I have some stuffed animals that have collected some dust. They really need washed, but I am so affraid to put them in the wash. My fear is the wash will distort their shape and they will come out deformed. Would it be safe to put them in the wash on gentle cycle or should they be hand washed? Please dont say hand washing:D

I have washed them before. Sometimes they come out a little distorted. But not too bad. If you have some that are more meaningful you may want to hand wash. I heard on the radio the other day, that you should put stuffed animals in a plastic bag and then in the freezer once a month to kill dust mites!

I collect certain ones and replacing them is hard to do. Some of them I wouldnt worry much about, but others I dont want ruined if I can help it. I know that certain things that are bulky sometimes come out of the wash with the stuffing uneven and thats what I was worried about. I have washed many pillows that have come out with all the stuffing moved to one side and thats what I keep thinking will happen to the stuffed animals, but they are soooo dusty so it may be a risk I have to take

How about sticking them in the dryer (without washing) and get rid of some of the dust that way? I have had some stuffed animals come out of the wash with the stuffing shifted. I think it is the ones that are more loosely stuffed

I have always heard put them in a pillow case & tie it in a knot before putting in the washer. I have done this & they seemed fine afterwards.