Letting your Squishmallow Squad collection sit in a toy box or shelf all day is a crime.
Squishmallows are meant to be played with, squeezed, and slept with right after getting them from the box.
However, these huggable, cuddly stuffed toys quickly get dirty because they are too cute to handle.
Since we collect Squishmallows, we will teach you the basics of how to wash a Squishmallow without ruining it. Keep reading.
Check Available Squishmallows Here
3 Ways to Handwash a Squishmallow
1. Read The Washing Instructions First
It's essential to read the Squishmallow's care instructions tag before washing them to avoid any damage.
Before we proceed, our team would like to disclose that according to its manufacturer, you should not wash Squishmallows in machine washers or submerge them in any way.
It's to avoid distorting the stuffing inside the Squishmallows or to change their texture.
However, according to most Squishmallow fans, and based on our experience, it's perfectly safe to spot clean tough stains, handwash, or wash Squishmallows using a machine.
I wash them depending on how dirty the Squishmallow has gotten. I also handwash Squishmallows, but I use cold water and place them in a pillowcase for machine washing.
2. Do Spot-Cleaning
Since we have Squishmallows that are too big to fit into the machine washer, we usually hand wash and spot clean Squishmallows.
Please do a fabric spot test first. Get a cotton swab dipped in a stain remover, then try it on the Squishmallow's less visible fabric.
If any color comes off the dirty area, please discontinue using the stain remover or detergent. Just clean the Squishmallow using cold water.
However, if no color washes off, gently wipe the affected area with damp clothes, then spot-clean the affected fabric using a mild detergent.
Remember, no toxic chemicals are used in the fabric of Squishmallows, so they can be too delicate to deal with. You can use a spray bottle with warm water when doing spot cleaning.
You should also learn how to wash a plushie properly here.
3. Pat It Dry
After cleaning your bedtime buddies, dry them using a clean towel. After I dry the Squishmallows with a clean towel, I usually air-dry them, and it's the best method to dry Squishmallows.
You may use a dryer but not iron, any electronic device with high heat, or other handheld heated appliances to dry Squishmallows. They are made of polyester fibers, and they can melt.
Too much heat might adversely affect the Squishmallows plush toys, so only use low heat or air dry because they aren't flame retardant.
You can wrap it in a dry towel or clean cloth, but I often use air drying.
Can You Put a Squishmallow Inside the Washing Machine?
Although a disclaimer from the manufacturer says you can't put it in a washer, in our experience, it's okay to put it inside a washing machine.
However, when washing Squishmallows using a machine, we set it at a delicate washing cycle setting. Using harsh detergents like bleach is a bad idea, but normal detergent is fine.
Also, using cool water to avoid deformation and damage is essential.
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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 a spot treating couldn't wash away the dirt.
To wash it, you'll have to cover it in a safety net or cloth-like bedding and similar materials like pillow covers. It would be best never 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, marshmallowy 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 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, 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 doesn't come off, it's time to use the washing machine.
Can Squishmallows Go in the Dryer?
Yes, Squishmallows can go in the dryer. When you wash Squishmallows and do deep cleaning, set the dryer in gentle mode and never dry them in high heat because it can melt the fabric.
Do not let the Squishmallows sit around wet because they can grow mold and will have a bad odor. For the drying process, use a gentle cycle or gently squeeze the squishmallows to remove excess water.
You can dry clean and keep it in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight to prevent mold growth. It would be best not to use fabric softeners or harsh chemicals in cleaning process.
What You Should NEVER Do When Cleaning It
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Never use a hairdryer, iron, or any heated appliance in drying stuffed animals. Just use the low heat 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 of Squishmallows
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Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
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Avoid excessive squeezing and rough play.
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Regularly dust them with a soft brush and spot-clean them to maintain their plushness and appearance.
FAQs
Does washing ruin Squishmallows?
According to the official website of Squishmallows, washing might ruin Squishmallows, so they discourage putting their plushies in the washer.
However, based on our experience, we washed their couch companions using a washing machine and dryer, and they still looked fine afterward. Squishmallow fans also attest to that.
Can you wash Squishmallows with detergent?
Yes, you can wash Squishmallows with detergent. Just make sure always to use mild laundry detergents so the Squishmallows won't be damaged.
Some detergents are too strong that they could ruin the fabric of Squishmallows. You may also use fabric softener when washing your Squishmallows.
Can Squishmallows be washed and dried?
Yes, Squishmallows can be washed and dried. You can clean it in a washing machine or do hand wash. Just make sure to not use heated object and harsh chemicals to avoid damages.
How do you wash a Squishmallow that has been peed on?
Add vinegar when washing it in the washing machine to wash a Squishmallow that has been peed on. Vinegar, as a deodorizer, can help remove unwanted odors [2].
Final Thoughts on Washing a Squishmallow
Washing a Squishmallow requires careful steps to avoid damaging the new squad member/plush toy's fabric and stuffing.
Although the manufacturer discourages people from washing their Squishmallows, you can do so if you run it in the delicate cycle for its well-being.
If you think your favorite Squishmallows (like Baby Yoda [3] The Child Squishmallow) need washing, it's up to you to decide whether you're okay to risk their quality.
When you play, hug, and sleep with your Squishmallows daily, getting dirty and dusty is expected.
Are you okay with keeping your Squishmallows [4] dirty, or will you risk washing them squeaky clean?
If you can't choose an answer, you'll need a few more Squishmallows to hug.
Check out Toynk and scroll through our collection of authentic Squishmallows now!
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
