Do not put a Labubu in the washing machine if its care tag says hand wash. Good Housekeeping reports that current Labubu care tags specify hand wash up to 40°C (104°F), with no bleach, tumble drying, ironing or dry cleaning.[1] A washing machine introduces agitation, a long period of wetting, spin forces and uncertain drying conditions—all things a small mixed-material collectible may not be designed to handle.
Your own item’s tag, packaging or maker instructions must take priority. Different series, sizes and editions may vary. If the care information is missing, the piece is valuable, the face has marks, the plush smells musty, or you are unsure what is inside it, use the lowest-risk option first: do not machine wash it; ask for advice before escalating.
This independent guide uses “Labubu” to identify the collectible readers are searching for. It is not affiliated with the product’s maker. Reward Laundry can help Singapore collectors decide on a cautious care route for the specific collectible in front of them. Send us photos through WhatsApp before you test a method that may affect the face, fur, stuffing or shape.
The short answer: follow the tag, not a blanket internet rule
For the Labubu items described by Good Housekeeping, the care tag is clear: hand wash only, up to 40°C, then line dry in shade; do not bleach, tumble dry, iron or dry clean.[1] That means a home washing machine is not the recommended choice for those items.
A machine-safe plush toy is not automatically comparable. Build-A-Bear permits a cold, gentle-cycle wash in a knotted pillowcase for certain products of its own, but separately prohibits submersion and machine washing where a sound component or battery is present.[2] This is a useful reminder that washability depends on the particular construction and maker’s instructions—not just on whether the exterior feels soft.
| Check before cleaning | Why it matters | Lower-risk choice |
|---|---|---|
| Care tag and packaging | The item may have a specific washing limit or prohibition. | Follow the listed instructions first. |
| Face, hands and feet | A Labubu can include plastic components and specialised paint finishes.[1] | Keep cleaning gentle; do not use an untested abrasive product. |
| Plush body and stuffing | Water and spin can affect shape, drying time and fibre texture. | Avoid machine agitation unless the exact tag permits it. |
| Sound, battery or unusual internal part | Some plush products cannot safely be submerged or machine washed.[2] | Do not wash until construction is confirmed. |
| Condition and collectability | High-value, rare, sentimental or already damaged pieces need a more conservative decision. | Photograph it and ask for case-specific advice. |
Why the washing machine is a risky default
A washing machine does more than wet a collectible. It repeatedly moves the item through water, detergent, rinse cycles and spin. That can roughen plush fibres, distort stuffing, stress seams and leave a damp core that takes longer to dry. It can also create unnecessary contact between the soft body and any plastic or painted areas.
Good Housekeeping notes that Labubu fur is primarily polyester, while the face, hands and feet can be PVC and ABS plastics with specialised acrylic paint.[1] Those mixed materials are exactly why a simple “wash it like a soft toy” rule can be misleading. The same source says a common issue is staining in the facial area from rubbing against bags or clothing.[1] A targeted, cautious cleaning approach is usually more sensible than treating the entire collectible to a machine cycle.
American Girl’s manufacturer guidance for another mixed-material doll similarly separates vinyl care from soft-fabric care: it advises a soft, damp cloth for vinyl, keeping fabric areas as dry as possible and never submerging the doll.[3] This is not Labubu-specific instruction, but it illustrates the material-specific logic that collectors should use.
Start with dust removal and a small condition check
Before reaching for water, work in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Check the face, ears, hands, feet, seams, tag and any joins between different materials. If you see paint loss, printed details, sticky residue, loose stitching, a crack, a strong odour or unknown staining, take photographs before doing anything else.
For ordinary surface dust, Good Housekeeping’s cleaning guidance suggests a soft vacuum brush attachment or a light pass with a soft brush before washing.[1] Use minimal pressure and keep the brush clean. A dry microfiber cloth is another cautious first step for a smooth plastic surface. Avoid rough paper towels, harsh scrubbing pads, solvent wipes and aggressive “magic eraser” style products, especially on detailed or painted areas.
