SYNFELL

it/its ☆ 20s

i would say don't be afraid to let them look a little "loved", but it can be difficult to see them change in appearance 😔 the first thing i'd recommend is looking up care instructions for whatever material they're made of. if they have markings colored on with airbrushing or alcohol markers, these require some very specific care and they can't be washed the typical way without running the risk of the colors bleeding or disappearing.

depending on the plush, hand-washing is usually okay, but if not, a damp cloth can be used for light surface messes.

i've said it before, but with your most important plushes, do NOT put them in the dryer if you can avoid it. it might be okay to put them in on low/no heat, but if they have any sort of realistic faux fur or other acrylic material, i would not generally recommend it. polyester materials like minky and short fur can tolerate a little more heat, but i'd still be very very careful. if you need them to dry quickly, hang them up in front of a fan!

something i did was invest in a dog brush for use only on plushes made with faux fur. brushing them can help maintain their appearance with minimal risk of damage to their colors and materials. an artist i frequently purchase from, littlesofts, carries a brush specifically made for plushes!

if possible, you can also make or buy them clothes to protect their fur underneath. clothes made for build-a-bears, newborns, and even real animals can all work depending on the size and shape of your plush. you can also show them love without having them in your hands all the time! i like to sit with antithesis (my main plush partner) next to me on the couch.

making sure your hands and face are clean at all times will also go a long way. the main cause of matted-looking plushes isn't actual dirt, but the natural oils in your skin.