How to Wash Squishmallows? (Step-by-Step)

Squishmallows are soft, cuddly, and huggable toys that are just too adorable to resist.

They simply force you to play with them and never want to let go as it is so satisfying to squeeze and squish them.

With that said, they are also prone to dirt and stains.

In this article, you will learn exactly how to wash Squishmallows and keep them looking fresh and clean.

Here’s what this article covers.

Let’s dive right into it.

Are squishmallows washable?

Squishmallows are washable, so if they get dirty, you can easily clean them using a washing machine.

Just put them in a pillowcase or Laundry Bag and wash them on a gentle cycle.

Squishmallows are super soft, so they’ll stay nice and comfortable even after being washed.

With that said, it’s best to spot-clean them instead of fully washing them, this helps to maintain the cuddliness of the squishmallows.

They can also be hand-washed if you are not comfortable washing them in the washing machine.

Can You Wash a Squishmallow in Washing Machine?

Yes, you can put a squishmallow inside the washing machine.

Just make sure to use cold water and a gentle cycle.

Washing Squishmallows in hot water can damage the fabric.

Furthermore, if you select the wrong cycle that agitates harder, most likely the soft toy will deteriorate.

So, yes, you can wash squishmallows in a washer; just make sure you wash them at the below settings.

• Wash Type: Gentle/Delicate
• Soil Level: Low
• Spin Speed: Low
• Water Temperature: Cold
• Pre-wash: Not Needed (Instead pre-treat them with stain remover).

How to Wash Squishmallows in Washing Machine?

Washing Squishmallow is relatively easy and does not require any special preparation for machine washing them.

The only extra thing that you will need is a laundry bag OR a mesh bag.

Here’s what you will need to wash squishmallows in a washing machine.

• Laundry Bag Or Mesh Bag
• Mild Detergent
• Stain remover
• Washing Machine
• Cold Water

Once you have all of the necessary supplies, you will need to follow these simple steps.

How to Hand-Wash Squishmallows?

Step 1: Spot Clean Squishmallows

Spot-cleaning squishy Squishmallows is easy; you simply need a stain remover pen and some detergent.

Once you have these two items ready, follow the below steps.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Take 1 spoonful of mild detergent and mix it with 2 cups of cool water.

Next, soak a sponge or a cloth in the solution and stain excess water.

Make sure the sponge OR the cloth is wet enough to apply the cleaning solution on the surface.

Identify the Stain & Wet the Surface with a Damp Cloth

The next step is to identify the stain and wet the surface with a damp cloth or sponge.

Just make sure that you are using a small amount of detergent OR solution on the faded spot on the fabric.

And then, gently rub the surface.

Note: Do Not Scrub the Surface Too Hard, instead gently rub the stained areas in a circular motion.

Wipe the Surface with Wet Wipe

The next step is to wipe the surface with wet wipes.

The usual baby wipes can be used to clean the surface.

Use Stain Remover

Once you are done wiping the stained areas, reassess the surface and see if it is still stained.

If the surface is still stained, use a stain remover pen to get rid of adamant stains.

Air Dry

The last step is to air dry it.

You don’t need any special preparation for this, simply hang it using clips to dry it naturally.

Step 2: Hand Washing

• Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent.
• Submerge your Squishmallow in the water and gently agitate it to loosen any dirt or stains.
• Rinse your Squishmallow thoroughly with clean water.
• Squeeze out any excess water and lay your Squishmallow flat to dry.

Once your cute little soft toy is squeaky clean you can put the cover back if you are using one and place them in a dry place.

How to dry Squishmallows?

The best way to dry Squishmallows is to air dry them.

Simply hang them using a clip to air dry them naturally.

Ensure that you are not drying them directly under the sun as it can deteriorate the fabric, thereby losing its softness.

Alternatively, you can also put it in the dryer on Lowest Heat and Delicate tumble settings.

If your dryer has a feature to just tumble dry without heat, use that option for optimum results.

These toys are made of spandex and polyester fiber, therefore they may not be able to withstand high heat as well as other fabrics.

So, never use an iron, a hair dryer, or any handheld heated appliance to dry the fabric.

How to Fluff Squishmallows?

To fluff your Squishmallows, start by placing them in the dryer on the air fluff setting for about 10 minutes.

This will help to bring back their original shape and make them extra squishy.

If you find that your Squishmallows are still not as fluffy as you would like, you can also try fluffing them by hand.

Simply grab each one and give it a good squeeze until it reaches the desired level of fluffiness.

Also Read: Reviving Deflated Squishmallow (Comprehensive Guide)

Common challenges and solutions when cleaning the cuddly plush stuffed animal

Your cute little huggable stuffed toy can present various challenges depending on the material and construction of the plush toy.

Here are some common scenarios that may arise and their possible solutions:

Stains on the Surface

Food, beverages, ink, or other substances may spill on the squishmallow, leaving stains.

Possible solution: Spot clean the affected area using a mild detergent or soap and water and then gently dab the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as it may damage the fabric or stuffing.

Dust and Dirt Accumulation

Over time, squishmallows can collect dust and dirt from regular use.

Possible solution: Regularly vacuum or shake the squishmallow to remove loose dirt and debris. For more thorough cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions if the squishmallow is machine washable. Otherwise, spot clean as mentioned above.

Foul Odors

Squishmallows can develop unpleasant smells due to exposure to various environments.

