How to clean, repair, and customize your Labubu safely
A practical how-to for cleaning, repairing, and customizing Labubu plush while preserving value and community trust. Use reversible mods and simple repairs to keep collections fresh.
Many Labubu owners love to personalize outfits, fix minor rips, and keep plush looking like new. That enthusiasm is great, but small mistakes can lower resale value or damage provenance. This article lays out the tools, techniques, and preservation steps to help you customize, repair, and display Labubu with confidence.
Start by stocking a basic kit: a soft pet brush and a small fabric brush, a lint roller and compressed air, microfiber cloths and a small basin, fine sewing needles with matching polyester thread, small amounts of polyester stuffing in resealable bags, low-temperature fabric glue and fabric patches, plus clear archival-quality storage boxes or acrylic display cases for long-term care. Mild detergent is all you need for spot cleaning; avoid harsh chemicals.
Cleaning goes from gentle to stronger. Begin with dry cleaning: light brushing, lint rolling, and a blast of compressed air to lift dust. For stains, mix a little mild dish soap with lukewarm water and dab gently with a soft cloth; never rub or soak. Blot with a dry cloth and air dry. If machine washing is truly unavoidable, place the plush in a pillowcase, zip it closed, use a gentle cycle with cold water, and air dry fully. Do not tumble dry unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Small repairs are often straightforward. To reattach a loose limb, use a ladder stitch, sewing through the inner fabric edge and knotting the thread inside to keep the seam invisible and reinforced. Fix a torn seam by trimming frayed threads, aligning fabric, and sewing short, even stitches; add an interior patch of similar fabric if the area is under stress. Replace small eyes or hard parts only with replacement pieces designed for plush toys, and ensure those components meet local child-safety standards if the item will be handled by children.
Customization should be reversible. Add removable outfits, tiny hats, or clip-on charms secured with snaps or Velcro so the original remains intact. Do not remove manufacturer tags or official markings if you plan to resell or preserve provenance. Avoid installing heavy electronics or battery packs unless properly encapsulated, and do not modify items you intend to sell as originals.
Targeted stain and odor fixes work well. For grease, sprinkle baking soda, let sit 20 to 30 minutes, then brush away and spot clean. Test alcohol on ink stains in an inconspicuous area before dabbing. For persistent odors, air the plush with baking soda or activated charcoal nearby for 48 hours.
Display fragile Labubus in clear acrylic cases and rotate pieces every few weeks to reduce UV exposure and flattening. Consult a professional conservator for rare collector’s editions or serious structural damage. When selling or gifting, be transparent: disclose repairs, keep before and after photos, and retain receipts for materials.
Our two cents? Keep mods reversible, document any work, and prioritize gentle care. A little patience and the right stitch can keep your Labubu cuddly, collectible, and community-ready.
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