Washing Squishmallows the wrong way can leave them lumpy, flat, or permanently misshapen - and there is a lot of conflicting advice out there. The manufacturer advises against machine washing, but thousands of fans (ourselves included) have done so safely with the right precautions.
We put together this guide on how to wash a Squishmallow so you can keep your squad clean without ruining their super soft squish.
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Key Takeaways
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Always start with spot cleaning before escalating to a full wash—most messes don't require a deep clean.
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Cold water and mild detergent only --- skip the bleach, softeners, and hot water every time
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Air drying is the safest method recommended by the manufacturer, though many fans report success with the "air fluff" no-heat setting on the dryer.
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Size matters: Squishmallows under 12 inches can be washed in a pillowcase in the washing machine, but larger Squishmallows (16 inches and up) prefer hand washing or the spray bottle method.
3 Best Methods to Handwash a Squishmallow
1. Read The Washing Instructions First
Check your Squishmallow's care tag before washing to avoid damage.
Before we go further, we want to be upfront: according to the manufacturer, you should not wash Squishmallows in a washing machine or submerge them. This is to avoid distorting the polyester fibers and spandex stuffing inside or changing the soft texture.
However, based on our experience and that of countless Squishmallow fans, it is perfectly safe to spot-treat, hand-wash, or even use the washing machine when you follow the right steps. We prefer to start with gentle cleaning for lighter messes and only escalate to a full wash cycle for tougher jobs.
2. Do Spot-Cleaning
Because some Squishmallows are too large to fit in a washer, we often rely on spot cleaning instead.
Start with a fabric spot test. Dip a cotton swab in stain remover, then test it on a less visible area of the Squishmallow's fabric. If any color comes off, stop using the stain remover and just clean with cool water.
If no color washes off, gently wipe the affected area with a damp cloth, then spot-treat with dish soap or a mild liquid detergent. Squishmallows are made from polyester and spandex, so they can be more delicate than you might expect. A spray bottle with cold water works well for light surface dirt.
You should also learn how to wash a plushie properly here.
3. Pat It Dry
After cleaning, pat your Squishmallow with a clean towel. We usually let ours dry naturally, and it is the safest method available.
A note on dryers: The manufacturer explicitly states you should not use a dryer, hairdryer, iron, or other heated appliance. That said, many fans (including us) have had success using the dryer on the "air fluff" or no heat setting for 10 to 15 minutes. If you choose to do this, understand that you are going against the manufacturer's recommendations and doing so at your own risk. Never use a high- or low-heat setting—the polyester material can warp and distort under sustained heat.
You can also wrap the Squishmallow in a dry towel and press gently to absorb excess water before laying it flat. Depending on the size, drying can take anywhere from several hours (for smaller Squishmallows) to 1 to 2 full days for larger ones.
Important: Do not store your Squishmallow until it is completely dry inside and out. Larger sizes (16 inches and up) can stay damp on the inside long after the surface feels dry, and storing them too soon can lead to mold growth and musty odors.
How Often Should You Clean Squishmallows?
Not every Squishmallow needs the same regular cleaning schedule. How often you wash yours depends on how you use it.
If your Squishmallow doubles as a sleep companion or pillow, plan to wash it every 2 to 4 weeks. Play companions that get dirty from daily use should be washed every 1 to 3 months. Display-only Squishmallows rarely need more than an occasional dusting with a soft brush or a quick spot clean.
A good rule of thumb: if it looks dingy, smells off, or has visible stains, it is time to clean it. Spot treating between full washes is the best way to stretch time between deep cleans.
Can You Put a Squishmallow Inside the Washing Machine?
Although the manufacturer advises against it, in our experience, it is safe to put a Squishmallow in a washing machine with the right precautions.
When washing Squishmallows by machine, we always use a gentle cycle with cold water. Harsh detergents like bleach are not recommended, but normal dish soap (a few drops) or standard laundry detergent is fine. Cool water helps avoid deformation and fabric damage.
