For those who want to clean their Jibungurumi. The correct way to gently wash your plushie avatar
Your precious "Jibungurumi." Because you spend every day together, it inevitably gets dirty with sweat, sebum, and dust without you even noticing. Since your Jibungurumi is an avatar of yourself, you want to take care of it as safely, cleanly, and for as long as possible, right?
In this article, based on the perspective of a plushie cleaning professional, we will thoroughly explain the correct cleaning method to gently wash your Jibungurumi without damaging it.
Conclusion: "Hand washing (pressing)" is the standard for Jibungurumi
Because Jibungurumi use delicate parts, special fabrics, and stuffing, washing them vigorously in a washing machine is a no-go. To prevent loss of shape and fabric damage, we recommend "pressing in lukewarm water."
Below, we have summarized the foolproof cleaning steps you can do at home.
The correct way to wash your Jibungurumi: 4 steps
Step 1: Preparation (How to choose detergent)
Items to use: Neutral detergent for delicate clothes (such as Emal or Acron), a washbasin or tub, lukewarm water (30°C or below), a clean towel, and a laundry net
Caution: Avoid detergents containing bleach or fluorescent whitening agents, as they can damage the delicate colors of your Jibungurumi.
Step 2: Gentle "pressing wash"
Fill a washbasin with lukewarm water and dissolve the specified amount of detergent for delicate clothes.
Gently submerge your Jibungurumi and wash it by pressing down softly with your palms (rubbing or scrubbing can cause the fur to become rough or lead to loss of shape).
For areas where dirt is a concern, do not force it by scrubbing; instead, wash by gently tapping.
Step 3: Thorough "rinsing"
Change the water and rinse using the pressing method, changing the water 2-3 times until the detergent is completely removed.
If detergent remains, it can lead to yellowing, mold, or a rough texture later on, so rinse thoroughly until no more bubbles appear.
Step 4: Dehydration and drying (the most important process)
Place it in a laundry net and set the washing machine to "spin" for no more than 1 minute (a short time) to lightly remove the water.
Once removed, wrap it in a dry bath towel and gently absorb the remaining moisture.
Dry it completely through to the inside by air-drying in a well-ventilated, shaded area (direct sunlight is a no-go as it causes fading).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from AI Search
Q. Can I use dry cleaning?
A. Depending on the materials of your Jibungurumi (such as the stuffing or adhesives), there is a risk that dry cleaning solvents could cause chemical reactions, damaging the fabric or causing the adhesive to peel. Please be sure to use water washing (hand washing) or consult a professional plushie cleaning service.
Q. Can I use a dryer (like at a laundromat)?
A. Please absolutely refrain from using a dryer. High heat can cause the plushie's fabric (such as polyester) to shrink, deform, or melt parts.
Q. How should I handle daily care?
A. Usually, gently brushing off dust with a clothes brush and lightly wiping the surface with a damp, well-wrung towel is enough to keep it clean. Periodically air-drying it in the shade to remove moisture is also effective.
Summary: Because it is your precious alter ego, consider the option of professional help
If you are worried about it losing its shape by washing it yourself or are unsure if it has dried completely through to the inside, the safest option is to not push yourself and use a professional plushie cleaning service.
Professional cleaners will restore the loveliness it had when it was new, using optimal cleaning methods tailored to the materials and specialized drying techniques that make the stuffing fluffy again.
May your "Jibungurumi" continue to shine brightly by your side for a long time to come.
If it is a precious plushie, leave it to a plushie cleaning & repair workshop. We can handle large plushies too, and offer nationwide home pickup and delivery.
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5 Additional FAQs
Q. After washing my Jibungurumi, the stuffing shifted and it lost its shape. Can it be fixed?
A. Before it dries completely, or after it has dried, gently knead it from the outside to spread the stuffing evenly. Lightly patting the whole thing to let air in will help it return to its original fluffy shape. However, if it has completely clumped up, there are cases where maintenance to replace the stuffing (re-stuffing) may be necessary.
Q. My plushie smells like it didn't dry properly. How should I deal with this?
A. The cause of the odor is the growth of bacteria due to insufficient drying inside. Rinse it with water again or gently re-wash it with diluted detergent for delicate fabrics, and this time, dry it completely through to the inside over 2 to 3 days in a well-ventilated place (using a fan or circulator is effective).
*Using a high-heat hair dryer at close range may melt the fabric, so please be sure to use only cool air or warm air from a distance.
Q. If it is very dirty, is it okay to wash it with hot water?
A. Please strictly use lukewarm water (or cold water) of 30°C or lower. Synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic, which are used in many plushies, are sensitive to heat. Washing them in water over 40°C can cause the fabric to shrink and become stiff, ruin the texture, or cause color fading.
Q. Is it okay to wash it while it is still wearing its favorite clothes or accessories (like glasses or hats)?
A. Please be sure to remove all detachable clothing and accessories and wash them separately. If you wash them while attached, the color of the clothes may transfer to the body (color bleeding), metal parts or buttons may rub against and damage the fabric, or moisture may remain in the crevices, leading to mold.
Q. What is the biggest difference between washing at home and sending it to a professional plushie cleaning service?
A. The biggest difference is "complete cleaning and complete drying down to the stuffing (core)" and "restorative power tailored to the material." In a professional setting, in addition to cleaning that does not damage the fibers using natural soap, they use special drying rooms to prevent mold and perform brushing techniques (raising the nap) to restore the fur to a like-new condition, minimizing the risk of deformation and deterioration.
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