My little son never been far away with his "Santa" since he was newborn. Once upon a time, i took the "santa" for laundry, and Gosh! i won't ever do that again because he cried loudly all night long looked for his "santa". So, it never been washed again for almost 3 years, can you imagine that? Well, as long as my son love it, the smell is not a big deal.