One important warning: If you have a top-loading washer with a center agitator, be extra careful. Multiple Squishmallow owners report that agitators can tear or snag the fabric, even when the Squishmallow is inside a pillowcase. Front-loading machines are generally safer for plush toys and other soft items.
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4 Steps in Washing Squishmallows Using a Machine
1. Place The Squishmallow In A Safety Net/Cloth
Squishmallows only need a machine wash if the plush toy became too dirty from frozen yogurt or a kiddo's cleats, that spot treating couldn't wash away the dirt.
To wash it, you'll need to cover it in a safety net or cloth-like bedding and similar materials, such as pillow covers. It's best not to put the Squishmallows in the washing machine alone.
2. Put It In The Washer (Cold & Gentle)
Fill the machine with cool water because hot water can damage the plush toy. Squishmallows are plush toys stuffed with super-soft, marshmallow-like polyester fiber [1].
Place the Squishmallow in the washer with your normal laundry detergent in cold water and a gentle setting.
Also, we add bedding to the load because it can help keep these cuddle babies from getting too squished or flattened.
3. Tumble Dry (Low & Gentle)
Let the machine go through its delicate cycle setting, then remove the Squishmallow.
Leave the plush toy in the safety net and put it in the dryer in low heat or air fluff.
Do not ever use "hot." We recommend letting the plush air dry if you aren't in a hurry or using an air dryer at the lowest possible setting.
4. Make It Fluffy Again
After laundering the Squishmallow, it might get deformed and lose shape. We recommend giving it some squishes and hugs to get its shape back.
It will break up the plush toy's stuffing and give you that fluff again.
How to Wash a Large or Oversized Squishmallow
Standard washing methods do not always work for large items. Larger Squishmallows 16 inches or more require a different approach.
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Bathtub method (16 inches and up): Fill a bathtub with cool water and add a few drops of dish soap or mild detergent. Submerge the Squishmallow and gently squeeze the soapy water through the filling. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water until all soap is removed. Gently press out excess water with clean towels and lay flat on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area. This method works well, but expect drying to take 1 to 2 full days.
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Spray bottle method (20 inches and up): For the biggest Squishmallows, avoid soaking the interior entirely. Mix a few drops of dish soap with cool water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the surface, scrub gently with a damp cloth or soft brush, then rinse under a cold faucet at low pressure. Lay flat to dry. This keeps the squishmallow inside mostly dry and avoids the long wait that comes with a full soak.
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Laundromat option (24 inches and up): If your Squishmallow is truly enormous and too dirty for surface cleaning, a laundromat with industrial-sized washers is your best bet. Use the same cool-water, gentle-cycle, and laundry detergent approach.
How to Get A Stain Out of Squishmallows
It's troublesome to clean the stain from Squishmallows, but we discovered that you'll need to spot-treat to get a stain out of them.
We usually use a wet wipe, a damp cloth, stain remover, or mild detergent to remove minor stains. Also, it's always best to do a spot test before a spot treatment.
Gently rub the affected area using a damp cloth or a wet wipe. If the stain doesn't come off, throw away your wet wipes. Use a simple stain remover pen or mild detergent, and try to wipe the stain again.
If the small stains still don't come off, it's time to use the washing machine.
How to Remove Odors Without Washing
Sometimes a Squishmallow smells slightly stale but does not require a full wash. Here are some additional tips to freshen things up without water:
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Baking soda refresh: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire Squishmallow. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odors, then vacuum it with a soft-bristle attachment. This is one of the easiest and safest ways to deodorize any plush item.
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Sunlight treatment: Place the Squishmallow in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays naturally help kill surface bacteria and remove odors. Do not leave it out for too long, as prolonged sun exposure can fade colors.
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Lint roller maintenance: Between washes, a quick pass with a lint roller removes pet hair, surface dirt, and fuzz. It is a simple habit that keeps your Squishmallow looking fresh between deep cleans.
Can Squishmallows Go in the Dryer?
Yes, Squishmallows can go in the dryer. When you wash Squishmallows and do a deep clean, set the dryer to gentle mode and never dry them on high heat, as it can melt the fabric.
