Use the delicate cycle. Soak it for awhile using "Nature's Miracle". I really like that stuff. We used it a lot when we had an old cat who had difficulty 'holding' it due to illness. Nature's miracle can be bought in varying sizes at places like Petco. However, it's up to you. Perhaps the cost of the product is more than you want to spend to reclaim this batting. I always have the stuff available, so I wouldn't think twice about using it.