Possible Solution: Sprinkle baking soda on the squishmallow’s surface and let it sit for a few hours (baking soda can absorb odors). Afterward, vacuum or shake off the baking soda. You can also leave the squishmallow in a well-ventilated area to air out.

Mold or Mildew Growth

If a squishmallow gets wet and is not dried properly, it may develop mold or mildew.

Possible solution: If the squishmallow is machine washable, wash it on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent and a cup of white vinegar to remove mold and mildew. If not, spot cleaning the affected area with a mixture of water and white vinegar will make a lot of sense. Allow the squishmallow to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Color Fading

Squishmallows that are exposed to sunlight or harsh chemicals may experience color fading.

Possible solution: To prevent color fading, avoid exposing squishmallows to direct sunlight for extended periods. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer, using gentle detergents specifically formulated for delicate fabrics.

Losing Shape

Squishmallows may lose their original shape and become lumpy after prolonged use.

Possible solution: Gently knead and reshape the squishmallow to restore its original form. Avoid using excessive force, as it may damage the stuffing. Consider rotating the squishmallow’s position during use to distribute pressure evenly.

Loose Seams or Tears

Heavy use or rough handling can lead to loose seams or tears in the fabric.

Possible solution: Repair any loose seams or small tears promptly using a needle and thread. For significant damage, consider contacting the manufacturer for repair options.

Pet Hair Accumulation

If squishmallows are in a household with pets, they may collect pet hair.

Possible solution: Use a lint roller or a fabric brush to remove pet hair from the squishmallow’s surface. Regularly clean the squishmallow to prevent excessive hair buildup.

With all that said, always refer to the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer for cleaning your squishmallow to ensure you do not void any warranties or cause damage.

If you are unsure about the cleaning process, it’s best to seek professional cleaning services or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Dealing with specific types of stains on your squishy toy

Here are some specific types of stains that you may encounter on a squishmallow and how to deal with them:

Ink Stains

Dab the ink stain with a cotton ball or clean cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Avoid rubbing the stain to prevent it from spreading and blot gently until the ink is lifted.

Next, rinse the area with water and let it air dry naturally.

Grease or Oil Stains

Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stained area to absorb the grease or oil and let it sit for a few hours or overnight.

Then, gently brush off the powder and use a mild detergent or dish soap to clean the remaining stain. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Chocolate or Food Stains

Scrape off any excess chocolate or food gently.

Then, mix a small amount of dish soap with water and apply it to the stain using a sponge or cloth.

Finally, blot the stain, until the stain is lifted (avoid scrubbing), followed by rinsing with water and air drying.

Wine or Juice Stains

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stained area and absorb any liquid.

Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, and gently dab the stain using a sponge or cloth, followed by rinsing with water and finally air drying naturally.

Mud or Dirt Stains

Allow the mud or dirt to dry completely, then gently brush it off with a soft brush or toothbrush.

Then, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water and apply it to the stain using a sponge or cloth.

Next, blot the stain until it is lifted, then rinse with water and air dry.

Urine or Vomit Stains

Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar and then dab the stained area with a sponge or cloth soaked in the vinegar solution.

Ensure that you blot gently until the stain is removed.

Next, rinse thoroughly with water and air dry without exposing it to direct sunlight.

Remember to spot test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the squishmallow first to ensure it does not cause discoloration or damage.

Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach on the squishmallow, as they may deteriorate the fabric or stuffing.

Safety tips to keep in mind when cleaning your squishy toy

Here are safety precautions for cleaning squishmallows to protect the fabric and maintain the toy’s quality:

• Avoid using high heat or direct sunlight when drying squishmallows, as it can damage the fabric and cause color fading or shrinkage.
• Use only mild detergents or soaps specifically designed for delicate fabrics to clean squishmallows. Harsh chemicals can harm the fabric and stuffing.
• Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and recommended cleaning methods to ensure you are using the appropriate techniques for the specific squishmallow.
• If machine-washing is recommended, use a gentle cycle with cold water to minimize stress on the fabric and prevent damage to the toy.
• Never use bleach or bleach-based products to clean squishmallows, as they can degrade the fabric and cause discoloration.
• Avoid vigorous scrubbing or wringing out squishmallows, as it can distort the shape and damage the stuffing inside.
• If spot cleaning, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to check for any adverse reactions or color changes.
• Always allow squishmallows to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Do not use a tumble dryer, as it can cause excessive heat and damage the fabric.
• Store squishmallows in a clean and dry environment to prevent mold or mildew growth.
• Regularly inspect squishmallows for loose seams, tears, or any damage that may need repair. Address any issues promptly to avoid further deterioration.

Final Thoughts

Washing and caring for your Squishmallows is easy.

With a little bit of care, you can keep your Squishmallows looking and feeling like new for years to come.

Never expose the soft toy to direct sunlight OR intense heat post-washing them.

Lastly, You can add bedding to your squishmallow load while washing them in the washer.

It helps them from getting too squished or flattened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to squishmallows that are frequently asked.

Can you wash squishmallows with soap?

Yes, you can safely wash your squishmallows with mild soap OR mild detergent. Simply create a soapy solution in your sink and use the solution to wash them.

Can squishmallows go in the dryer?

Yes, squishmallows can be dried in a dryer. Having said that it should be on the low heat settings for the best results. Squishmallow plush toys shouldn’t be exposed to excessive heat because they do not go well with high temperatures.

Can you wash Squishmallows with detergent?

Yes, you can wash Squishmallows with detergent. You can use any type of good-quality laundry detergent, and they should come out clean and smelling fresh.