One of the fun parts of receiving a new plushie is watching it come to life after you open the package. To help reduce shipping costs and protect your plush during its journey, many of our Axowotals plushies are vacuum-packed before shipping. That means your new axolotl may arrive looking a little squished or wrinkled at first—but don't worry! This is completely normal, and your plush will soon return to its soft, cuddly self.
Step 1: Let It Breathe
As soon as you remove your plushie from the package, gently shake it out and fluff it with your hands. The stuffing simply needs a little time to expand after being compressed during shipping.
Most plushies will noticeably puff up within the first 24–48 hours, with many continuing to improve over the next several days.
Step 2: Massage the Stuffing
Use both hands to gently knead and massage the plush. Pay special attention to:
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The head
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The tail
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The legs
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Any flattened areas
This helps redistribute the filling evenly throughout the plush and speeds up the fluffing process.
Step 3: Smooth Out Wrinkles
Surface wrinkles are also a normal result of vacuum packaging.
You can help remove them by:
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Gently rubbing the fabric with your hands.
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Lightly stretching the fabric in different directions.
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Continuing to fluff the plush over the next few days.
Many wrinkles disappear naturally as the stuffing expands.
Optional: Use Gentle Steam
If a few wrinkles remain after several days, a little steam can help.
You can:
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Hold the plush near (not directly against) the steam from a hot shower.
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Or use a garment steamer on a low setting from several inches away.
After steaming, gently reshape the plush by hand and allow it to air dry completely.
Avoid placing the plush directly on a hot iron or exposing it to high heat, as excessive heat can damage the fabric or fibers.
Caring for Your Plushie
With a little care, your Axowotals plush can stay soft and huggable for years.
Cleaning
For everyday care:
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Spot clean with a soft cloth, mild soap, and cool water.
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Gently blot stains rather than scrubbing.
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Allow the plush to air dry completely.
If a deeper cleaning is needed:
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Hand washing is generally the safest option using cool water and a mild detergent.
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Gently squeeze out excess water without twisting the plush.
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Let it air dry naturally.
Avoid bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals.
Avoid High Heat
High temperatures can damage plush fabric and stuffing.
We recommend avoiding:
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Clothes dryers on high heat
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Hair dryers
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Radiators or heaters
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Leaving the plush in a hot vehicle for extended periods
Display Tips
If you're displaying your axolotl:
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Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight to help preserve its colors.
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Occasionally fluff it by hand to maintain its shape.
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Dust it gently with a lint roller or soft brush if needed.
A Few Loose Fibers?
Like many plush toys, you may occasionally notice a loose thread or fiber.
If this happens, simply trim it carefully with small scissors. Avoid pulling on loose threads.
Ready for Cuddles!
Every Axowotals plush is made to bring a little extra happiness to your day. A few minutes of fluffing after arrival (and a little routine care) will keep your axolotl looking adorable for many adventures to come.
Thank you for supporting Axowotals. We hope your new aquatic friend becomes one of your favorite companions!