How to Clean a Plush Backpack Without Ruining It

Your plush backpack goes everywhere with you — classrooms, concerts, road trips — so it will eventually need a clean. Do it right and it stays soft for years. Do it wrong (looking at you, washing machine) and you risk flattening the fur and warping the shape. Here is the official CHOBYNER way.

Can You Machine Wash a Plush Backpack?

No. Our official care instruction is hand wash only. Machine agitation can distort the sewn shape, mat the plush, and damage the hardware. Hand washing takes ten minutes and keeps everything exactly as it should be.

Step-by-Step: The Hand Wash

1. Spot-clean first. Most marks wipe away with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Try this before a full wash.
2. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water. Never hot — heat can damage plush fibers.
3. Add a small amount of gentle detergent. Baby shampoo or a mild laundry detergent both work.
4. Submerge and gently squeeze. Work the water through the plush softly. Do not wring, twist, or scrub hard.
5. Rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover detergent is what makes fur feel stiff.
6. Press out water with a towel. Lay the backpack on a clean towel, roll it up, and press. Never twist.
7. Air dry away from direct sunlight. This is the golden rule of plush care: avoid prolonged direct sunlight and keep it dry between washes. Sun fades colors and dries out fibers.

The Comb Is Your Best Friend

Every CHOBYNER backpack comes with a comb — use it. Once the backpack is fully dry, gently brush the fur in its natural direction. This restores the fluff, removes dust, and keeps the coat looking freshly made. A weekly brushing is all most backpacks need.

Storage Tips

• Store upright or hanging, not crushed at the bottom of a pile.
• Keep away from damp spaces and prolonged sunlight.
• If the fur flattens in storage, a gentle combing brings it right back.

Small Repairs

A loose thread? Snip it — never pull. Pulling can unravel a seam. If you ever have a real concern about your backpack, our support team is happy to help.

Treat it well and your backpack will carry you for years — that is the whole idea. Explore the full backpack collection, and remember: free standard delivery to the US & EU on orders over $59, with 90-day easy returns.