If the tag allows hand washing: keep it controlled
When the exact care tag permits hand washing, treat the process as controlled, not casual. Good Housekeeping’s guide recommends lukewarm water with a very small amount of dish soap, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth or brush, a rinse, removing excess water and air drying away from sun.[1] Its stated tag guidance limits the wash temperature to 40°C and excludes bleach, tumble drying, ironing and dry cleaning.[1]
The practical message is to use only the amount of moisture and product needed, avoid aggressive rubbing, and stop if any finish, colour or texture changes. Do not turn a light surface mark into a full immersion simply because the item looks washable. The care tag is the ceiling—not an invitation to use every cleaning method.
Collector-safe rule: If the face has a painted, printed, glossy or specialty finish, or if you cannot confirm the material, do not trial a stronger cleaner. Ask first.
Drying matters as much as washing
A hurried drying method can undo a careful wash. Good Housekeeping says to let a Labubu air dry away from sun, and the reported tag instructions specify line drying in shade.[1] Do not use a tumble dryer, heater, hot hair dryer or direct window sun unless the exact product instruction says it is safe.
Let the piece dry fully before returning it to a display bag, storage box or enclosed shelf. This is particularly important in Singapore’s humid climate, where hidden moisture in stuffing or seams can linger. Once completely dry, gently restore the fur direction with a clean, soft brush if the item’s condition and tag permit.
When to consult Reward Laundry before you clean
A few photographs can help avoid an irreversible mistake. Message us when the item is rare, sentimental or high-value; when you cannot find a care tag; when the face has dye transfer, makeup, ink or sticky residue; when the plush is heavily soiled or smells musty; or when seams, trims or finishes already look fragile.
| What you are seeing | Why a consultation helps |
|---|---|
| Unknown care tag or conflicting online advice | We can help interpret the safer next step based on the material and condition. |
| Marks on the face, hands or feet | Plastic and painted finishes need more caution than the plush body. |
| Food, drink, makeup, ink or dye transfer | The source of the stain affects which treatment may be appropriate. |
| Dampness, odour or storage exposure | The drying and hygiene problem may be bigger than the visible mark. |
| Loose seams, fragile fur or a collector-grade piece | The least invasive method protects the item’s appearance and value. |
For the most useful guidance, send photos of the whole collectible, the affected spot, the care tag or packaging, and any label that lists materials. Tell us what caused the mark, how long it has been there and whether you have already tried water, soap or another product.
Labubu washing-machine FAQs
Can I put my Labubu in a pillowcase and use the gentle cycle?
Not when the item’s care tag specifies hand wash. A pillowcase and gentle cycle may be appropriate for particular fully plush products whose own maker permits it, but it does not override the instructions for a mixed-material collectible.[1] [2]
Is hand washing safe for every Labubu?
No. Follow the exact care tag and inspect the individual item. If its tag permits hand washing, use the listed temperature and restrictions. If the tag is missing or the face has a special finish, start with dust removal and consult before wet cleaning.
Can I use bleach, tumble dry or iron a Labubu?
The care-tag guidance reported by Good Housekeeping says no: do not bleach, tumble dry or iron.[1]
How should I clean a light facial smudge?
First identify whether the surface is plain plastic, painted, printed or decorated. Start with a clean dry microfiber cloth. For uncertainty, special finishes or a persistent mark, do not rub harder—send a close-up to Reward Laundry before trying another cleaner.
When should I contact Reward Laundry?
Contact us before cleaning a high-value collectible, an item with no tag, visible face staining, unknown material, odour, moisture exposure, loose seams or an unsuccessful home-cleaning attempt. We can help you choose a lower-risk next step for the item you own.
Protect the collectible before you wash
A machine cycle is not the right default for a Labubu whose care tag calls for hand washing. Before you expose a collectible to agitation, detergent and spin, get the care route right for its particular materials and condition. Use the WhatsApp button below to send Reward Laundry photos of your Labubu, its tag and the problem area. We will help you decide whether a gentle hand-cleaning step is suitable or whether another route is safer.
References
[1] Good Housekeeping, “PSA: Your Labubu Needs a Bath. Our Cleaning Experts Show You How”
[2] Build-A-Bear, “Care and Cleaning”
[3] American Girl, “Doll Hair & Care Guide”
[4] Reward Laundry, “Professional Laundry Service Singapore”
