I never threw stuffed animals in the washer. I just agitated them by hand in the sink or tub. Use baby shampoo or Dreft for baby clothes. I had a grate with little squares in it and would place it over the sink. Use a rolling pin wrapped in cellophane and roll it over the toy to squeeze any excess water out. Didn't want to take the chance on mis-shaping the toy. works on small pillows also. Then I would roll the toy in a big bath towel to squeeze even more excess water. I would prop up the grate and lay the stuffed toys on their backs and they were usually dry overnight. it was always faster to let the toys dry like that rather than hanging by their ears or limbs. The remaining moisture didn't have to drain from so far.