Do not let the Squishmallows sit around wet, as they can grow mold and develop a bad odor. For the drying process, use a gentle cycle or gently squeeze the squishmallows to remove excess water.
You can dry clean it and keep it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent mold growth. It's best not to use fabric softeners or harsh chemicals in the cleaning process.
Dust Mites and Allergens: Why Cleaning Your Squishmallow Matters
Beyond visible dirt and stains, there is a health reason to clean Squishmallows regularly. According to the American Lung Association, dust mite allergens are found in roughly 4 out of 5 U.S. homes. Plush toys that spend time on beds and couches are common habitats for dust mites.
The freezer method: Place your Squishmallow in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for 24 to 48 hours. Freezing kills dust mites effectively. However, it does not remove allergens left behind by dead mites—you will still want to follow up with a wash or thorough vacuuming to remove those particles.
For Squishmallows used as sleep companions, consistent washing, combined with occasional freezer treatment, is the best way to control allergens.
What You Should NEVER Do When Cleaning It
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Never use a hairdryer, iron, or any heated appliance to dry stuffed animals. Use the low heat setting in the dryer.
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Never put the Squishmallow in a microwave.
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Only wash the Squishmallow with a safety net or cloth.
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Never wash it with soap.
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Never use hot water in washing it. Just use cold or lukewarm water.
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Never pull the extra thread sticking from the new Squishmallow.
Long-term Care for Your Squishmallow Collection
Beyond regular cleaning, follow these tips to keep your Squishmallows looking their best:
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading
- Avoid excessive squeezing that could permanently deform the stuffing
- Dust regularly with a soft brush to maintain their appearance
- Spot clean as soon as spills occur to prevent stains from setting
- Rotate display items periodically to prevent dust accumulation on one side
FAQs
Does Washing Ruin Squishmallows?
Not if you follow the right steps. The official Squishmallows website discourages machine washing, and it is true that improper washing (hot water, harsh detergents, high heat dryer) can damage the filling and texture. However, we have washed ours many times in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dried it with no issues. Thousands of fans report the same results.
Can You Wash Squishmallows With Detergent?
Yes, but always use a gentle laundry detergent. Strong detergents can damage the polyester fabric and affect the softness of the filling. Avoid fabric softener entirely—it coats the fibers and can make the polyfill stiffer over time, which is the opposite of what you want.
Can Squishmallows Be Washed and Dried?
Yes, with care. We recommend spot cleaning first, then escalating to a cold, gentle wash if needed. Lay flat to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If you need to speed up the drying process, the "air fluff" (no-heat) dryer setting for 10 to 15 minutes is a popular option among users, though the manufacturer recommends drying naturally only.
How Do You Wash a Squishmallow That Has Been Peed On?
Add white vinegar to the wash—approximately half a cup for a standard load. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that helps break down urine odors in fabric. Wash on cold with gentle detergent and let it dry completely. For persistent odors, repeat the wash or try the baking soda method before or after washing.
How Do You Fix a Lumpy Squishmallow After Washing?
Start by giving it a vigorous shake. Then knead and massage the body section by section, working the stuffing back into an even distribution. If it is still lumpy after air drying, toss it in the dryer on "air fluff" with 2 to 3 wool dryer balls for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps re-fluff clumps and restore the original shape, making it look fluffy and soft again.
Final Thoughts on How to Wash a Squishmallow
Washing Squishmallows safely comes down to three things: cold water, gentle detergent, and patience with the drying process. Start with spot cleaning for minor stains, use a soap-and-water spot treatment for moderate dirt, and reserve the washing machine as a last resort. No matter which method you prefer, always air dry or use the no-heat setting and make sure the Squishmallow is completely dry before putting it away.
A well-cared-for squad can last for years, and a clean collection is always ready to grow. Explore our collection of authentic Squishmallows to find your next squad member.
References:
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https://www.today.com/parents/what-are-squishmallows-where-can-i-find-rare-squishy-t212183
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https://lifehacker.com/remove-odors-from-your-entire-home-by-simmering-vinegar-1734127248
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https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Din_Grogu
