What Is a Jellycat Spa Day?
If you've ever wondered how to clean a Jellycat, restore its softness or keep it looking its best, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
Some spend their days perched proudly on a shelf, bringing a touch of charm to a bedroom or nursery. Others are constant companions, tucked under little arms for adventures, bedtime stories and journeys big and small.
Whichever role your Jellycat plays, a little extra care from time to time can help keep it looking its best. A Jellycat Spa Day is the perfect opportunity to refresh their fur, restore their shape and gently remove any dust, dirt or everyday marks that come with being so well loved.
As a long-standing Jellycat stockist, we're often asked how best to care for these much-loved characters. With that in mind, we've created this simple guide to help keep your favourite friend soft, fluffy and full of character for years to come.
Before going ahead with any of the below, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the care label as some of these technics vary for the type of jelly that’s having a spa day.
Caring for a Collectable
Whether displayed in a nursery, styled on a bookshelf or treasured as part of a growing collection, regular care helps preserve the charm that makes each Jellycat so distinctive.
Dust can gradually settle into their fur, dulling their softness and colour. A gentle shake every week helps remove any loose dust, while regular cleaning of surrounding shelves and surfaces prevents build-up.
After shaking, give your Jellycat a gentle squeeze and reshape it with your hands. This helps distribute the stuffing evenly and maintain its original form.
It's also worth considering where your Jellycat lives. While natural sunlight can brighten a room beautifully, prolonged exposure can cause colours to fade over time. Positioning your Jellycat away from windowsills and direct sunlight will help keep its colours vibrant and true.
Caring for a Best Friend
For Jellies that accompany everyday adventures, a little more care is often required.
One of the simplest ways to keep your Jellycat looking fresh is to tackle marks as soon as they appear. Regular checks can prevent stains from becoming more difficult to remove later.
If you spot a new mark, gently dab it with a clean cloth and lukewarm water. This can help lift dirt before it settles into the fur and may reduce the need for a more thorough clean later on.
Hand Washing Your Jellycat
When it comes to giving your Jellycat a full refresh, hand washing is often the gentlest approach.
Using a clean, soft cloth and a small amount of mild soap is usually enough for lighter cleaning. Avoid soaps with added moisturisers or oils, as these can affect the texture of the fur.
Gently dab rather than rub, as excessive friction can flatten the fur and spread stains further. Always use lukewarm water, as hot temperatures can affect both the fabric and the Jellycat's shape.
For a more thorough clean, fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Place your Jellycat in the water and allow it to soak briefly. Less detergent is often better, as excess soap can be difficult to rinse away completely.
When rinsing, continue until the water runs clear and no bubbles remain. Taking the time to rinse thoroughly will help preserve your Jellycat's wonderfully soft texture.
Machine Washing Your Jellycat
If the care label confirms machine washing is suitable, this can be a convenient option for a deeper clean.
Place your Jellycat inside a pillowcase or laundry bag before washing. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps minimise movement during the cycle.
Select a delicate, cool wash and avoid harsh detergents wherever possible.
The Importance of Drying Properly
A successful spa day doesn't end with washing.
Allow your Jellycat to dry naturally in a well-ventilated space and avoid tumble dryers, radiators or direct heat. High temperatures can affect both the softness of the fur and the shape of the stuffing.
While drying, gently reshape your Jellycat with your hands to help it maintain its characterful appearance.
Natural air drying remains the recommended approach. Most importantly, ensure your Jellycat is completely dry before returning them to cuddles, playtime or display.
How to Bring Back the Fluff
Even the softest Jellies can become a little flattened over time, particularly those that enjoy plenty of hugs.
Once your Jellycat is fully clean and dry, use a soft brush to gently restore the fur. Brush slowly and always follow the natural direction of the fibres.
This simple step can make a surprising difference, helping your Jellycat regain its beautifully fluffy finish.
Tackling Matted Fur
Some Jellies live particularly exciting lives.
Whether they've splashed through puddles, joined family mealtimes or taken part in creative afternoons, occasional matting can happen.
A thorough hand wash is often enough to loosen dirt and revive flattened areas.
If brushing is required, work gently and slowly through affected areas, following the direction of the fibres. Patience is often the best tool when restoring a well-loved Jellycat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash a Jellycat?
Yes, many Jellies can be washed, but cleaning instructions vary between collections. Always check the sewn-in care label before washing.
Why has my Jellycat gone flat?
Regular cuddles, play and display can gradually flatten fur and redistribute stuffing. A gentle shake, careful reshaping and light brushing once dry can help restore its appearance.
Can sunlight damage a Jellycat?
Direct sunlight can cause colours to fade over time. For collectable or display Jellies, placing them away from prolonged sunlight will help preserve their appearance.
How often should I clean my Jellycat?
This depends on how it's used. Well-loved companions may benefit from regular spot cleaning, while display pieces often need nothing more than occasional dusting and gentle maintenance.
A Final Thought
Caring for a Jellycat is simply another way of enjoying them.
Whether they're a treasured collectable, a thoughtful gift or a much-loved companion, a little regular attention helps preserve the softness, shape and personality that make each Jellycat so special.
After all, the best-loved things deserve the very best care. Whether they're collecting compliments from a shelf or accompanying every adventure, a little thoughtful care helps ensure your Jellycat remains part of the story for years to come.