dry, and they’ll be as good as new in no time.

Foster creativity with Dinkum World

Every character from the Dinkum World arrives with a name, a personality, and a backstory. We include these details as an invitation for owners to build upon: your own story that no one else can replicate. 

Touch the rainbow over a Dinkum's heart. Close your eyes. You're already there.

Explore the Dinkum family at dinkumdolls.com